The passenger restrictions that we saw on the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) site only mentioned probationary driver license holders under the age of 17. The BMV noted that these drivers will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle with more than one person who is not a family member in the vehicle, unless accompanied by the license holder's parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

The Ohio definition of a family member of a probationary license holder includes any of the following: a parent, step-parent, grandparent, or parent-in-law, a sibling, whether of the whole or half blood or by adoption, a brother-in-law or sister-in-law, a spouse, a child or step-child, an aunt or uncle, a son or daughter of the probationary license holder’s step-parent if the step-parent has not adopted the probationary license holder. Proof of relationship is not required by law, but it could be helpful to avoid being charged with a violation.

Sixteen year old licensed drivers are not permitted to transport more than one person who is not a family member at any time, unless the driver’s parent or guardian is in the vehicle as well. Thus there are no exceptions for probationary drivers under the age of 16 for taking an unrelated passenger to school or to school activities.

It does not appear that passenger restrictions are in place for permit holders since they must have a supervising driver with them. In OH, a temporary permit can be obtained at age 15 years 6 months. The permit is valid for one year. The permit holder must be accompanied by an eligible adult, who is defined as a parent, guardian, legal custodian, licensed driver age 21 or older acting in loco parentis, or licensed driving instructor. The eligible adult must hold a valid driver license and occupy the front passenger seat.

You should check with the Ohio BMV to check about any passenger restrictions they may have for permit holders since laws can be amended and updated however from the information we have read it seems that as long as your dad is a licensed driver and seating in the front seat to supervise you than you can have other family members in the car as passengers.

The next step in the licensing process in Ohio is the probationary driver's license. In order to be eligible for a probationary driver license, a temporary permit holder must be at least 16 years old and have completed the driver training certification requirement (complete 50 hours of driving with a parent or guardian, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, in addition to the driver education requirement of 24 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours behind the wheel) and have held a temporary permit for at least six months. The permit holder must also complete the BMV driving and maneuverability test prior to issuance of a probationary license. The probationary license is valid until age 18, at which time the license becomes a full driver license.

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