Getting an Instruction Permit - Over 18

To Get a Permit

Study the Oregon Driver Manual;
Fill out the application;
Take it to a DMV office;
Show proof of your physical address and identity;
Pass a vision test;
Pass the knowledge test;
Pay the $23 fee; and
Get your picture taken.

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 or permit from another state or country if you have one.
You must turn in any driver license or ID card you have from Oregon.
You cannot be suspended, cancelled, or revoked in Oregon or any other state.

Miscellaneous Information

You will get an interim card to use as proof of driving privileges.
Your instruction permit will be mailed to the address on the application. 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.

Driving Restrictions

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.

Expiration/Renewal

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.

Replace

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.

You need to:

Fill out the application;
Take it to a DMV office;
Show proof of physical address and identity; and
Pay the $26 replacement fee.

After you meet all the requirements:

You will get an interim card to use as proof of valid driving privileges.
The Post Office will not forward a driver license. Use your current mailing address on the application.

Change Your Address

You can change your address:

Online Now
There is no fee

The Vision Test

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 Class C Knowledge Test

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

Details:

No appointment needed.
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