Learn to Drive (Class C Non-Commercial Only)

Whether you want to learn to drive for the first time, want a refresher course, or need special training for a medical condition, you have some options:

Learn from a licensed driver; or
Take a driver training course.

You must hold a valid driver license or instruction permit to practice with a licensed driver or when taking a training course.

Learn From a Licensed Driver

For basic driving instruction, you can ask any licensed driver to teach you how to drive. There are some criteria they need to meet.

The licensed driver must:

Be 21 years old or older; and
Have held a valid Driver License for 3 years.

Take a Driver Training Course

You can take a course from a certified driver training provider, or driving school.

Some course examples are:

Driver Ed: teens or adults;
Defensive Driving;
Bad Weather Driving; or
Private Lessons.

DMV certifies Class C driver training businesses and instructors. To get certified, they must prove their knowledge of the rules and laws about driving in Oregon. They can only teach driving in a non-commercial passenger vehicle, not a commercial truck or bus.

Select your age group to see your options:

You can take a specialized Driver Ed course for teens, or a standard driver training course.

Specialized Teen Driver Ed Course

DMV and the Transportation Safety Office have teamed up with WhyDriveWithEd to give you a list of approved Driver Ed providers that offer this specialized course. When you contact a provider, be sure to ask for their ODOT TSO-Approved Driver Ed course.

This course gives you added benefits when you pass before turning 18. This course:

Counts as 50 hours of driving experience;
Waives the DMV drive test; and
You can learn safe driving skills from a trained instructor.

Standard Driver Training Course

Many of the providers on WhyDriveWithEd offer several types of courses. You can also take a course from a provider listed in the Adults section below.

Adults – 18 and over

Become a Certified School or Instructor

To learn how to become a certified driver training school, visit our Become a Driver Training Provider page.

For instructions on becoming a certified instructor for a certified driver training school, visit our Driver Training Instructor page.

Concerns about a provider?

If you have a concern about a provider or one of their instructors, please report it by calling 503-947-4019503-945-6049, or by email.