Oregon has a Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no Oregon license to a full license.
Completing the Oregon GDL takes about a year and a half. First you’ll take a test for your instruction permit, then complete an Oregon DMV approved driver training course. Then, 50 hours of supervised driving for an Oregon provisional license. Drive with it for one year and you’ll receive your Oregon full unrestricted license.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know in order to get your full, unrestricted license.
You can start the process to get your license at 15. To get ready for driving, you can download the Oregon Driver’s Manual and start reading through it. You can complete the first part of your application online.
Next, you’ll go to your local Oregon DMV location with your parent or guardian. You’ll need to finish your application, bring in proof of identity, and pay a fee of $23, or $53 for a RealID, by debit card or check. You will have to take a basic driving knowledge test on each section of the driving manual and a vision test. So, make sure you bring any corrective lenses with you.
You will be given an official paper which is your Oregon instruction permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You must have your Oregon instruction permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a provisional license. During that time, you’ll need to have 50 hours driving practice with 10 of those being at night. You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver that’s 21 years or older and has had their license for at least 3 years. Note that you may substitute driver’s education for an additional 50 hours of supervised driving time.
This is the point also where you’ll need to get driving instruction.
Oregon DMV approved drivers’ education consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 behind the wheel. Once you’ve completed the required amount of instruction, you can apply for your Oregon provisional driver’s license.
Receiving your Oregon provisional license requires that you’ve completed certain requirements. Those are reaching the age of 16. You must complete your required driving hours over the course of your provisional license period.
Driving Skills Test: You will be required to pass a driving test with an Oregon DMV evaluator who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely. Once you’re ready, you can schedule a driving skills exam at your nearest Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office.
Before you take the test, you should check out the Top 10 Automatic Fails on Driver Tests, so you’ll know what not to do on test day.
The application fee for your license is $50 or $60 for the RealID.
Your Oregon provisional license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This license will come with the following restrictions:
As you continue to learn how to operate a motor vehicle in different conditions, there are certain hours when you won’t be able to drive. Those are between midnight and 5:00 A.M.
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach 17 and have had your restricted license for 6 months and have completed your required driving time and/or driver’s education, you can get your full Oregon license.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated Oregon license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
However, honing your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ defensive driving skills is a lifetime experience.
Download the DriverZ Virtual Coach to keep practicing. It will also help you keep track of your practice hours when earning your Oregon provisional license.
