Ohio permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 6 questions.
You are 25 and driving in Ohio. Which phone use is allowed?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
You are 25 and driving in Ohio. Which phone use is allowed?
- A Typing a short text message with one hand while traffic is moving slowly
- B Holding the phone to read directions on a map
- C Scrolling a playlist with the phone in your hand
- D Taking a call hands-free after starting it with a single touch
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D. Taking a call hands-free after starting it with a single touch
Ohio drivers 18 and older may make and receive calls using hands-free technology, as long as they do not type letters, numbers or symbols, and they may turn the device on or off only with a single touch or swipe. Holding or supporting the phone is otherwise illegal; the one calling exception is holding it to your ear during a call.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 3
An adult driver in Ohio gets a first distracted-driving (handheld device) citation in two years. What is the penalty?
- A 3 points and up to a $250 fine
- B 2 points and up to a $150 fine
- C 4 points and up to a $500 fine
- D A 60-day suspension and a $150 fine
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B. 2 points and up to a $150 fine
A first offense in two years brings 2 points and a fine of up to $150. Completing a distracted driving course can help you avoid the fine and points. Penalties climb with each repeat offense.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 3
An adult driver is caught holding a phone while driving through an Ohio work zone. How does the location affect the fine?
- A The fine is the same as anywhere else
- B The fine is tripled
- C The fine is doubled
- D Points are doubled but the fine is unchanged
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C. The fine is doubled
Ohio doubles distracted-driving fines when the violation happens in a work zone. Workers stand close to traffic, so a moment of inattention there is especially dangerous.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 3
A 17-year-old Ohio driver wants to take a call using the car's hands-free system. Is this legal?
- A No; drivers under 18 may not use devices even hands-free
- B Yes; hands-free calls are legal for all drivers
- C Yes, but only while the car is stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam
- D Yes, if a passenger holds the phone
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A. No; drivers under 18 may not use devices even hands-free
Drivers under 18 in Ohio may not use any electronic device while driving, even hands-free, or while sitting at a light or in traffic. The exceptions are navigation use and emergency calls.
Source: Ohio Driver Manual - Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, section 3