The Oregon drivers test: DMV's drive test

Do you have to take the Oregon drivers test?

Most first-time drivers do. DMV may waive it in two cases:

• You passed an ODOT-approved driver education course in the past two years. Providers report courses passed on or after October 14, 2024 to DMV electronically
• You're new to Oregon and hand in a license from another state that's valid or expired less than a year

If you're under 18, you also need to be 16 and to have held your instruction permit for six months before you can test.

What the examiner checks

The examiner sits beside you, gives directions and talks you through the result at the end. They watch for:

• Obeying signs, signals and pavement markings
• Backing up while turning your head to look behind and beside the car. DMV says you should manage it on the first try
• Watching for pedestrians, bikes and other traffic
• Keeping to a speed that matches traffic without going over the limit
• Signaling every turn and lane change, and checking your blind spot
• Using the correct lane and speed for turns, including on one-way streets and on red
• Yielding, stopping, merging onto a freeway and handling uncontrolled intersections

DMV's pages don't publish a score sheet or a points system for the drive test.

Your car has to pass a check first

Before you drive, the examiner checks the car. It must start on its own, with no jump-start or push, and have working turn signals front and back, brake lights, a horn and seatbelts. The tires can't be bald, the muffler can't be too loud, and the passenger door has to open from inside and out. Valid registration must be displayed and you need proof of insurance. If the car fails, the test is canceled and you book again.

Only you and the examiner ride in the car. Turn off the radio, GPS and your phone, and clear anything off the dashboard and the rearview mirror.

Third-party drive tests in Oregon

These businesses give Class C drive tests under contract with DMV. They set their own fees and test days, and you book with them directly.

If you fail

You can retest from the next business day. A DMV retest costs another $45. The examiner's feedback at the end is the best guide to what to practice before you go back.