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Oregon DMV

Drive Tests
Overview
Image of a young driver being tested by an examiner

This page provides information about the various drive tests that DMV provides.

Use the links below to go directly to any section:

About Drive Tests
  • Locations & Hours - Drive tests are conducted at most DMV offices. Refer to the individual DMV office pages for directions, hours and phone numbers.
  • Make an Appointment - Check the DMV office listing and call the office or drive test center nearest you. They can schedule a day and time for your drive test. You must have passed any required knowledge tests before requesting an appointment for a drive test. 
  • Proof of Insurance - Before the drive test is conducted you will be required to provide proof of insurance. If you do not have the necessary insurance information you will have to reschedule the drive test.
  • Proof of full legal name - You may be asked to provide acceptable proof of full legal name.
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth - You may be asked to provide acceptable proof of legal presence, identity and date of birth.
  • Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) - You may be asked to provide acceptable documentation proving your Social Security Number.
  • Vehicle Inspection - The examiner will inspect your vehicle to ensure it can be safely and legally operated. If equipment is not working properly, the examiner may be unable to give the drive test. Your vehicle must be equipped with safety belts and have valid license plates or a temporary permit. Refer to the Oregon Driver Manual (English or Spanish) for more information regarding the vehicle inspection. If the vehicle does not pass the inspection you will have to re-schedule the drive test.
  • Fees - Depending on the drive test you are taking there may be a test fee. You must pay test fees prior to taking any test. Be prepared to make separate payments for your testing and licensing fees.
  • Valid Test Scores - All test scores are valid for a maximum 2-year period from the date the test was conducted.
Failing the Test

Under 18 years of age
If you fail this test and you are under 18 years of age, you must wait at least 28 days after each failure before retaking the test. You must also have had a valid Oregon Instruction Permit for at least one month before your next test. If you fail a fifth test, you must wait at least one year before taking another test.

18 years of age and older
If you are 18 years of age or older, you must wait a minimum of seven days before taking your next test. If you fail the second time, you must wait at least 14 days before the third test. Subsequent tests must be taken at least 28 days apart. If you fail your fifth test, you must wait at least one year before taking another test.

Fee
A test fee is required each time you take a test. You must pay applicable test fees prior to taking any test, regardless of the number of times you have taken the test.

Regular Drive Test

During the behind-the-wheel drive test, you show your driving skills and how you obey traffic rules, highway signs and signals. The test includes turning, signaling, backing, changing lanes, controlling speed, road courtesy and general driving ability.

Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during a driving test; the only exception is that a supervisor may go on a drive test to observe the examiner. Interpreters, children or pets cannot be in the vehicle during a test.

Fee
You must pay test fees prior to taking any test. Be prepared to make separate payments for your testing and licensing fees.

Motorcycle Skills Test

Basic vehicle control and collision-avoidance skills are included in the on-cycle operation tests to determine your ability to handle normal and hazardous traffic situations. For example, you may be tested for your ability to:

  • Know your motorcycle and your riding limits;
  • Accelerate, brake, and turn safely;
  • Stop, turn and swerve quickly;
  • Make critical decisions and carry them out.

Examiners may score on factors related to safety such as:

  • Selecting safe speeds to perform maneuvers;
  • Choosing the correct path and staying within boundaries;
  • Completing normal and quick stops;
  • Completing normal and quick turns, or swerves.

Fee
There is no fee to take the Motorcycle Skills Test.

Commercial Skills Tests

These tests must be conducted in English only and translators are not permitted.

DMV will not conduct a commercial skills test in a vehicle that is:

  • Transporting any load;
  • Contains hazardous materials:
  • Has more than one trailer;
  • Pulls a trailer that has no brakes or uses surge brakes; or
  • Is clearly illegal or unsafe.

Before taking the drive test you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You may be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you should inspect and why. Section 11 of the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual tells you what to inspect and how to inspect it. You can also see a video of a pre-trip vehicle inspection test that is similar to the one administered by Oregon CDL examiners. This video is not entirely representative of current CDL testing standards and procedures. Do not use this video in lieu of studying the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Chapter 11.

You will be asked to perform backing maneuvers to demonstrate your ability to exercise basic control of your vehicle. Section 12 of the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual includes additional information about this portion of the CDL skills test.

You will also be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive. Section 13 of the Oregon Commercial Driver Manual explains more about this test.

Waiver of CDL Skills Testing Requirement for Qualified Military CMV Operators
Effective March 1, 2013, DMV may waive CDL skills testing for CDL applicants that:

  • Have a valid Oregon driver license.
  • Are currently employed, or have been employed within the previous 90 days, in a military specialty whose primary duty involves operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Currently, only Army primary MOS 88M and Marine primary MOS 3531 have been identified as specialties whose primary duty is operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
  • Complete an Oregon Application for Military Skills Test Waiver, or equivalent application from DOD or another state, signed by the applicant and the applicant’s commanding officer.
  • Provide evidence, in the form of a DD 214, DD 2586, DD 348, or DD 348-E, of training and experience in a military specialty whose primary duty involved operation of a commercial motor vehicle (e.g., Army MOS 88M or Marine MOS 3531).
  • Provide evidence, in the form of a military license (OF346 or DA Form 5984-E), that DMV can use to properly classify the type of commercial motor vehicle operated by the applicant.  DMV cannot waive skills tests unless the vehicle can be associated with a specific federal CMV classification that can be verified through use of military publications or other information resources.
  • Otherwise meet the requirements described in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 383.77.

Send the Oregon Application for Military Skills Test Waiver (Form 735-7390) along with copies of other required documents to:

Oregon DMV Services
CDL Policy Unit
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem, OR  97314 

Please include a phone number that DMV can use to contact you if additional information is needed. DMV will notify you when the application is approved or disapproved and, if approved, provide instructions for completing CDL issuance requirements.

Third Party Testers
CDL drive tests are also available from Third Party Testers.

Fee
You must pay test fees prior to taking any test. Be prepared to make separate payments for your testing and licensing fees.

Related Information

Additional information that may be relevant includes: