From Permit to Pavement: Your 2025 Step-by-Step Guide to an Oregon Driver's License

Earning the freedom to drive is a significant milestone. In Oregon, the path to getting your driver's license is a structured process designed to create safe and confident drivers. For teens, this involves a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, while adults have a more direct route.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every step for every new driver, ensuring you know exactly what to expect at the Oregon DMV.

For Teen Drivers (Ages 15-17): The Graduated Driver Licensing Program

Oregon's GDL program is designed to ease young drivers into the responsibility of driving by slowly introducing privileges. It consists of two main stages before an unrestricted license.

Step 1: The Provisional Instruction Permit

This is your learner's permit, allowing you to legally practice driving with a licensed adult.

Eligibility:

• You must be between 15 and 17 years old. [13]
• You must pass the knowledge test and a vision screening. [10]

How to Apply:

1. Study the Manual: Thoroughly read the Oregon Driver Manual. [10] Everything on the test comes from this book. You can also take online practice tests.
2. Make an Appointment: Visit the Oregon DMV website to schedule an appointment or prepare for standby service. [10]
3. Gather Your Documents: You will need to provide proof of identity and address. If you are applying for a REAL ID-compliant permit, you will need more extensive documentation (see our Document Checklist article). [10]
4. Parental Consent: A parent or legal guardian must sign your application. [10]
5. Pass the Tests: You will take a 35-question knowledge test and must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass (80%). [11, 37] You'll also take a vision test.
6. Pay the Fees: There are fees for the permit and the knowledge test. [12, 43]

Permit Driving Rules:

• You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. [10, 13]
• The use of a mobile device while driving is illegal. [6]

Step 2: The Provisional (Restricted) License

After gaining experience with your permit, you can apply for a provisional license, which allows you to drive alone with certain restrictions.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 16 years old. [23]
• You must have held your instruction permit for at least six months with a clean driving record. [14, 23]
• Driving Practice: You must complete and certify either:
  • 100 hours of supervised driving experience, OR
  • 50 hours of supervised driving if you have also passed an ODOT-approved driver education course. [5, 6, 14]

How to Apply:

1. Schedule a Drive Test: Drive tests are by appointment only. You can schedule a test with the DMV online or with an approved third-party testing business. [3]
2. Pass the Drive Test: This behind-the-wheel test evaluates your control of the vehicle, observation skills, and ability to follow traffic laws. The drive test may be waived if you have a certificate of completion from an approved driver education course. [3, 5]
3. Get Your License: After passing, visit the DMV with your permit and parent/guardian to pay the license fee and have your picture taken. [12, 14]

Provisional License Restrictions: These rules are in effect for the first year of having your license or until you turn 18.

• First 6 Months:
  • Passengers: No passengers under 20 years old, unless they are immediate family members. [6, 17]
  • Curfew: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. [6, 17]
• Second 6 Months:
  • Passengers: No more than three passengers under 20 years old who are not immediate family members. [6, 17]
  • Curfew: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. [6, 17]
• Exceptions to the curfew exist for driving to/from work or a school event, or when with a licensed driver who is at least 25. [6, 17]

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are 18 or older and getting your first license, the process is more streamlined.

The Process:

1. Study and Prepare: Review the Oregon Driver Manual. [3]
2. Visit the DMV: Make an appointment or use standby service. [3]
3. Provide Documentation: You will need to show proof of identity, physical address, and provide your Social Security Number. If you are applying for a REAL ID, the requirements are stricter. [3]
4. Pass the Tests: You must pass the vision screening and the knowledge test. The test can be taken online ahead of time or at the DMV. [3]
5. Instruction Permit (Optional but Recommended): While not required, you can get an instruction permit to practice before your drive test. This allows you to drive with a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front seat. [3, 9]
6. Schedule and Pass the Drive Test: Book an appointment for your drive test. You must provide a vehicle that is properly insured and registered. [3]
7. Pay Fees and Get Your License: After passing the drive test, pay the required fees to be issued your full Class C driver's license. [3] You will receive a temporary paper card, and your permanent license will be mailed to you.

By following these steps and preparing for each stage, you'll be well on your way to safely and legally navigating the roads of Oregon.