COVID means change for driving tests
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Taking a driving test by following an instructor’s directions through the streets of Marietta may be a thing of the past.
Those signing up to take their driving test now will follow a closed course through cones instead of a street course. Lindsey Bohrer, assistant director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, said the BMV offices that are open will conduct tests on closed courses for the foreseeable future.
“For now, this is the way it’s going to be,” she said. “I don’t know when or if that will change.”
In Marietta, the course is in the Frontier Shopping Center.
Closed courses are more time efficient, as the BMV offices have experienced long lines and extended wait times, she said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had extended all expiration dates for driver’s licenses and license plates. It was extended to either 90 days after Ohio’s state of emergency ends, or Dec. 1, whichever comes first.
The BMV has been busy since it re-opened after the COVID-19 shutdown. Tuesday afternoon, there was a line of people waiting to get into the office.
“We ask that they call ahead of time for an appointment, but if they are a walk-in, we will still help them,” Bohrer said.
Phone scheduling can be done by calling 740-374-6824, but tests can also be scheduled online at https://services.dps.ohio.gov/BMVOnlineServices.
Bohrer said it is strongly encouraged to schedule online.
BMV hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
While the line was long on Tuesday, Bohrer was unsure of how busy the office has been. Representatives from the Marietta BMV office referred all calls to the communications office in Columbus.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.
If you go:
• Who: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Location: 142 Gross St., Marietta. Frontier Shopping Center.
• To schedule the test: Call 740-374-6824 or schedule online at https://services.dps.ohio.gov/BMVOnlineServices.
Source: Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.