No. Because you intend to remain in the U.S. for more than thirty days, Ohio law enforcement views you as a “resident” for driving law purposes. That means you must obtain an Ohio driver license. 

Depending on your home country, the requirements you need to meet to obtain a driver license differ.  See "How do I obtain an Ohio driver license?" section below for more information about these requirements. 

You will still need to obtain an Ohio driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. Generally, you are considered a resident by Ohio law enforcement for driving purposes if you are a student here and do not have a permanent residence in another U.S. state.  

If you have a valid, unexpired license that is from another U.S. state, you can request an “out-of-state conversion” to transfer the license to Ohio without having to complete the new driver training requirements or driver exam.  (Note: Your out of state license must be unexpired).  

Step 1: Gather acceptable documents to prove your current legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, citizenship or legal presence in the United States, and Ohio residential address.

Step 2: Present your unexpired out-of-state driver license and acceptable documents at any Deputy Registrar license agency. You will be asked to complete a vision screening to demonstrate you meet Ohio vision standards for driver license issuance.

Step 3: Complete the Application Information for Standard/Compliant Ohio Driver License or ID Card (BMV 5745). 

NOTE: The driver’s license law has recently changed for international students in Ohio.  Please read carefully

Students from Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea: 

International students who are twenty-one years old or older with a valid license from Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea are exempt from the new Ohio requirements and will not be required to pass the written and driving exam. These students must obtain an Ohio license after 30 days in Ohio.  They should follow the same rules as if they had a license from another U.S. state. The student must present their valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit (which is the translation of the foreign license into English).  NOTE: Students who are not twenty-one years old or older and do not already have a U.S. license will be required to complete the steps below. 

New international student drivers who are not from Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea and who do not already have a U.S. license must: 

• STEP 1: Get a temporary learner's permit.  

If you have not obtained a driver license in the U.S. before, you will need to take a vision screening exam and a written driver’s test to apply for a Temporary Instruction Identification Card (TIPIC).   To study for the written test, review the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. You can also practice the written test.  

No appointment for the written test is needed.  But, you should gather your documents and money for fees before heading to the nearest Driver Examination Station. Review the list of accepted documents, applicable fees, and the examination station locations and hours.

• STEP 2: Complete Driver training.   This training has two parts: 

                  (1) 24-Hour Online Driver Education Course
                       Cost: Approximately $50
                        Choose a course from an approved provider.

                 (2) 8-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
                      Cost: Approximately $600
                     Must be taken with a certified driving school.

              Find a Local Driving School or Online Course: 
              -  In the School Type field, choose:
              -  “Class D Driving Schools” or “Class D Online Courses”
              -   In the County field, select your county
              -   Click Search

• STEP 3: Complete 50 Hours of Practice Driving

              -  Practice driving with a licensed driver (age 21 or older), including: 50 total hours with 10 hours at night
              -  Complete BMV Form 5791 (50-Hour Affidavit).  
              -   Students should schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services to have their signature notarized.
              -   The licensed driver must sign the form. 

• STEP 4: Take the Driving Test 

              Schedule your driving test at the BMV. Bring: 

              -  Certificate from the 24-hour online class
              -  Certificate from the 8-hour driving class and 
              -  Notarized 50-hour affidavit (Form 5791)

• Important Note About Your Driver’s License Expiration
  Your Ohio driver’s license will expire on the same date as your I-20. To keep your license valid:
  Renew your I-20 before it expires and take your new I-20 to the BMV to renew your license.

The Temporary Instruction Identification Card, also known as Temporary Permit, allows you to get practice driving before you apply for your permanent driver’s license.  While driving on the Temporary Permit, you must have a licensed driver, over the age of 21 in the passenger seat at all times. 

After you have received your Temporary Permit and completed all driver training requirements, call a Driver Examination Station to schedule a driving test. On the day of the driving test, take your Temporary Permit, certificates of training, 50-Hour Affidavit, and all other documentation needed, money for fees, and a reliable car in good condition for the test.  The driving test is two parts – driving and maneuverability.  Once you pass your driving test, you can obtain your permanent driver license.  

You need car insurance whenever you are driving a car, whether on a Temporary Permit or with your permanent driver license.  You need car insurance if you are driving your own car, a friend’s car, someone else’s car, or a rental car.  

You must purchase the minimum amount of car insurance required by Ohio law.  Student Legal Services highly recommends that you purchase more than the state minimum coverage.  If your car is damaged by a person who does not have car insurance and you purchased minimum coverage for yourself, your minimum coverage will not pay for the damages to your car.  

Student Legal Services urges you to buy car insurance from an insurance agent.  We do not recommend that you purchase car insurance from the internet.  You should speak directly to an agent and review your circumstances so that the agent can advise you about the best coverage for you.  

SLS has compiled a list of local agents for students:

• Amie Kim, State Farm: 614-586-8701
• Meghan Uckotter, State Farm: 614-754-9855
• Robert Augustine, Augustine Insurance Agency: 614-267-1973
• Vy Nguyen, Liberty Mutual: 614-458-2014
• Matt Clegg, Geico: 614-336-4240
• T Daniel Glasener, Cambridge Insurance Group, LLC: 614-586-1053
• Dan Coonfare, Nationwide: 614-486-5400
• Jim Evans, Dressel and Evans Agency Inc.: 614-488-9723
• Joslyn Colon, Farmers: 614-704-1108
• Nicole Kraft, Farmers: 614-310-4944
• Loetta Powell, Allstate: 614-481-0911
• Nicholas Colhoun, Allstate: 614-706-3200
• Phillips Insurance Agency, Travelers Insurance: 614-294-4421

Student Legal Services does not endorse any of the agents or agencies listed above and is providing the list for information purposes only. This information only refers to the Ohio law and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, you must contact at attorney. The law may have changed since the date of this publication.