Oregon Driver License

To drive your car legally in Oregon, you need to obtain an Oregon driver’s license. Oregon residents that are 15 or over can apply for a driver’s license:

1. The first thing an applicant can do is to apply for a provisional instruction permit and start practicing driving.
2. You will have to pass vision and knowledge tests. Thus, you have to study a special manual and practice the test.
3. As soon as you are ready for the permit test,  you must collect the documents you will need during the application process. Generally, you just need proof of identity, residency, and age.
4. Right after you pass your road test, the examiner will issue you an interim license.

With that, you can drive legally until you get your driver’s license. Your first driving license is valid for 4 years. You get your driver’s license if you are 18 and older and meet the state requirements.

Oregon driver licenses are issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation and valid for a specific time period.

Provisional Instruction Permit

The first step toward your driver’s license is obtaining a Provisional Instruction Permit. You can apply for the permit if you are between 15 and 17 and you need to practice driving. Your parents or a licensed driver must always supervise you.

To be eligible for the permit, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a resident or domiciled in Oregon
• Show documentation of enrollment, completion, or exemption from school
• Submit a completed license application with a parent or legal guardian’s signature
• Present evidence of complete legal name, residence address, legal presence, identity, and birthdate
• Enter your Social Security number

Before receiving the permit, the applicant must also pass an eye exam and a knowledge test. There will be additional charges.

Whenever you get your permit you must take driving lessons as well.

Here you will have two options:

• The first option is to take a traffic safety education course certified by the Oregon Department of Transportation and also complete 50 hours of supervised practice driving.
• The second option two to acquire 100 hours of driving practice.

You must be supervised by a driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver’s license for at least three years. The permit is valid for two years.

Provisional Driver License in Oregon

The Provisional Driver License permits 16-17-year-old drivers to operate a car on their own, although there are certain restrictions.

You cannot drive while using a mobile communication device, including hands-free equipment.

No driving between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling to and from work or school or accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older. No passengers under the age of 20 who are not direct family members can be in the car for the first six months.

For the next six months, no more than three passengers can be with you in the car. The passengers can be under 20 and not direct family members.

In order to apply for a Provisional Driver License, you must complete your driver education, pass 50 or 100 hours of driving practice, take a driving test and a vision test. In this step you will need the following documents:

• Օne proof of legal presence/identity and date of birth
• Social Security Number
• Residence address
• Vehicle’s current liability insurance

Then you must pay a $9 fee for the driving test and $60 for your license. You will have your photo taken and get your license sent to your address.

All driver license limitations will apply until you are 18, or until you have held your provisional license for a year, whichever comes first.

Unrestricted Driver License in Oregon

After you have passed all the above-mentioned steps, you can apply for the Oregon Driver License. At first, you must complete your application form and visit the nearest DMV office. You need to have the following documents with you:

• Legal presence/identity (it can be your certified birth certificate, US passport, permanent residence card, immigration documents, etc.)
• Your social security number ( if you have one)
• Name change documents ( if applicable)
• Proof of Residence address

You will pass a Vision Test. Your vision will be checked to ensure that you can see well enough to drive. You can use glasses or contact lenses. If you fail the vision exam, you will need to see a vision expert. The next step will be paying $5 dollars and passing your knowledge test.

If you have taken all the steps you pass a Drive Test. In total, you will pay $9 for the test and $60 for your license.

In the end, you will get an interim card. Your license will be mailed to the address you provided on your application form.

Types of Driver Licenses in Oregon

Class C is the most common driving license, allowing you to drive conventional vehicles up to 26,000 pounds and pull a trailer up to 10,000 pounds. You can drive a moped, an emergency vehicle, or a recreational vehicle for personal use as well.

Commercial A/B/C licenses allow you to operate any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 with special requirements for passengers and hazardous material (Class C)

With a Class M  license, you can ride a motorcycle on public roads.

Now, let’s have a look at Frequently Asked Questions.

How can I renew my Oregon driver’s license?

You can renew your license up to one year before and after it expires. To renew your license, you must go to a DMV office. If your driver’s license has been expired for more than a year, you must retake all of the exams (vision, knowledge, and driving) and pay all of the original costs.

• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency

Your license renewal fee is $40. You can pay it by cash or with debit and credit cards. You will get your temporary license at once. Your license will arrive within a week by mail.

Oregon DMV does not support online renewals for now.

What does the Oregon driver’s license knowledge test include?

The knowledge test is a 35-question multiple-choice exam. It includes questions regarding road signs, traffic laws, and other facts that a driver should be aware of. For your information, the driving handbook contains all of the material required to pass this written exam.

Moreover, the knowledge test is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese. You can use a translator and a dictionary.

If, unfortunately, you fail the test you can retake it the next business day for an additional $5.00 fee. If you fail the test four times in a row, you may not retake it for 28 days.

Can I drive legally in Oregon with an out-of-state license?

You can lawfully drive in Oregon as a visitor if you hold a valid driving license from any U.S. state or territory.

Likewise, if you intend to continue driving in Oregon, you may use your valid foreign license for up to one year following your arrival. To convert your current license to an Oregon Driving License, you must pass vision, knowledge, and driving examinations.

How much does it cost to get a driver’s license in Oregon?

First, you may get a Temporary Permit. To get a temporary instruction permit, you must pass a knowledge exam, a vision test, and pay a cost of $23. The unrestricted driver’s license costs up to $110 depending on the class type.

Can I retake my road test?

Yes, you can. Specifically, if you fail for the first time, you must wait 7 days and attempt once again. In the case of your second failure, you must wait 14 days.

And if it is your third or fourth failure, the waiting period is 28 days. Each additional try costs $9.00.