Ohio BMV Permit/Cheat sheet

Ohio DMV cheat sheet: every number on the permit test

40 multiple-choice questions; 75% (30 correct) to pass. If you fail, wait one day to retest — there is no limit on attempts.

Every line checked against the Ohio Driver Manual (BMV) on September 24, 2026. Print it, or keep it open while you practice.

Distances

4 seconds
Following distance (or one vehicle length per 10 mph)Section 8 — Space to the Front
100 feet
Signal at least this far before a turnSection 5 — Turn Signal
10 feet
Stop at least this far from a stopped school busSection 5 — Stopping for a School Bus
15 feet
Stop no closer than this to a railroad crossing when a train approachesSection 5 — Railroad Crossings
158 feet
Braking distance alone at 50 mph on dry pavementSection 8 — Braking Distance

Parking

10 feet
No parking near a fire hydrantSection 5 — Parking
20 feet
No parking in or near an intersection or crosswalkSection 5 — Parking
1 foot
No parking within this distance of another parked vehicleSection 5 — Parking

Alcohol

.08%
OVI limit at any ageSection 6 — Alcohol and the Law
.02%
OVI limit for drivers under 21Section 6 — Alcohol and the Law
.04%
OVI limit for commercial driversSection 6 — Alcohol and the Law

Permit

60 days
Buy your TIPIC within this time of passing the test, or start overSection 1 — Knowledge Test

Rules people get wrong

  • Hills: Ohio's manual says turn the front wheels toward the curb-side of the road on any hill or grade, then set the parking brake.
  • School bus on a road with fewer than four lanes: all traffic from both directions stops. Four or more lanes: only traffic going the same way as the bus stops.
  • Motorcycles need a greater stopping distance than cars — leave extra room behind them.
  • Speeding in a work zone can mean doubled fines and jail time.

Knowing the numbers is half of it. Can you apply them?

The real test asks these as scenarios. Take the 20 free Ohio questions — each answer explains the rule and cites the handbook section. If you want the full bank and timed practice tests, it’s a one-time $8.99.

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