Everyone looks forward to getting their driver’s license.
But if you’re not sure what to do, the whole process can seem overwhelming.
Where do you begin?
What do you do next?
What documents do you need?
We’ve got you covered.
We’re going to walk you through the WHOLE process — from start to finish.
We’ll mention all the steps, requirements, documents, and other details.
This way, you have a clear picture of how to get a driver’s license in Oregon.
So let’s begin!
Oregon Driver’s License Requirements
In Oregon, you can start working on your driver’s license as early as 15 years old.
However, you’ll have to go through 3 stages:
- Earning an instruction permit
- Securing a provisional driver’s license
- Receiving an unrestricted driver’s license
The requirements for each stage are different, so let’s explore them one by one.
How to Get an Instruction Permit in Oregon
The first milestone for aspiring teen drivers is getting an instruction permit. Your main challenge for this stage is the written test.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Decide whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliance license.
| NOTE: Starting May 2025, you must present a REAL ID-compliant credential to board a plane (even for domestic flights). Ensuring yours is compliant now can help you avoid the rush later. However, it means presenting more documents. |
- Begin your application online by going to Oregon’s DMV2U Online Service Center. Select ‘Apply for a license/permit/ID card’ and complete the pre-application.
- Schedule your visit to a DMV office. You can also walk in but you’ll be on standby service.
- Go to the DMV office and bring:
- Proof of identity and Oregon address – Click here to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
- A parent or legal guardian – they have to sign their consent.
- A filled-out and signed Parent/Guardian Certification form – if they cannot go with you
- Submit your documents and pass the following tests:
- Vision screening
- Written test
- Pay the fees:
- Written test – $5
- Instruction permit – $23
- Real ID-compliance permit – $53 (this is $30 added to the $25 fee)
- Have your photo taken.
- Receive your interim card and wait for your instruction permit through the mail. It should arrive within 20 days of your visit to the DMV.
You can now practice driving!
But you should always be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old and has had their license for at least 3 years.
What’s more, you cannot use a mobile communication device while behind the wheel.
Yes, even if your mobile phone has hands-free features.
How to Get a Provisional Driver’s License in Oregon
If the written test served as the main challenge for stage one — the driving test is for stage two.
However, you must fulfill several requirements before scheduling your driving test. These are:
- (OPTIONAL) Complete driver’s education from an Oregon-approved provider.
- Accumulate 100 hours of driving experience with a licensed individual.
| NOTE: If you passed an approved driver’s ed, you only need to accumulate 50 hours of driving experience. |
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have your instruction permit for at least 6 months.
When you can check all 3 boxes (or 4 if you take driver’s ed), here’s what you have to do next:
- Schedule your driving test. You can either:
- Make an appointment through the DMV2U Online Service Center if you want to take it with the DMV.
- Make an appointment with an approved third-party provider.
| NOTE: Some applicants do not have to take the driving test: New Oregon residents with out-of-state licenses (even if they expired one year ago) can hand them in at the DMV. Applicants with a hard plastic Driver Education Certificate of Completion card from Oregon’s Transportation Safety Division can turn it in instead of taking the driving test. |
- Bring the following with you on your DMV schedule:
- Your valid instruction permit
- Proof of identity and Oregon residency
- A parent or legal guardian or the Parent/Guardian certification form.
- Pass the following tests:
- Vision screening
- Driving test
| NOTE: If you took it at a third-party testing facility, you must go to a DMV office to complete the process. You must bring the same documents mentioned above. |
- Pay the required fee:
- Driving test – $9 (a third-party testing facility may have different test fees)
- Standard license – $60
- Real ID compliance license – $90 ($30 + $60)
- Have your photo taken.
- Wait for your provisional license in the mail.
You’ve completed stage two!
Now, a provisional license means you can drive unsupervised, but there are still restrictions.
These are:
- You cannot use a portable or wireless communication device while driving until you turn 18. This restriction applies even if it has hands-free features.
- For the first 6 months, you cannot have passengers under 20 who aren’t part of your immediate family.
- For the next 6 months, you can have up to three passengers under 20 who aren’t part of your immediate family.
- You can only drive unsupervised from 5 am to midnight. However, this restriction does not apply in the following scenarios:
- You are traveling to and from work or school
- You are going home or to a school event where transportation isn’t available
- You are driving for work-related purposes
- A licensed driver, 25 or older, is with you
How to Get an Unrestricted Driver’s License in Oregon
For those with provisional licenses, an unrestricted license is only a hop, skip and jump away.
