Drivers Ed in Oregon

Driver's Education in Oregon

If you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license, completing Driver's Ed is not required, but it can make it easier to satisfy the licensing requirements of the Oregon Department of Transportation (DOT) Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV).

A Driver's Ed program will not only help you become a safer, more responsible driver, it will also reduce your required supervised driving hours and help you ace your DMV road test.

On this page you'll find information about driver's education courses in Oregon and your next steps towards obtaining your first driver's license.

Oregon Driver's Ed Eligibility Requirements

If you are younger than 18 years old, driver's education can count towards part of your supervised driving requirements. You will first need to obtain your learner's permit when you are at least 15 years old.

For more information, please see our Driver Permits in Oregon page.

Once you pass the DMV written test and receive your Oregon learner's permit, you'll have the option of either:

  • Completing an approved Driver's Ed program AND completing 50 hours of supervised driving.
    OR
  • Completing 100 hours of supervised driving.

You must satisfy one of the above requirements before you can apply for your Oregon driver's license.

New Oregon Residents

If you are a new Oregon resident and want to transfer your out-of-state driver's license, the Oregon DMV DOES NOT require you to obtain an instruction permit or complete Driver's Ed. Simply turn in your out-of-state license, take any required exams, and pay the licensing fee.

About Your Oregon Driver's Ed Course

Regardless of which Oregon driver's education program you choose, your instructor will cover topics including:

  • Operating a vehicle.
  • Safe and defensive driving techniques.
  • Traffic laws and the rules of the road.
  • Sharing the road with other motorists.

Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Hours

Your course will include both classroom instruction and in-car training. It will last at least 35 days and involve a minimum of:

  • 30 hours of classroom lessons.
  • In-car training, which includes:
    • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
    • 6 hours of observation.
  • 5 hours of practice with a parent or legal guardian.

You'll receive a completion certificate when you finish your course. Some programs present you with a hard-plastic completion certificate, which can be used to waive your DMV road test. Contact your course provider for details.

Types of Oregon Driver's Education

Oregon Driver's Ed programs are provided by DOT-approved driver training schools. At this time, the Oregon DMV DOES NOT ACCEPT online driver's education courses.

Oregon's driver's education website provides a complete list of Driver's Ed programs in your area.

After you shop around and choose a course, contact your Driver's Ed provider for information about costs and scheduling.

After Driver's Ed – What's Next?

After completing driver's education, you can apply for your provisional Oregon driver's license once you:

  • Turn 16 years old.
  • Hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months.
  • Complete the remainder of your supervised driving hours.
  • Pass your OR DMV road test or present your hard-plastic Driver's Ed completion card to waive the test.

For more information, please see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Oregon page.

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