Driver's License
Obtaining a Driver's License
Before buying a car, consider if this is an urgent or important need. Owning a car can be both a financial liability and a safety hazard. ISSS strongly encourages students to consider using other transportation options (public transportation, carpools, bicycles) instead of purchasing a car.
What is a driver’s license? How do I get one?
In Ohio, it is illegal to drive a car without a driver’s license and car insurance.
It is not possible to obtain a driver’s license directly. You must first obtain a temporary instruction permit before obtaining a driver’s license (see below for more details). Only after obtaining a driver’s license are you allowed to drive a car by yourself.
WHAT IF I HAVE A LICENSE FROM MY HOME COUNTRY?
Some international students may already have a driver's license issued by their home country. They often wonder if it is required for them to also apply for a U.S. driver's license. Yes, international students must have a U.S. driver's license if they wish to drive a car in the United States.
Visitors on a tourist (B1/2) visa may drive on their home country license for up to 1 year, but this rule does not apply for F and J student visa holders. Therefore, please see details on this page below about how to apply for an Ohio drivers license.
What is car insurance? How do I buy it?
You must purchase car insurance before driving. As you consider what auto insurance coverages are right for you, keep in mind that Ohio has required minimum coverage levels.
| Coverage | State Requirements | Most Common |
| Bodily Injury Liability | 12,500/25,000* | 100,000/300,000 |
| Property Damage Liability | 7,500* | 100,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | Not required* | 100,000/300,000 |
| Medical Payments | Not required* | 5,000 |
| Collision | Not required* | 500 deductible |
| Comprehensive | Not required* | 0 deductible |
Below are three popular U.S. car insurance companies:
How to Obtain a Driver's License
The process of obtaining a driver’s license can be summarized as follows:
1. Take a driver education course
2. Prepare required documentation
3. Take the written test
4. Take the driving test
Take a Driver's Education Course
A driver's education course is designed to teach new drivers fundamental skills and basic knowledge about driving a car. While this is not required to obtain a driver's license, we strongly encourage students to consider it for your safety and the safety of others.
D&D Driving Schools is a local company that specializes in driver education courses. D&D offers a special driver education program that includes:
1. Three 2 hour classes that students can take at their leisure. These classes cover
- Signs and signals
- Intersections
- Visual skills
2. One 2-hour behind the wheel session. An expert will accompany you on your drive and evaluate your driving.
The cost of this program is $90. To register, contact D&D at 937-294-7206. Their offices are located at 3125 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45429.
Prepare Required Documentation
Take the following documentation with you to the written and driving tests:
- Passport
- U.S. visa
- I-94
- I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students)
- A recent bank, utility, cellphone, or credit card statement that clearly shows your name and current address
Prepare for the Written Test
Read the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws to prepare for the written exam. When you are ready to take the written exam, go to
6134 Chambersburg Rd.
Huber Heights, OH 45424
(937) 233-7211
Tue-Fri: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No appointment is necessary. Arrive at least one hour before closing.
If you pass the written test, you will be issued a temporary instruction permit which authorizes you to drive only when a licensed driver is seated in the front seat. A temporary instruction permit does not allow you to drive alone. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
Prepare for the Driving Test
Read the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws to prepare for the driving exam.
When you are ready to take the driving test, schedule an appointment online or by calling the number below:
6134 Chambersburg Rd.
Huber Heights, OH 45424
(937) 233-7211
Tue-Fri: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.