How to Apply for a Driver's License

1. If this is the first time that you have ever operated a vehicle, consider attending driving school before securing your driver’s license. You can search online for a variety of driving schools in the Oxford area, as well as Hamilton and Fairfield.
2. Pass vision, written, and road tests.
   1. Download, study, and learn all material in the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. The Ohio BMV has a free online practice exam. DMV.org also has several free practice exams including one to check your knowledge of Road Signs.
   2. Take vision and written tests at a Driver Examination Station
      • For a listing of locations, please visit the BMV website
      • You must present the documents listed under Required Documents (below) at the time of the vision and written tests.
      • The written test can also be taken in the following languages (Chinese, French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Arabic, English

If you pass the vision and written tests, you will be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) that is only valid for one year. With your temporary driving permit, you must drive with a valid driver (over the age of 21) and are not allowed to drive by yourself. You will receive a citation and your vehicle may be towed by the police if you do not have a valid driver in the car with you.

When you have developed your driving skills well enough, schedule a road test online. Please note that you will need to take your temporary permit to your road test.

If you pass the road test you will get an Ohio driver’s license. You will be asked to surrender your TIPCI at the time of the driver license issuance.

If you are a new student or a continuing student who is starting a new program, please wait at least two weeks after the semester begins to apply for a driver’s license. This delay will provide time for the government system to synchronize with the BMV’s database and update with your program details. Applying prior to this time frame may result in denial of your driver’s license.

Required Documents to Apply

Applicants must present current immigration or visa documents and proof of Ohio residency at each ID card or license issuance. The Ohio BMV requires the following items in order to take the vision and written tests, and apply for a temporary permit:

• Valid passport
• Visa (Exceptions: Canadians & Bermudians)
• Form I-94 (can be printed from the CBP website)
• Current and unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Proof of Social Security number (if you have one)
  • Example: a social security card or W-2 wage/tax form or 1099 income statement)

• Proof of Ohio Residency (an official business or government document with Ohio home street address)
  • Example: a letter from the post office or a bank; a credit card statement; a checking, savings, or online bank statement issued within the last 60 days. The important thing is that it needs to have your current Ohio street address written correctly on the document.

The hours for each BMV location vary. Oxford, Ohio is located in Butler County. Take a look at the Ohio BMV website to see a map of the Hamilton West location as well as find other BMV locations.

Students who sign on the parent/guardian line on the first page of the I-20 will probably not be able to get their driver’s license with this I-20.

Solution: ISSS will assist students by issuing another I-20 so you can re-sign in the correct place. Please submit a “Replace Lost Document” request in InterLink and explain in the notes why you require this document.

We have also heard of other individual concerns and issues. We encourage you to provide feedback on your experience. To assist us with advocating effectively, please be sure to take note of who you speak with at the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) if you experience a problem, the location, time, and date. This information is very helpful to our office.