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How to Get Your Oregon Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with Oregon DMV directly.

Under 18 (Graduated Licensing)

  1. Apply for a Provisional Instruction Permit at 15

    Apply at a DMV office with a parent or guardian signature; pass the 35-question knowledge test (80%, 28 correct) and a vision test. An applicant younger than 16 also takes a separate 20-question safe-driving-practices test.

    • Proof of identity and residency
    • Parent or guardian signature

  2. Take the knowledge test online or in person

    Test through DMV2U on a computer with a webcam (an under-18 applicant needs a Proctor 21 or older supervising), or at a DMV office by standby service or appointment.

  3. Drive only with a qualifying supervisor

    A licensed driver at least 21 years old who has held their own license for 3 or more years must accompany you at all times.

  4. Log 50 or 100 hours of supervised driving

    Log 50 hours of supervised driving if you complete an ODOT-approved driver education course, or 100 hours without one.

  5. Hold the permit at least 6 months

    Oregon requires holding the instruction permit for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional driver license.

  6. Apply for your provisional license at 16

    Once you've turned 16 and met the holding-period and supervised-hour requirements, receive a provisional driver license.

    • Supervised driving log

  7. Follow provisional license restrictions

    First 6 months: no passengers under 20 outside immediate family. Second 6 months: up to 3 such passengers. No driving midnight-5 a.m. absent a narrow exception. No mobile device use of any kind, even hands-free.

  8. Restrictions lift after a year or at 18

    Provisional passenger and nighttime restrictions end one year after licensure, or when you turn 18, whichever comes first.

18 and Older

  1. Apply for an instruction permit

    Apply at a DMV office; the graduated stages, supervised-hours requirement, and provisional restrictions apply only to an applicant who starts before turning 18.

  2. Pass the knowledge test

    Take the same 35-question knowledge test (80%, 28 correct) online through DMV2U or at a DMV office, plus a vision test.

    • Proof of identity and residency

  3. Practice and pass the road test

    Practice driving under the terms of your instruction permit, then pass the road test to receive your license.

  4. Receive your full license

    Adult first-time applicants receive a standard, unrestricted license upon passing.

Notes

  • DMV2U allows up to two online knowledge-test attempts in a 24-hour period, and four attempts total online, before requiring an in-person DMV office visit.
  • A Provisional Instruction Permit stays valid for 24 months from issuance.
  • Exact fees and current procedures change over time — confirm the current process on the official Oregon DMV website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-22