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Getting an Instruction Permit - Over 18

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ATTENTION

To Get a Permit

Under 18?

You will have different things to do. The instructions for you are on our Teen Site.

Learn to Drive

Visit our Learn to Drive page for information about Driver Education courses.

Additional Requirements

  • You must turn in any driver license, permit, or ID Card from Oregon or another state or country if you have one.
  • You cannot be suspended, cancelled, or revoked in Oregon or any other state.
  • Print a list of documents needed to get a Real ID.

Miscellaneous Information

  • You will get an interim card to use as proof of driving privileges.
  • Your instruction permit will be mailed to the address you provide to DMV. If you move, it will not go to a forwarding address.
  • Photo Rules - These items are not allowed in a photo:
    • Eyeglasses;
    • Sunglasses;
    • Hat or head covering (other than religious);
    • Contacts that change the appearance of the eye;
    • Face paint;
    • Stickers or bandages; or
    • Anything that covers your face or changes your appearance.

 

An Oregon Class C  Instruction Permit allows you to drive a vehicle if you are with a person who:

  • Has a valid driver license;
  • Is at least 21 years old; and
  • Is sitting beside you.
  • An instruction permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
  • We do not send you a notice when your permit is about to expire.
  • If your permit is expired or about to expire, you can apply for another permit. You won’t be required to take the knowledge or vision test again unless your permit was expired for more than a year.
Do you need to switch to a Real ID? 

In May of 2025, to board an airplane, you will need a particular type of identification such as a passport or a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card. Find out more about Real ID​. To switch to a Real ID-compliant license or ID card, you need to make an appointment​ or visit a DMV office for standby service.

You can change your address:

DMV will issue a replacement instruction permit if:

  • It is lost, stolen or damaged;
  • You have a change of name, address, or sex; or
  • The card contains an error.
Do you need to switch to a Real ID?

In May of 2025, to board an airplane, you will need a particular type of identification such as a passport or a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card. Find out more about Real ID​. To switch to a Real ID-compliant license or ID card, you need to make an appointment or visit a DMV office for standby service.​

Replace online you need to:

  • Go online;
  • Answer security questions; and
  • Pay the $26 replacement fee (or $56 for a Real ID).

After you meet all the requirements:

  • You will get an online receipt to use as proof of valid driving privileges. Note: Many government agencies and businesses, such as the Transportation Security Administration and Social Security Administration, do not accept the online receipt as proof of identification. Check with the agency or business before you go to find out what documents they will accept.
  • Your license will be mailed to the address you provide to DMV. If you move, it will not go to a forwarding address.

Replace in a DMV office you need to:

After you meet all the requirements:

  • You will get an interim card to use as proof of valid driving privileges. Note: Many government agencies and businesses, such as the Transportation Security Administration and Social Security Administration, do not accept the interim card as proof of identification. Check with the agency or business before you go to find out what documents they will accept.
  • Your license will be mailed to the address you provide to DMV. If you move, it will not go to a forwarding address.

We test your vision to confirm you can drive safely. If you take the test while wearing glasses or contacts, you will be required to wear them when you drive.

If you don’t pass the vision test, we’ll give you a form to take to your eye doctor.

The fee is $5 each time you take the test.  Everything you need to pass the test is in the Oregon Driver Manual.

Details:

  • Make an appointment or visit a DMV office​ for standby service.
  • We stop giving the test 1 hour before closing.
  • Testing is on a touch screen computer.
  • There are 35 multiple-choice questions.
  • The test is available in:
    • English
    • Spanish
    • Arabic
    • Chinese
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • Russian
    • Vietnamese

Rules:

  • No books.
  • No notes.
  • No phones.
  • No talking.
  • No electronic devices.
  • No cheating.
  • No-one else in the test area, unless you need a translator.

If you are caught cheating, your test will be stopped.  You will not be allowed to test again for 90 days.

If you fail the knowledge test, you may test again the same day, depending on the DMV office testing resource availability.​




Frequently Asked Questions
 

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