| How to Get an Instruction Permit - Under 18 |
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DMV issues Class C provisional instruction permits to eligible applicants who are between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.
A provisional instruction permit allows drivers to operate a vehicle only if they are accompanied by a person who:
- Currently has a valid driver license;
- Has had a valid driver license for at least 3 years;
- Is at least 21 years of age; and
- Is sitting beside the provisional driver (in the passenger seat vs. a back seat).
In order to apply any hours of experience gained operating a motor vehicle with a provisional instruction permit (towards the required 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving for a provisional driver license), the instructor must meet all of the criteria listed above.
A provisional instruction permit authorizes the operation of any vehicle for which a Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required (except a motorcycle or moped).
Provisional drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device, including talking on a cell phone and/or sending or receiving text messages. Furthermore, this restriction remains in effect until the driver is 18 years of age.
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| Qualify/Apply |
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You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:
- Be a resident of Oregon;
- Be between the age of 15 and 17 years of age (click here if you are 18 years of age or more);
- Have no suspended, cancelled, revoked, or otherwise withdrawn driving privileges in Oregon or any other state;
- Submit a completed Driver License/ID Card Application. If you answer "yes" to any of the medical questions on the application, you are not eligible for an instruction permit. DMV will not be able to issue you a permit until you have established that your medical condition does not affect your ability to drive safely. To do so, DMV may ask you to provide additional medical information and/or pass additional DMV tests;
- The application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian unless you are married or an emancipated minor;
- Provide proof of your full legal name, every time you apply;
- Provide proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth, every time you apply;
- Provide proof of your Social Security Number;
- Provide proof of your Oregon residence address;
- Surrender your out-of-state permit, if you have one;
- Surrender your Oregon Identification Card, if you have one;
- Pass the class C driver license knowledge test;
- Pass a vision screening test, as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
- Provide proof of school enrollment, completion or exemption; and
- Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees (see note on payment of test fees).
After you meet all requirements, you will be issued an interim card to use until you receive your instruction permit in the mail.
If you surrendered a previous driver license, instruction permit or identification card, it will be hole-punched and returned to you. The hole-punched card is not valid by itself, but may be used as additional proof of identity with the interim card.
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| Expiration/Renewal |
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Provisional instruction permits are valid for twenty-four months from the date of issuance.
DMV does not send renewal notices for instruction permits.
If your instruction permit is about to expire, you may renew it. However, renewing your instruction permit prior to the expiration date does not extend the validity of the new permit for the time remaining on your current permit. The new permit will be valid for twenty-four months from the date of issuance.
To renew your instruction permit, you will be required to surrender the current instruction permit and pay the applicable fee(s).
If your instruction permit is expired for one year or more, you must successfully complete the Class C knowledge test and vision screening tests and pay all applicable testing and issuance fees.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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How long do I need to have my permit before I can apply for a Provisional Drivers License?
You must have had an instruction permit from Oregon, another state or the District of Columbia, for at least six months. The instruction permit must have been valid for at least six months in the issuing state or District of Columbia.
Who can ride with me when I am driving with my permit?
There are no passenger restrictions when you drive with your permit. However, you are required to have someone seated beside you who is at least 21 and has a valid class C or higher driver license.
If you have questions pertaining to a Provisional Drivers License, you may find answers on the Frequently Asked Questions for Teens page.
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| Related Information |
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Additional information that may be relevant includes:
Publications and Web sites that may be helpful for teens/parents include:
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