You must have a state driver license to drive a car in the U.S. As an international student at Denison University, you are establishing residency in the state of Ohio. Therefore, if you intend to drive in Ohio, you need to obtain your Ohio driver license, regardless of whether you have an international driver license. An international license may only be used within the first few months of entering the US in F1 status the first time. Use this time to obtain an Ohio license.

An Ohio driver license will permit you to drive in the United States as long as the dates on the card are valid and you are maintaining residency. Here is a list of current Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) fees, but be aware that these are subject to change.

In order to take the knowledge test, you must first purchase a driving permit package. If you pass the test, your temporary driving permit will serve as your ID.

The Newark BMV is open Tuesday through Saturday. The knowledge exam may be taken as a walk-in (no appointment required) . The written/knowledge test may also be taken online. Once you pass the knowledge test, you will receive a permit to practice your driving skills with another licensed driver. Once you are confident that you are a good driver, call to schedule a skills (driving) test.  The documents listed below must be presented at the time of the test even if you have a state I.D. You may also schedule the driving test online at www.ohiodrivingtest.com

If you hold a student visa & I-20, your driver’s license will expire upon the completion of your program, i.e.: the program end date on the I-20.  Students who apply for Post-completion Optional Practical Training may apply to extend their license once the new I-20 is issued. The second page of the new I-20 will be annotated with the dates of the Optional Practical Training period. Please note that the driver’s license extension often does not include the sixty day grace period which follows OPT. 

**If you fail the knowledge test you will be required to wait 24 hours before retaking. If you fail the skills exam on your first try, you must complete an "Abbreviated Adult Training Course" before retaking the exam.

How to Apply for a Driver License

1. Apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC)
   • Download and study all materials in the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. The Ohio BMV has a free online practice exam you can take to prepare. 
   • Take the vision and written tests at the Driver Examination Station 
     • You must present the following documents in order to apply:
       • Valid passport
       • U.S. visa (exception include Canadians and Bermudians)
       • Form I-94 (printed from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
       • Current I-20
       • Proof of Social Security number (if you have applied for one)
       • Proof of Ohio Residency
         • Enrollment verification letter from the Registrar's Office (first floor of Beth Eden)
         • An official piece of mail (such as a bank statement issued within the last 60 days with your mailing address on it)
         • Fee for the permit test (see list of fees)
     • If you pass the vision and written tests, you will be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) that is only valid for one year. With your temporary driving permit, you must drive with a valid driver (over the age of 21) and are not allowed to drive by yourself. You will receive a citation and your vehicle may be towed by the police if you do not have a valid driver in the car with you.
     • If this is the first time you have ever operated a vehicle, you may consider driving lessons
   • Schedule the road test
     • When you have developed your driving skills well enough, schedule the road test online. Please note that you will need to take your temporary permit to your road test. 
     • If you pass the road test, you will get an Ohio driver license. You will be asked to surrender your Temporary Instruction Permit at the time of the driver license issuance. 

If you are a new student or a continuing student who is starting a new program, please wait at least two weeks after the semester begins to apply for a driver license. This delay will provide time for the government system to synchronize with the BMV’s database and update your program details.

Local Driving School
Licking Valley Driving School: www.lickingvalleydrivingschool.com
224 Granville Street
Newark, OH  43055
Phone: 740-349-7946

• Must go to the office and fill out paperwork and pay fee, $80 for 2hr lesson, no credit cards or debit cards accepted
• Can use the car for the drivers test. The instructor must pass you first!
• Lessons are open in the afternoon between 12pm - 2pm
• Instructors will pick students up at CVS in Granville after the initial sign up

Local Drivers for Transportation to the BMV
Uber Jack
310-210-5491 (prefers text messages)
Granville Concierge
613-394-5426

In the U.S., it is important to have a valid, official form of identification (ID) that you can easily carry with you at all times. If you don’t plan to drive in the U.S., an Ohio identification card will also verify your identity. Ohio ID Cards are valid for up to four years and there is no minimum age for obtaining one. Here is a list of current Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) fees, but be aware that these are subject to change.

How to Apply for an Ohio ID Card
Applicants must present the following documents to the BMV when applying for an Ohio ID Card:
 

• Valid passport
• U.S. visa (exception include Canadians and Bermudians)
• Form I-94 (printed from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
• Current I-20
• Proof of Social Security number (if you have applied for one)
• Proof of Ohio Residency
  • Enrollment verification letter from the Registrar's Office (first floor of Beth Eden)
  • An official piece of mail (such as a bank statement issued within the last 60 days with your mailing address on it)
• Fee (see list of fees)

If you are a new student or a continuing student who is starting a new program, please wait at least two weeks after the semester begins to apply for an Ohio ID Card. This delay will provide time for the government system to synchronize with the BMV’s database and update your program details. 

Newark Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
875 E Main St
Newark, OH 43055
Phone: 740-345-0066

Hours:
Tuesday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

*No appointment necessary for written test. The driving/maneuverability test by appointment only.