Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Oregon

Drivers in Oregon who are younger than 18 must adhere to some unique regulations and caution.

While teen drivers in Oregon are not allowed to drive at certain times and under some circumstances, such as with other teenage passengers, you can steer clear of trouble and enjoy safe and convenient driving, provided you follow the rules of the road and the state.

The DMV issues provisional Class C driver's licenses to qualified applicants who are 16 or 17 years old. You are allowed to operate the same vehicles as regular Class-C-licensed drivers, but the DMV closely monitors provisional drivers to promote safe driving.

To obtain a provisional driver license, make sure you produce and perform the following:

• Have an instruction permit from Oregon, other state, or District of Columbia for at least six months

• Proof of age, at least 16 years old

• Provide Social Security number

• Proof of residency in Oregon

• If applying for an Oregon driver license for the first time, proof of school enrollment, completion, or exemption must be provided

• Certification from parent or guardian of at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice

• Completion of ODOT-approved traffic safety education course or additional 50 hours of supervised driving practice, certified by parent or guardian

• Driver License/ID Card Application signed by parent or legal guardian

• Pass vision screening test

• Pass safe driving practices test

• Pass the behind-the-wheel test, available by appointment with the DMV

• Proof of vehicle insurance

• Payment of appropriate testing and issuance fees

• Surrender of any valid driver license or permit issued in another state

• Have no suspended or revoked driving privileges in Oregon or any other state

Once you obtain a provisional license, your driving is restricted until you are 18 years old or until you have had the provisional license for a year, whichever comes first.

The restrictions are as follows:

• For first six months you cannot drive with a passenger younger than 20 unless it is a member of the your immediate family.

• For the second six months you may not drive with more than three passengers who are younger than 20 who are not members of your immediate family.

• For the first year you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless:

• You are driving between home and work

• You are driving between home and a school event for which there is no other transportation available

• You are driving for employment purposes

• You are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old

The restrictions do not apply while driving with an instructor as part of a certified traffic safety education course or with a parent or step-parent who has valid driving privileges.

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