Getting a Driver's License

Having a disability does not mean that you are not able to get a driver’s license. In fact, many people with physical, mental health, or developmental disabilities are able to drive themselves to places, including work.

In Ohio, a person is able to get a learners’ permit at the age of 15 years and 6 months old, but you can get a permit at any age. A learners’ permit allows a person to practice driving as long as an adult who has a driver’s license is with them. In Ohio any person under 21 needs to go through formal driver’s education classes and complete 50 hours of “behind the wheel” practice before being eligible to take the driver’s test.

A person with a disability can request accommodations for taking the learners' permit test and the license road test. This may mean having the test read to you or getting extra time. If you would like to request an accommodation, email HHRequestADA@dps.ohio.gov.

It is important to note that a person with a disability needs to pass the same tests and exams to get a license as everybody else. You may also be asked to get a note from a doctor saying it is safe for you to drive.

Getting a driver’s license is a big responsibility and not everyone is comfortable with this level of responsibility. There is no hurry in exploring getting a license. You can begin the process at any age.

The Roadmap to Driving

Diagram of a timeline illustrating steps for obtaining a driver's license, featuring four labeled milestones: Age 15.5+, Request ADA Accommodations, Practice Driving, and The Road Test.

  • Obtain a Learners’ Permit.
  • Email HHRequestADA@dps.ohio.gov for extra time or an exam reader.
  • Requires 50 behind-the-wheel hours if under 21.
  • Pass the same exact skills test as all Ohioans.

Scenario

Darius got his learners’ permit at age 18 but wasn’t comfortable taking the road test at that time. When he was 38, he decided he was ready to complete the process. Daruis needed to retake the permit test and was able to practice driving with his family. He was nervous when the day came to take the road test but was able to show all the skills he learned and passed! Today, Darius drives himself to work and enjoys the freedom of seeing friends and being able to take his dog to the park.