Oregon DMV Getting a Driver License

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Oregon DMV

Department
- Transportation Department
- Divisions

Getting a Driver License - Over 18

Overview

This page provides information on obtaining an Oregon Driver License if you are 18 years of age or older. There are additional requirements if you are under the age of 18 or applying for a commercial driver license (CDL).

Use the links below to go directly to any section:

General Information
To Qualify/Apply
Driving Privileges
Related Information

General Information

While driving a motor vehicle on highways or premises open to the public in Oregon, you must have either a valid driver license or instruction permit in your possession. If you are a resident of another state, click here for information.

If you are over the age of 18 and need to gain driving experience before getting your driver license, you may obtain an instruction permit.

To Qualify/Apply

You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Be a resident of or domiciled in Oregon;
Be at least 18 years of age (click here if under 18);
Have no suspended, canceled, revoked, or otherwise withdrawn driving privileges in Oregon or any other state;
Submit a completed Driver License Application (Form 735-173). If you answer “yes” to any of the medical questions on the application as outlined in OAR 735-062-0007 (2)(a)(b)(c), DMV will not issue you driving privileges until you have established that your condition does not affect your ability to drive safely. DMV may ask you to provide additional medical information and/or require that you pass additional DMV tests;
Present proof of your full legal name;
Present proof of your legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth;
Provide your Social Security Number on the application;
Present proof of your residence address;
Pass the Class C knowledge test;
Make an appointment for a drive test. If you have a valid driver license issued by a U.S. State, you may not be required to take the drive test;
Pass the drive test. If you do not have proof of insurance for the vehicle, you will have to reschedule the drive test;
Pass a vision screening as defined in OAR 735-062-0050;
Surrender any valid Oregon ID Card;
Surrender any valid driver license or permit issued by another jurisdiction;
Pay the applicable testing and licensing fees. You must pay test fees prior to taking any test. Be prepared to make separate payments for your testing and licensing fees; and
Have your photograph taken.

After you meet the requirements, you are issued an interim card to use until you receive your license in the mail.

If you surrender a previous driver license, instruction permit or Oregon ID Card, it is 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.

Driving Privileges

With a Class C driver license you may operate:

Any vehicle for which a CDL is not required, except a motorcycle;
Any emergency fire vehicle, regardless of the weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles. The driver must be a firefighter as defined in ORS 652.050;
Any Search and Rescue vehicle equipped with lights and sirens, regardless of weight when the vehicle is operated by an emergency service worker;
A vehicle owned, operated, or leased by a public transit or transportation district that carries 15 persons or less and has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight restrictions (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less when the driver is a volunteer; and
Any motor home for personal use, regardless of the weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles. Motor homes for personal use have not been included in the definition of commercial motor vehicles in ORS 801.208 and, therefore, operators are not required to possess a commercial driver license.

Related Information

Additional information that may be relevant includes:

Page updated: December 30, 2011

Oregon.gov

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