How Many Supervised Driving Hours Are Needed in Ohio for Ages 18 Through 20?

Ohio's under-21 driver training law requires new adults to practice behind the wheel—not just complete an online course. This guide explains how many hours are required, who can supervise them, and how to document them for the driving test.

Quick answer: First-time Ohio driver-license applicants ages 18 through 20 need at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, with a licensed driver age 21 or older. Those hours are separate from the Class D course's 24 classroom hours and eight professional in-car instruction hours. Applicants must also submit a completed, notarized Ohio BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit.

Ohio's supervised driving requirement at a glance

  • 50 hours total: Real-world driving with an eligible supervising driver.
  • 10 nighttime hours: Included within—not added to—the 50 hours.
  • Supervisor: A licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
  • Recordkeeping: Complete the driving log on Ohio BMV Form 5791 and obtain notarization of the supervising adult's signature.
  • Separate instruction: Class D also requires 24 classroom hours and eight hours with a licensed driving instructor.

Ohio expanded these requirements to first-time drivers ages 18, 19, and 20 effective September 30, 2025. They must complete the applicable training before scheduling their driving test.

Six steps to complete and document the required practice hours

  1. Obtain a valid Ohio TIPIC. Pass the applicable knowledge and vision screenings and obtain your temporary instruction permit before practicing on public roads.
  2. Choose an eligible supervising driver. Practice with a validly licensed adult age 21 or older who complies with Ohio permit rules.
  3. Plan varied driving sessions. Practice basic vehicle control, turning, intersections, traffic signs, lane changes, parking, and driving under differing safe road conditions.
  4. Complete at least 10 nighttime hours. Count them toward the 50-hour total and record them separately so your log shows the minimum nighttime requirement is met.
  5. Document every session. Use the supervised driving log in the BMV 5791 packet or the RoadReady Ohio app to keep accurate dates, times, and practice records.
  6. Complete the affidavit before testing. Have the supervising adult sign BMV 5791 before a notary, retain your Class D completion documentation, and bring the required materials to your driving and skills test.

Do the eight licensed instructor hours count toward the 50 hours?

No. Ohio treats these as two distinct requirements. The approved Class D driver education course includes eight hours with a licensed professional instructor. The additional 50 hours are supervised practice driving with an eligible licensed adult, including at least 10 nighttime hours.

That means a new Ohio driver under 21 needs both the approved Class D course and the separate practice log. For an explanation of the full course, see What Does the Ohio Class D Course Include for New Drivers Under 21?

Who can supervise an Ohio adult learner driver?

For drivers ages 18–20, Ohio requires supervised practice with a licensed driver age 21 or older. The supervising adult must follow the applicable permit conditions. Families may arrange practice over multiple sessions as long as the log accurately documents the required driving experience.

How do you complete Ohio BMV Form 5791?

Ohio BMV Form 5791 is the Fifty-Hour Affidavit. It includes a supervised driving log and a sworn statement that the required 50 hours, including 10 at night, have been completed. The supervising adult's signature must be notarized. Bring the completed form to your driving test appointment.

Ohio's Under 21 Driver Training guidance also links to RoadReady Ohio, an app that can help families track practice sessions.

Does online driver education replace these driving hours?

No. Online education can satisfy the 24-hour classroom part of Ohio's Class D program, but it does not replace the eight professional in-car hours, the 50 supervised practice hours, or the driving test. National Driver Training offers the approved online classroom component, while students arrange the additional driving separately.

Start Ohio Class D Classroom Education Online with NDT

National Driver Training provides Ohio's 24-hour online Class D classroom course for eligible teen and adult students. You can complete the classroom portion online while planning separate professional driving lessons and supervised practice.

Explore NDT's Ohio Online Class D Driver Education

The online course does not include the eight professional in-car hours or 50 supervised driving hours.

Frequently asked questions about Ohio supervised driving hours

Do 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds in Ohio really need 50 supervised driving hours?

Yes. Ohio requires first-time driver-license applicants younger than 21 to complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including at least 10 hours at night, in addition to the required Class D course.

Are the 10 nighttime driving hours in addition to the 50 hours?

No. The 10 nighttime hours are included within the required 50 supervised driving hours, not added to them.

Who may supervise an Ohio driver ages 18 through 20?

The supervising person must be a licensed driver age 21 or older. Follow the permit conditions and Ohio BMV instructions for eligible supervision.

Do eight hours with a professional instructor count as the 50 practice hours?

No. Ohio lists the eight professional behind-the-wheel instruction hours as part of the Class D course, while the 50 supervised practice hours are an additional requirement.

How do Ohio applicants prove that they completed the practice hours?

Record the sessions on Ohio BMV Form 5791 (Fifty-Hour Affidavit), including the required driving log, and have the eligible supervising adult's signature notarized. Bring the completed form to the driving skills test.

Can National Driver Training provide the Ohio course online?

National Driver Training offers Ohio's approved 24-hour Class D online classroom instruction. The separate eight licensed instructor hours and 50 supervised practice hours must be arranged and completed separately.

Related Ohio driver education resources

Official Ohio sources

Information reviewed October 27, 2026. Confirm current Ohio BMV requirements before scheduling your test.