Get a Driver License - Under 18

Drivers under 18 years old can get a Real ID or standard permit or driver license. They are called:

Provisional Instruction Permit.
Provisional Driver License.

To Get a Provisional Driver License

It's easy, just follow steps 1-2-3. Be sure to read all the detailed information below.

Be 16 or 17 years old;
Have had an instruction permit for 6 months;
Get driver training (optional); and
Complete 100 hours supervised driving experience, or 50 hours if you have taken and passed an approved Driver Ed course.

Drive tests are by appointment only. There are two ways to get a drive test:

Schedule a test with DMV online; or
Schedule a test with a Class C testing business.

You may not have to take a drive test if:

You’re new to Oregon and give us your out-of-state license. It can be expired up to 1 year.
You passed an ODOT-approved Driver Education Course within the past 2 years. If you pass one of these courses on or after October 14, 2024, the course provider will notify DMV electronically.

If you may not have to take a drive test, schedule an appointment with DMV to be issued your driver license.

The next steps depend on where you scheduled your drive test; with DMV or a Class C testing business. Follow the steps for the choice you made.

Schedule a test with DMV online;
Start your application online (with parent signature);
Determine if you want a REAL ID;
On testing day, go to the DMV office where you scheduled your test;
Bring a passenger vehicle with current registration and valid proof of insurance;
Show proof of your physical address and identity (if you want a REAL ID you must bring additional documents;
Pass a vision test;
Pass the drive test;
Pay the fee; and
Get your picture taken.

Schedule a test with a Class C testing business;
Pass the drive test;
Determine if you want a REAL ID;
Make an appointment or visit a DMV office for standby service to be issued your driver license;
Complete the pre-application online (with parent signature) if this will be your first issuance in Oregon;
Show proof of your physical address and identity (if you want a REAL ID you must bring additional documents);
Pass a vision test;
Pay the fee; and
Get your picture taken.

You may not have to take a drive test if:

You’re new to Oregon and give us your out-of-state license. It can be expired up to 1 year.
You passed an ODOT-approved Driver Education Course within the past 2 years. If you pass one of these courses on or after October 14, 2024, the course provider will notify DMV electronically.

Determine if you want a REAL ID;
Make an appointment or visit a DMV office for standby service;
Start your application online (with parent signature) if this will be your first issuance in Oregon;
Show proof of your physical address and identity (if you want a REAL ID you must bring additional documents);
Provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or electronically certify that you do not have a SSN;
Pass a vision test;
Pay the fee; and
Get your picture taken.

Do you need a REAL ID?

In May of 2025, 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 or visit a DMV office for standby service.

Your license will be mailed to the address on the application. 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.

You must turn in any driver license, permit, or ID card from Oregon, another state or country, if you have one.
Your driving privilege cannot be suspended, cancelled, or revoked in any state.

Detailed information

This is helpful and important information about getting a Provisional Driver License.

After you get your provisional driver license, your driving is restricted as follows:

Until 18 Years of Age:

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.

First 6 Months:

You cannot drive with a passenger under age 20 who is not a member of your immediate family*; and
You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM unless you are:

Driving between home and work.
Driving between home and a school event for which there is no other transportation available.
Driving for employment purposes.
Accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old.

Second 6 Months:

You cannot drive with more than three (3) passengers who are under age 20 who are not members of your immediate family*; and
You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 AM unless you are:

Driving between home and work.
Driving between home and a school event for which there is no other transportation available.
Driving for employment purposes.
Accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old.

*Passenger restrictions do not apply while driving with an instructor as part of a certified traffic safety education course or with a parent, stepparent, or legal guardian who has valid driving privileges.

Note: The passenger and night driving restrictions only apply until you are 18 or you have had your provisional license for 1 year, whichever comes first.

DMV will issue a replacement driver license 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.

Replace online you need to:

Go online;
Answer the security questions; and
Pay the replacement fee.

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);
Make an appointment or visit a DMV office for standby service;
Have proof of identity and full legal name, if you are changing your name; and
Pay the replacement fee.

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.

We test your vision to confirm you can drive safely. If you are wearing glasses or contacts during the test, 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 Drive Test fee at DMV is $45. Bring a passenger vehicle with current registration and valid proof of insurance.

Tips for taking the drive test at DMV

Details:

In this behind-the-wheel test, you will show your knowledge of:
- Driving skills;
- Traffic rules;
- Highway signs; and
- Signals.
The test includes:
- Turning;
- Backing up;
- Parking;
- Lane changes;
- Speed control;
- Signaling;
- Vehicle control; and
- General driving ability.

Rules:

Only you and the examiner in the vehicle.
No weapons.
No smoking.
Turn off all electronic devices.
Remove objects from dashboard and rearview mirror.

The examiner will sit in the front seat and give you directions. They will discuss the results with you after the test.

If you fail the Drive Test, you must wait until the next business day to take another test.

You may not have to take a drive test if:

You’re new to Oregon and give us your out-of-state license. It can be expired up to 1 year.
You completed an ODOT-Approved Driver Education Course within the past 2 years. If you pass one of these courses on or after October 14, 2024, the course provider will notify DMV electronically.

You need to bring a passenger vehicle with valid registration for the drive test. The examiner will check it for the required equipment. You will have to reschedule if your vehicle does not pass the equipment check.

Equipment that must work:

The vehicle starts under its own power;
Turn signals (front and back);
Brake lights;
Horn;
Passenger door opens and closes with handle from inside and outside;
Proper, secure and reasonably clean passenger seat;
Seatbelts;
Tires are not bald or damaged;
Muffler has no excessive leaks or unreasonable noise;
Display valid registration; and
Side view or rearview mirrors.

Nothing may obstruct the driver's or examiner's view to the front, side or rear of the vehicle.

You must show proof of insurance before a drive test. You can use:

A valid insurance card;
A current vehicle liability insurance policy or binder; or
A DMV Certificate of Self-Insurance showing you as the owner of the vehicle.

If weather conditions require, your vehicle must have studded tires or traction devices, windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, window defroster, windows that roll down and/or air conditioning that is in working order.