Applying for a New License

1) Choose Your License

You must have a valid driver's license in order to legally operate a motor vehicle in Oregon. Those applying for a new license will likely be either first-time drivers or newly arrived residents. The state has the following types of licenses:

• Commercial

• Class C provisional license

• Class C license

Most drivers will wind up with a Class C license. Those interested in driving a motorcycle can add the appropriate endorsement to their standard license.

If you're younger than 18 years old and want to apply for a provisional license, you must have either completed an approved driver's education course and prove you have a minimum of 50 hours driving experience or have 100 hours of properly supervised driving experience.

2) Take a Driver's Education Course

Younger than 18―You'll need to complete an approved driver's education class if you have fewer than 100 hours of driving experience supervised by an adult aged 21 years or older who has been licensed for at least three years.

18 and Older―It is not a requirement for you to take a driver's education class, but it might be smart to do so. These classes offer an abundance of helpful and educational information that can help you become a safer driver.

3) Prepare for the Test

The best way to get ready for the written test(s) you'll need to take is to study the Oregon Driver Manual. Be confident that you're ready by taking a few practice tests. Drivers younger than 18 need to pass the written standard knowledge test and safe practices test.

4) Locate a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Office

Plan to take your written test at a nearby DMV office. An appointment isn't necessary for your written test, but it is required for the driving test you'll face later on in the licensing process.

5) Make Test-Day Preparations

On the day of the test be ready to:

• Provide acceptable proof of legal name.

• Show acceptable proof of legal presence, identity, and date of birth.

• Give acceptable proof of Social Security number.

• Provide acceptable proof of residency.

• Show acceptable proof of school enrollment, completion, or exemption (if you're under 18).

• Complete an application. If you're younger than 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the paperwork unless you're married or emancipated.

• Pass the vision test.

• Take the written knowledge test.

• Take the written safe practices test (if you're younger than 18).

• Pay the $5 written test fee.

• Pay the $22.50 permit fee (if you pass the tests and fulfill all other other requirements).

6) Take the Written Tests

Be sure to study the state's driver's manual, take some practice tests, and have all the required paperwork before going to the DMV office.

You can try up to three times to pass the written test(s), waiting at least one day between attempts. After the third try, you must wait a minimum of 28 days before going again.

7) Get a Car

You'll need to provide a car that's safe to drive in order to take the road test. If you're looking for such a vehicle and are considering a used vehicle, it's wise to order a vehicle history report prior to your purchase. Vehicle History Reports can show you if a car has a salvage title, if it has been designated as being flood-damaged, and if its odometer mileage is suspect.

8) Get Car Insurance

You'll need to provide proof of insurance before starting the road test. If you need insurance, you can get a quick quote through our Insurance Center.

9) Take the Driving Tests

If you've recently moved to Oregon and have a valid driver license from your former state (or even a license that's expired for less than a year), you likely won't have to take the driving test.

Everyone else, though, will need to complete the test, which costs $9.

When You Pass

If you're successful with the road test, you'll be given an interim license at the DMV office. You'll receive your permanent license in the mail within 10 days.

If You Fail

Those younger than 18 who fall into this category must wait at least 28 days before taking the test again. (After you've failed for the fourth time, you must wait a year.)

If you're older than that, you can take the test after waiting seven days. If you fail again, you must wait 14 days or more. After that, you must wait at least 28 days. After your fifth test failure, you'll have to wait at least one year before trying again.

10) Receive Your License in the Mail

You should receive your permanent license in the mail within 10 days of passing the road test.

Non-Citizens

Visitors

If you're visiting Oregon, and are a currently licensed driver from another country who is at least 16 years old, you may drive for up to one year within the state. Carry your license with you whenever you're driving.

It might also be a good idea to also have an International Driver's Permit. This permit, issued by your home country, is a translation of your license and makes it understandable to U.S. officials.

Residents

To obtain an Oregon license, you'll need to meet various residency and identification requirements.