Getting an Oregon instruction permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV), Oregon Department of Transportation page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Study the Oregon Driver Manual and try the free practice test.
Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the 35-question knowledge test online (with a proctor if under 18) or at a DMV office.
Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Go to a DMV office with a parent or guardian to sign if you are under 18.
Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the vision test and show proof of identity and your physical address.
Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Give your Social Security number, pay the issuance fee and have your photo taken.
Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Use the interim card until your permit arrives by mail; it is not forwarded if you move.
Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for an instruction permit
- 15. Drivers aged 15 to 17 get a Provisional Instruction Permit; adults 18+ get a regular instruction permit.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parental consent
- Under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign for the permit at the DMV office.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Instruction permit fee
- $30 for an original Class C instruction permit (valid 2 years), plus $7 for each knowledge test. REAL ID adds $30.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit validity
- 2 years from issue. DMV sends no expiration notice; you can apply for a new permit without retesting unless it has been expired a year or more.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit driving rules
- You may drive only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 and sitting beside you; under 18 you may not use a mobile device, even hands-free.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Holding period before a provisional license
- Under 18, you must hold the instruction permit for 6 months before getting a provisional license.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test questions
- 35 multiple-choice questions on road signs, traffic laws and safe driving, taken online or at a DMV office.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Passing score
- At least 28 of 35 correct (80%).Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test fee
- $7 each time you take the Class C knowledge test.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retake after failing the knowledge test
- You may retest the same day at an office if testing resources allow. Online, you may test twice in 24 hours and 4 times in total; after that you must test at an office. Cheating means a 90-day wait.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Online test attempts
- Each knowledge test can be taken online up to 4 times, no more than twice in any 24-hour period.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Online knowledge test
- Available any time on a desktop or laptop with a webcam (no phones or tablets). Testers under 18 need a registered proctor who is 21 or older.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test languages
- Class C test can be read and heard in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a permit or license
- Proof of identity and date of birth, proof of your physical Oregon address, and your Social Security number (or a certification that you have none). REAL ID needs extra documents.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Originals required
- ID documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- Most office services are available by appointment or as standby (walk-in) service; drive tests are by appointment only.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Retake after failing the drive test
- Wait until the next business day.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- REAL ID documents
- One proof of identity, two proofs of address; your current legal name must match your Social Security card.Source: oregon.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Oregon guide
Official Oregon links
These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.
Studying for the Oregon knowledge test?
Two free Oregon practice tests and a 10-question readiness check. No sign-up.
Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.