What the Ohio BMV Online Permit Test Is and Who Can Use It

Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers a remote proctored permit test through a third-party vendor called Examity. You take the written knowledge test from your home or another private location using your own computer, webcam, and internet connection. A proctor monitors you through video to prevent cheating. The test covers Ohio traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — the same content as the in-person test at a BMV office.

You can use the online option if you are between 15 and 17 years old and hold a valid Ohio learner's permit or temporary instruction permit. You must have already completed the required driver education course (either classroom or online) before you can schedule the test. The online test is not available for commercial driver's license (CDL) permit tests or for adults renewing or upgrading an existing license.

The online test costs the same as the in-person version — currently $25.50 — and you pay at the time of scheduling. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the fee again each time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must schedule your online permit test through Examity's website, not through the BMV directly, and you need a valid email address and a quiet private space with a working webcam.
  • The test window is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you must arrive at your computer at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time for identity verification.
  • You need a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID) to verify your identity with the proctor before the test begins.
  • The test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 80 percent to pass; results are available when ready after you finish.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the next day, but you must pay the $25.50 fee again and schedule a new appointment through Examity.

Step-by-Step: Scheduling Your Online Permit Test

Start by going to the Examity website (examity.com) and creating an account. You will need a valid email address and a password. During account creation, you will enter your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and Ohio learner's permit or temporary instruction permit number. Have your permit card in front of you when you do this — the information must match exactly.

Once your account is active, log in and select "Ohio Permit Test" from the list of available tests. Choose your preferred test date and time from the available slots. Times are offered in 15-minute intervals throughout the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. window on weekdays only. After you select your time slot, you will be asked to pay the $25.50 fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your test appointment details, including the exact date, time, and a link to join the test session.

Save your confirmation email and note the appointment time. Examity recommends logging in 15 minutes early to complete the identity verification process. If you need to reschedule or cancel, you can do so through your Examity account, though cancellation policies may explore depending on how close you are to your test date.

What You Need Before Test Day

Prepare these items before your scheduled test time. You must have a government-issued photo ID — a valid passport, Ohio state ID, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name you used to create your Examity account. A school ID, work badge, or driver's license will not work for this purpose.

Your testing space must be quiet, private, and well-lit. You cannot take the test in a public place, a car, or a room where other people are present. Your computer must have a working webcam and microphone, and your internet connection must be stable — a wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi. Close all other programs and browser tabs before you start. Do not use your phone or any other device during the test.

You are not allowed to have notes, textbooks, or study materials visible in your testing space. The proctor will ask you to show them your desk and the area around you before the test begins. Wear normal clothing — no hats, sunglasses, or headphones. If you wear glasses, keep them on; if you wear hearing aids, keep them in.

The Test Format and Passing Score

The Ohio permit test contains 40 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four answer options. You must score at least 80 percent to pass, which means you need to answer at least 32 questions correctly. You have a set amount of time to complete the test — typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on the question type, though the exact time limit will be shown when you log in.

The questions cover Ohio traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. The test is based on the Ohio Driver's Manual, which is available free on the BMV website. You can review the manual before your test to study the same material that will appear on the exam.

You cannot go back to previous questions once you have answered them and moved forward. If you are unsure about an answer, you can mark it and move on, but you cannot return to it later. The test will not let you submit your answers until you have answered all 40 questions.

What Happens After You Pass or Fail

Your test results appear on the screen when ready after you finish and submit your answers. If you pass, the proctor will tell you that you have passed and your result will be recorded in the Ohio BMV system. You can then proceed to schedule your road test with a local BMV office. You do not need to print or bring anything — the BMV will see your passing score in their records.

If you fail, you will see your score and the areas where you missed questions. You can retake the test the next business day (you cannot test on weekends or state holidays). You must schedule a new appointment through Examity and pay the $25.50 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money and takes time.

After you pass the permit test, you still need to pass the road test before you can get your full driver's license. The road test is conducted in person at a BMV office with an examiner in a vehicle. You cannot take the road test online.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Camera or microphone not working: Test your webcam and microphone before your appointment by using your computer's built-in camera app or a video call with a friend. Make sure nothing is blocking the camera lens. If your equipment fails during the test, the proctor will end the session and you will need to reschedule and pay again.

Internet connection drops: Use a wired ethernet connection if possible instead of Wi-Fi. Close all other programs that use the internet, including streaming services, downloads, and background apps. If your connection drops during the test, you will be disconnected and the test will end. You will need to reschedule.

Identity verification fails: Make sure the name on your government ID matches exactly what you entered in your Examity account, including middle names and initials. If there is a mismatch, the proctor will not let you proceed. If this happens, contact Examity support before your next attempt to correct your account information.

You arrive late: If you log in after your scheduled start time, Examity may not let you join the test session. Log in at least 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment entirely, you will need to reschedule and pay the fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or tablet to take the test instead of a computer?

No. Examity requires a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam. Phones and tablets do not work for this test, even if they have cameras. You must use a full-size computer with a keyboard and mouse.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

You cannot take the online test without one. You will need to get a state ID, passport, or military ID before you can schedule. If you do not have any of these, you can take the permit test in person at a BMV office instead, where different forms of ID may be accepted.

Can someone else in my house be in the room while I test?

No. The proctor will see anyone else in the room on your webcam and will stop the test. You must be alone in a private space. If you live in a shared home and cannot find a private room, you may need to take the test in person at a BMV office instead.

How long does it take to get my results if I pass?

Your results are when ready — you see them on screen as soon as you finish. The BMV system updates within a few hours, so you can schedule your road test the same day or the next day by contacting your local BMV office.

What if I fail — can I test again the same day?

No. You must wait at least one full day before you can retake the test. You can schedule your next attempt for the following business day through Examity, and you will pay the $25.50 fee again.