Ace Your Ohio Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You'll Likely See
Taking the Ohio learner's permit test, also known as the knowledge test, is the first major step on your journey to getting a driver's license. The test is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of Ohio's traffic laws and safe driving practices before you get behind the wheel. The official test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to get 75% correct (that's 30 questions) to pass. [2]
To help you prepare and build your confidence, we’ve compiled a list of 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you're likely to encounter on the real exam. Study these, understand the explanations, and you'll be well on your way to success!
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means: a) Stop and wait for the light to turn green. b) Slow down and proceed with caution. c) The same thing as a stop sign. d) Yield to all oncoming traffic.
Answer: c) The same thing as a stop sign. Explanation: A flashing red light should be treated just like a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, check for cross-traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed when it is safe to do so.
2. In Ohio, what is the maximum speed limit on an interstate highway in a designated urban area? a) 55 mph b) 65 mph c) 70 mph d) As posted.
Answer: b) 65 mph. Explanation: While the maximum speed limit on many rural interstates in Ohio is 70 mph, in urban areas it is typically reduced to 65 mph, unless otherwise posted. Always be observant of posted speed limit signs.
3. This road sign (a yellow diamond with a black cross) means: a) Hospital ahead. b) Railroad crossing ahead. c) Crossroads or intersection ahead. d) No passing zone.
Answer: c) Crossroads or intersection ahead. Explanation: This is a warning sign that indicates you are approaching a four-way intersection. You should slow down and be prepared for crossing traffic.
4. When are you required to have your headlights on in Ohio? a) Only between sunset and sunrise. b) When visibility is less than 1,000 feet. c) When using your windshield wipers. d) All of the above.
Answer: d) All of the above. Explanation: Ohio law requires headlights to be on from sunset to sunrise, anytime you are using your windshield wipers due to precipitation, and whenever visibility is reduced to 1,000 feet or less.
5. For a driver under 18 with a probationary license, what is the nighttime driving curfew for the first 12 months? a) 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. b) 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. c) Midnight to 6 a.m. d) There is no curfew.
Answer: c) Midnight to 6 a.m. Explanation: For the first year of having a probationary license, drivers under 17 are not permitted to drive between midnight and 6 a.m., with limited exceptions for work, school, or emergencies. [2, 27]
6. To obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) in Ohio, you must be at least: a) 15 years old. b) 15 years and six months old. c) 16 years old. d) 18 years old.
Answer: b) 15 years and six months old. Explanation: The minimum age to be eligible for a TIPIC in Ohio is 15 and a half years old. [2, 6]
7. When parking your vehicle facing downhill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: b) Towards the curb. Explanation: Turning your wheels towards the curb (to the right) ensures that if your vehicle's brakes fail, it will roll into the curb and stop, rather than rolling into traffic. Remember the mnemonic "Up, Up, and Away" for uphill parking (turn wheels away from the curb), which means downhill is the opposite.
8. In Ohio, a driver under 18 must complete how many hours of supervised driving before taking the road test? a) 24 hours. b) 40 hours. c) 50 hours. d) 60 hours.
Answer: c) 50 hours. Explanation: In addition to the 8 hours of in-car training with an instructor, teen drivers must complete 50 hours of practice with a parent or guardian, including 10 hours at night. [2, 6]
9. A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means: a) You may pass if the way is clear. b) You are in a passing zone. c) You may not pass. d) The road is ending.
Answer: c) You may not pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the road indicates a no-passing zone. You must stay in your lane until the line becomes dashed or the zone ends.
10. What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over in Ohio? a) 0.02% b) 0.05% c) 0.08% d) 0.10%
Answer: c) 0.08%. Explanation: It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Ohio if you are 21 years of age or older and have a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the limit is much lower, at 0.02%.
11. This road sign (an orange diamond with a person holding a flag) means: a) Pedestrian crossing. b) School zone ahead. c) Flagger or road work ahead. d) Playground nearby.
Answer: c) Flagger or road work ahead. Explanation: Orange signs are used for construction and maintenance warnings. This specific symbol indicates that a flagger is ahead controlling traffic. You should slow down and be prepared to stop.
12. When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection (without signs or signals) at the same time, who has the right-of-way? a) The vehicle on the left. b) The vehicle on the right. c) The vehicle that is moving faster. d) The larger vehicle.
Answer: b) The vehicle on the right. Explanation: The rule of thumb at an uncontrolled intersection is to yield to the vehicle on your right.
13. In Ohio, if you are 18 or older and fail your first attempt at the road test, you must: a) Wait 30 days to retest. b) Take a full driver education course. c) Take an abbreviated adult driver training course. d) Practice for another 20 hours.
Answer: c) Take an abbreviated adult driver training course. Explanation: Adults who fail their first road test must complete an abbreviated driver training course (typically 4 hours of class and 4 hours of driving) before they are permitted to take the test again. [2]
14. What does a round, yellow sign with a black "X" and "RR" mean? a) You are approaching a hospital. b) You are approaching a school bus stop. c) You are approaching a railroad crossing. d) You are entering a roundabout.
Answer: c) You are approaching a railroad crossing. Explanation: This is the advance warning sign for a railroad crossing. When you see this sign, you should slow down, look, and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop.
15. When must you stop for a school bus? a) Only when you are driving behind it. b) When its red lights are flashing, unless you are on a divided highway traveling in the opposite direction. c) Only if it is on your side of the road. d) Always, no matter what.
Answer: b) When its red lights are flashing, unless you are on a divided highway traveling in the opposite direction. Explanation: You must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm on any road with fewer than four lanes. If the road has four or more lanes, you only need to stop if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. You do not need to stop if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
How to Study: Use these questions as a starting point. The best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws. [2] Take official online practice tests and focus on understanding the why behind each rule. Good luck!
