Ohio permit test 2026: questions, passing score and retakes
Updated October 2026
This page sums up how the Ohio BMV written knowledge test works, what it covers and how to prepare for it. The numbers below are the ones we use across Road Ready OH. Confirm them with the official source before your test.
Test format
40 (20 signs + 20 rules)questions on the real test
15/20correct answers to pass (75% on EACH section)
Next business dayto retest (fee applies each time)
What the test covers
We group the questions into eight topics, each with free practice questions and explanations:
A few state-specific questions from our free sets, with answers and explanations.
1. What is the maximum speed limit on Ohio's rural interstate highways?
55 mph
60 mph
65 mph
✓ 70 mph
Why: Ohio allows speeds up to 70 mph on most rural interstate highways, including much of the Ohio Turnpike; lower limits apply in urban areas and construction zones.
2. What is Ohio's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 under its zero-tolerance law?
0.08%
0.05%
✓ 0.02%
0.00%
Why: Under Ohio's underage OVI law, drivers under 21 can be cited with a BAC of just 0.02%, far below the 0.08% limit that applies to adult drivers.
3. What are Ohio's minimum liability insurance requirements?
$10,000 / $20,000 / $10,000
✓ $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000
$50,000 / $100,000 / $50,000
Ohio does not require liability insurance
Why: Ohio requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage—commonly called "25/50/25" coverage.
4. What is Ohio's standard speed limit in an active school zone?
15 mph
✓ 20 mph
25 mph
35 mph
Why: Ohio law sets a 20 mph speed limit in posted school zones during recess and when children are arriving at or leaving school; driving over 35 mph in an active school zone is treated as an enhanced offense.
5. When is a right turn on red permitted in Ohio?
Never, it is illegal statewide
✓ After coming to a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign prohibits it
Only between 9 AM and 5 PM
Only if a police officer is directing traffic
Why: Unless a sign says otherwise, Ohio drivers may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians.
6. What is the law in Ohio regarding cell phone and wireless device use by drivers under 18?
Drivers under 18 may use a handheld phone only for calls, not texting
✓ Drivers under 18 are banned from using any handheld electronic wireless device while driving, enforced as a primary offense
There is no cell phone restriction for drivers under 18
Drivers under 18 may use a phone only in hands-free mode after 9 PM
Why: Ohio bans drivers under 18 from using any handheld electronic wireless device—including phones—while driving, and it's a primary offense, meaning an officer can stop them for this violation alone.
How to prepare
Read the official Ohio driver handbook, available on the BMV site: bmv.ohio.gov.
Work through practice mode one topic at a time and read the explanation for every question you miss.
Then use the exam simulator and keep going until you pass it consistently.
Document requirements, fees, age rules and appointment booking differ by situation and change over time. Check them on the official BMV site before you go: bmv.ohio.gov.