All you have to do is wait until you turn 18 years old.
From there, the DMV will lift all your restrictions.
You can then change to an official license when you renew the provisional license.
Congrats!
You did it!
What if you’re already 18+ years old and getting a driver’s license for the first time?
What then?
Well, you can apply directly for an unrestricted one.
Here’s how to do that:
- Determine if you want your license to be REAL ID-compliant or not.
- Begin the online pre-application process.
- Schedule a written test appointment.
- Get documents that show proof of identity and Oregon residence. You’ll need other documents for a REAL ID license, too. Click here to see a list of all possible documents to bring
- On your visit, do the following:
- Pass the vision screening
- Pass the written test
- Pay the $5 test fee
- (OPTIONAL) Pay the $23 fee ($56 if REAL ID-Compliant) and get your instruction permit.
| NOTE: Remember, a permit isn’t required if you’re 18 or older, but it can help if you feel you need supervised driving before taking the driving test. |
- (OPTIONAL) Complete driver’s education.
- When you’re ready, schedule your driving test. Your options are:
- Make an online appointment using DMV2U Online Service Center
- Contact a Class C testing facility
- Do the following on your scheduled date:
- Submit proof of identity and Oregon residency
- Pass the driving test
- Pay the $9 test fee (if taken at a Class C testing facility, the fee will depend on your provider)
- Have your photo taken
| NOTE: You can skip the driving test if you can hand in an out-of-state license or an approved Driver’s Ed Certificate of Completion. |
- Pay the $60 licensing fee ($90 if REAL ID-compliant).
- Wait for your unrestricted driver’s license to arrive via mail. This will take around 20 days.
And that’s it!
It’s like a squashed-up version of the 3 stages for teens below 18 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get A Driver’s License in Oregon
How much is an Oregon driver’s license?
Getting a driver’s license can cost you anywhere between $464 and $914, depending on several factors:
- Permit fee (if you get one): $23 or $56, depending on whether you want a standard or REAL ID-compliant license
- Driver’s education (if you attend): ranges between $400 to $700, depending on your preferred provider.
- Licensing fee: $60 or $90, depending on whether you’re getting a standard license or one that’s REAL ID-compliant.
- Testing fee: $5 and $9 for the written test and driving test, respectively. The driving test may cost more if you take it from a third-party provider.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Oregon?
The earlier you start the process, the longer it’ll take before you get an unrestricted license — as much as 3 years.
However, applicants 18 or older can get their licenses within several days, assuming they get a schedule for their driving test immediately.
Can non-citizens get a driver’s license in Oregon?
Yes, you can get an Oregon driver’s license even if you’re not a US citizen.
Effective January 1, 2021, applicants no longer have to submit documents proving their citizenship or permanent residence.
How long must you live in Oregon to get a driver’s license?
If you recently moved to Oregon, you have 30 days to get a state-issued driver’s license from when you established residency.
What documents do I need to get a driver’s license in Oregon?
The DMV requires documents proving the following information:
- Your identity
- Your Oregon residency
Proof of identity can include:
- US passport
- US birth certificate
- Certificate of citizenship
- Certificate of naturalization
- Permanent resident card
- Employment authorization card
- Foreign passport with US visa
Oregon residency documents include:
- Utility hook-up order or statement
- Financial institution documents that have your address
- Rental/lease agreement
For a full list of documents, click here.
How many questions are on the Oregon permit test?
You must go through 35 multiple-choice questions when taking the Oregon written test.
How many times can you fail the permit test in Oregon?
The Oregon DMV has no maximum number of times you can fail the written test. However, you must pay $5 for each attempt you make.
What is the passing score for the driving test in Oregon?
All applicants start with 100 points on the driving test. Each time your examiner observes a mistake, he’ll deduct points.
At the end of your driving exam, you must still have 76 points or more to pass.
What is the 6-month rule in Oregon?
The 6-month rule refers to restrictions young drivers have on their provisional license.
For the first six months, they cannot have passengers younger than 20 who are not part of their immediate family. They also cannot drive between midnight and 5 am.
For the next 6 months, they can have 3 passengers younger than 20 who are not part of their immediate family. However, they still cannot drive between midnight and 5 am.
The Wrap Up
So that was how to get a driver’s license in Oregon.
Do you feel more prepared to get your OR driver’s license?
Remember, knowing the end-to-end process allows you to plan and get all the necessary documents beforehand.
You’ll have to go through many steps, especially if you start early.
However, if you just follow them one by one, you’ll soon be on your way to an unrestricted license.
Good luck!