Get an Instruction Permit - Under 18

ATTENTION:

If you are required to take a drive test – Schedule a test with DMV online. Please consider use of a third-party testing service.
Please allow up to 20 days for your card to arrive.
If you have not received your card after 20 days, you can check your card status on DMV2U.

Drivers 15, 16, and 17 years old get a permit called a Provisional Instruction Permit.

To Get a Provisional Instruction Permit

Study the Oregon Driver Manual;
Optional - take the practice knowledge test;
Determine if you need a Real ID;
Schedule your appointment;
Complete the pre-application online if this will be your first issuance in Oregon;
Provide DMV with your parent or legal guardians signature;
Go to a DMV office;
Show proof of your physical address/identity (if you want a Real ID you must bring additional documents);
Pass the knowledge test;
Pass a vision test;
Pay $23 fee (or $53 for a Real ID); and
Get your picture taken.

Miscellaneous Information

You will get an interim card to use as proof of 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 instruction permit will be mailed to the address you provided. 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.

Learn to Drive

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

Over 18?

Drivers over 18 have different steps to get an Instruction Permit. Visit our Get an Instruction Permit - Over 18 page for details.

Important Details

Driving Restrictions

A provisional instruction permit allows you to operate a vehicle only if you are accompanied by a person who:

Has a valid driver license;
Is at least 21 years of age; and
Is sitting beside you.

The supervising driver must have had their license for at least 3 years for the driving practice to count toward the 50 or 100 hour requirement to get a provisional driver license.

You cannot operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device, including talking on a cell phone and texting. Hands-free accessories are not allowed.

Replace

DMV will issue a replacement instruction permit if:

It is lost, stolen or damaged;
You want a Real ID compliant card (you must visit a DMV office);
You have a change of name, address, or sex;
The card contains an error; or
You are reinstating your license.

Do you need a Real ID?

In May of 2023, 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 to come into a DMV office.

Replace online you need to:

Go online;
Answer the 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:

Determine if you need a Real ID (there are additional requirements);
Schedule your appointment;
Go to a DMV office (by appointment only);
Have proof of identity and full legal name, if you are changing your name; and
Pay the $26 replacement fee, or $56 for a Real ID.

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.

Expiration/Renewal

A provisional instruction permit is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued.

We do not send you a notice when your permit is about to expire.

If your instruction permit is expired or about to expire, you may apply for another permit. The new permit is valid for 24 months from the date it is issued.

To apply for another instruction permit, you must surrender your instruction permit and follow the instructions in the section above. You are not required to take the knowledge or vision test unless your permit is expired for 1 year or more.

Do you need a REAL ID?

Change Your Address

You can change your address:

Online
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. Take a practice knowledge test.

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.