What Does the Ohio Class D Course Include for New Drivers Under 21?

Ohio's Class D program combines driver education with practical behind-the-wheel instruction. Understanding which hours belong to the approved course—and which practice hours are additional—helps first-time drivers complete the correct requirements without paying for the wrong program.

Quick answer: Ohio's approved Class D driver education course includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor. In addition, new drivers under 21 must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. The 50 practice hours are separate from the Class D course. National Driver Training offers the approved 24-hour online classroom portion; students arrange the eight professional driving hours separately.

Ohio Class D training requirements at a glance

  • 24 hours: Approved classroom or online instruction covering traffic laws, signs, vehicle operation, and safe driving.
  • 8 hours: Professional behind-the-wheel instruction with an Ohio-licensed driving instructor.
  • 50 additional hours: Supervised practice with a licensed driver age 21 or older, including at least 10 nighttime hours.
  • Documentation: Course-completion verification and Ohio's BMV 5791 supervised driving affidavit, as applicable.

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office describes the first two components as the Class D course. The additional supervised driving hours must also be completed before the applicant schedules the driving test.

Six steps to complete Ohio Class D training

  1. Confirm your licensing requirements. Ohio expanded Class D education to new drivers ages 18–20 on September 30, 2025. Teens under 18 also have age-specific permit and graduated licensing requirements.
  2. Earn an Ohio temporary instruction permit (TIPIC). Complete the applicable knowledge and vision testing and obtain a valid permit before beginning supervised driving or professional in-car instruction.
  3. Complete 24 hours of approved instruction. Take the classroom portion in person or through an Ohio-approved online Class D provider, such as National Driver Training.
  4. Schedule eight hours with a licensed instructor. These lessons are required in addition to classroom training. Students who take the classroom course online may arrange the in-car instruction at a separate licensed school.
  5. Log 50 supervised practice hours. Include at least 10 hours at night. Practice must be supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older, and the BMV 5791 affidavit must be completed and notarized.
  6. Prepare for the driving and skills test. Bring the required permit, affidavits, and any certificate documentation the BMV requests. A Class D certificate does not itself replace a driving test.

Can you take Ohio Class D classroom instruction online?

Yes. Ohio permits licensed online providers to deliver the 24-hour classroom component. For adults ages 18–20, this is the same Class D classroom training used for younger applicants; it is not an abbreviated adult remedial or defensive driving course.

National Driver Training's Ohio online driver education program provides the 24-hour instruction and completion documentation. The course does not include local behind-the-wheel instruction.

Are the eight in-car hours the same as the 50 practice hours?

No. The eight hours are professional lessons taught by a licensed instructor. The separate 50 hours are driving experience with an eligible supervising adult, including 10 hours after dark. You cannot assume that eight instructor-led hours substitute for the additional 50-hour practice requirement.

What documents should an Ohio applicant keep?

Students should retain their temporary permit, evidence of completing the approved classroom and behind-the-wheel training, their supervised driving log, and the notarized BMV 5791 Fifty-Hour Affidavit. The BMV may request the course completion certificate if it cannot verify the record electronically. Requirements vary somewhat for minors and some special licensing situations.

Does Class D driver education replace Ohio's driving test?

No. Course completion and documented practice prepare the applicant for testing, but the driving and skills tests remain separate steps. Applicants under 18 must also meet the applicable minimum permit-holding period. Drivers ages 18–20 generally do not have that under-18 six-month hold, but they still need to meet all Class D training and testing requirements.

Take Ohio's 24-Hour Online Class D Course with NDT

National Driver Training offers an Ohio-approved online Class D classroom program for teens and adults. Complete the 24-hour classroom requirement online, then arrange the required licensed in-car training and supervised practice separately.

Explore NDT's Ohio Online Driver Education Course

The NDT online product covers the classroom portion, not the eight licensed instructor hours or 50 supervised practice hours.

Frequently asked questions about Ohio's Class D course

How many hours are in Ohio's Class D driver education course?

The approved Class D course includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor.

Can Ohio's 24-hour Class D classroom training be completed online?

Yes. Ohio allows approved online Class D classroom courses. National Driver Training offers the 24-hour online classroom portion for Ohio teens and adults.

Does National Driver Training provide the eight hours of behind-the-wheel instruction?

No. NDT's Ohio online course covers the 24-hour classroom requirement. Students must arrange the separate eight hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed local driving school.

Are the 50 supervised driving hours included in the Class D course?

No. New drivers under 21 must also log 50 supervised practice hours, including at least 10 hours at night, with an eligible licensed driver age 21 or older. These hours are separate from the eight professional driving lessons.

Can I complete online classroom training and in-car training at separate schools?

Yes. Ohio allows students who take an approved Class D classroom course online to arrange the required professional behind-the-wheel instruction at a separate licensed driving school.

Does completing the Class D course mean I can immediately get my license?

No. Applicants must also meet the applicable permit, supervised practice, affidavit, driving and skills examination, and identification requirements. For drivers under 18, the minimum six-month permit holding period also applies.

Related Ohio driver education resources

Official Ohio sources

Information reviewed October 27, 2026. Confirm current program approvals and BMV licensing requirements before enrolling.