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  • 15Youngest age for a permitp. 89
  • 28 of 35Right answers to pass the knowledge testp. 2
  • 6 monthsPermit time before a license (under 18)p. 90
  • 100 hoursSupervised hours (50 with a safety course)p. 90

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring originals or certified copies proving:

    • Your identity and date of birth
    • Your current Oregon residence address (one document)
    • Your Social Security number, or certify that you have none
    • School enrollment, certified by a parent (under 18)

    (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 89–91)

  2. Get a parent's signature (under 18)

    A parent or legal guardian signs your electronic application, at DMV or on form 735-173DP if they can't come. Emancipated or married teens show proof instead. (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 89)

  3. Pass the vision and knowledge tests

    The vision test is free; the knowledge test has a fee each time you take it. Take it online at any time (under 18, with an adult proctor over 21) or at a DMV office. (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 1–3)

  4. Have your photo taken

    No hats, glasses, face paint or eye-changing contact lenses in the photo, and you hand in any other license, permit or ID card. (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 89)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver and Motor Vehicle Services website before you go.

Rules while you have an instruction permit

  • A licensed driver aged 21 or older sits beside you whenever you drive. (Oregon DMV: Instruction permit)
  • Under 18, no cell phone or other mobile device while driving, not even hands-free. (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 80)
  • Everyone in the car wears a safety belt in every seat. (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 73)

If you don't pass

If you fail the knowledge test at a DMV office you may be able to retest the same day; online you get two tries in 24 hours and four in all. After a failed drive test, wait until the next business day. (Oregon Driver Manual, p. 2–4)

What comes next

At 16 or 17, after six months with the permit and 100 supervised hours (or 50 with an approved course), pass the drive test for a provisional license. For the first year, passenger and midnight to 5 a.m. limits apply until you turn 18. (Oregon DMV: Get a provisional driver license (under 18))

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Oregon practice exam: 35 questions, 28 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Oregon Driver Manual (2026-2027 (Form 735-37, 1-26)), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver and Motor Vehicle Services before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 8 higher.