What to Expect on Your Drive Test

So, you're going to take a drive test. This webpage will provide you with pertinent information about the drive test.

Here are the required documents you need to bring with you to the test site:

Proof of current liability insurance
The card sent to you from your insurance company which shows your insurance expiration date and policy number for the vehicle you are using on the drive test. Photocopies, faxes and electronic versions are acceptable. Check out our insurance requirements webpage for more information.

Proof of identity, date of birth and full legal name
You will need to present documentation to prove identity, date of birth and full legal name. This could be your permit or ID card or if you are applying for a Real ID you will also need a U.S. government issued birth certificate, U.S. passport or other government issued document. Check the website for a complete list of acceptable documents.

Social Security Number 
You will be required to provide your social security number (SSN) on the electronic application if you have been assigned an SSN. DMV will verify the SSN with the Social Security Administration. If you have not been assigned an SSN, you will certify on the electronic application that you have not been assigned an SSN.

Proof of residence address
If your address isn’t on the documents showing your identity and date of birth, you will need to bring another document which does. Check our website for a complete list of acceptable documents.

Real ID

If you choose to get a Real ID driver license, you will need to bring additional documents and pay the additional $30 Real ID fee. Check out the Real ID webpage for a complete list of acceptable documents.

$45 DMV drive test fee*

$64 class C license issuance fee 

*Note: DMV charges a test fee each time you take a test. Third party drive test schools set their own prices for drive test exams.

You must pay test fees in advance. Please bring a separate payment for your test fee and your issuance fee. For example, two checks: one for your test(s) and one for your license. 

If you have a hard plastic Driver Education Certificate of Completion, DMV will waive the drive test. If you don't have the certificate, you must have completed 100 hours of supervised driving practice.

If you are married or an emancipated minor, you must present proof and then a parent or legal guardian's signature is not required.

The Oregon Parent Guide to Teen Driving is available from DMV to help your parent or legal guardian prepare you for your drive test. It has a Practice Driving Log to help you keep track of your supervised driving hours.

Your test will take approximately 20 minutes. Your vehicle must be in good working order for the test. If your vehicle does not pass the equipment check your test will be canceled and you will have to reschedule. Check your vehicle’s safety equipment before you come to DMV. 

Here is the safety equipment the examiner will check:

The examiner will also check to see if the inside and outside door handle on the passenger’s door works and if a proper passenger seat is next to the driver. Headlights, tail lights, windshield wipers, and defroster also will be checked if weather or light conditions require them. Please turn off all audio systems, GPS devices and cell phones and remove objects from the dashboard and the rearview mirror. The examiner will ask you to start your vehicle. If the vehicle won’t start (no jump starting and pushing of the vehicle) the test must be rescheduled.

The behind-the-wheel test measures the skills required for safe driving. The examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal or try to trick you in any way.

Here are the things the examiner will look for on your behind-the-wheel test:

Do you know the meaning of signs and traffic signals? 
You must know the meanings of and obey different signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings you see when driving.

Can you back up?
The examiner will ask you to back up. You should turn your head to see behind and beside you and to check your position and the position of other cars near you. Do not use your mirrors or back-up cameras except for an occasional glance. You should be able to back up on the first try.

Are you aware of what’s going on around you?
You must watch for other traffic and react accordingly. Look out for pedestrians, traffic signals and signs, bicycles, and anything else which might affect your driving.

Do you have control of the car?
Other drivers should not have to swerve or stop suddenly because of your mistakes. Drive defensively, watch for other drivers, and know the right-of-way laws listed in the Oregon Driver Manual.

How’s your speed? 
You should drive at about the same speed as other traffic but not go above the speed limit.

Do you signal properly?
You must signal for all turns and lane changes. Practice so that signaling becomes just another good driving habit.

Do you make proper lane changes?
You must know when and how to complete a lane change safely, smoothly and easily. The examiner won’t tell you when to change lanes to prepare for a turn. Remember to check your vehicle’s left or right rear blind spot by turning your head before changing lanes.

Can you turn?
You must be in the correct lane and driving at the proper speed for every turn. You need to know the laws about turning from and onto one-way streets and turns on red lights.

Unexpected obstacles
Watch for pedestrians, cars pulling out into traffic, bicycles, and other traffic. Drive defensively and be ready to react to unexpected situations.

Uncontrolled intersections 
These intersections don’t have signs, so you must use your judgment on who yields or stops. Be a defensive driver and prepare to yield as necessary.

Yielding
Know when to slow down and yield, when to come to a full stop and the right-of-way laws. Also know how to merge and yield when entering a freeway. Know special laws about pedestrians.

ARE YOU READY?

The key to passing your drive test is being prepared. Study the Oregon Driver Manual and, above all, practice, practice, practice. You should be comfortable driving on residential streets as well as in city traffic. If you know the rules of the road and use them when you drive, you will develop good driving habits that will help you on your test.

Go to DMV2U.Oregon.gov to schedule an appointment at a DMV office nearest to you. You should schedule at least three to four weeks before you want to take your test. Eligible customers now have the choice to take drive tests through a certified third party drive tester. Have all your documents ready before you go to DMV. Check the equipment on the vehicle you will be using.

You might be a little nervous when it comes time for the test. Most people are. If you remember the driving tips in this fact sheet and the Oregon Driver Manual and have practiced, you have a good chance of passing on the first try. Drive safely and good luck!