A step-by-step guide to getting your Oregon Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
Oregon issues a Class C non-commercial driving privilege in two stages: an instruction permit first, then a full driver license. Under-18 applicants face additional supervised-driving and document-attendance requirements but there is no separate "provisional/intermediate" license stage in Oregon — your first license at 16 is a full Class C license, with the under-18 cell-phone and external-rider rules still applying until age 18. Class C lets you drive a passenger car, moped, autocycle, van, or pickup of not more than 26,000 pounds (page 89).
Minimum age: 15. Pass vision + 35-question knowledge test (28/35 = 80% to pass). Under-18 applicants must hold it for at least 6 months before applying for a license.
Minimum age: 16. Under-18 applicants need 100 hours supervised driving (or 50 + ODOT-approved course). Pass the drive test or qualify for a waiver.
Under-18 cell-phone ban and external-rider rule lift at age 18. Cell phone use 18+ requires a hands-free accessory. Always confirm current fees at OregonDMV.com.
You must be at least 15 years old to apply. The application is electronic and you'll need acceptable proof of identity, date of birth, and current Oregon residence address (page 89).
If under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the electronic application. If they cannot come with you to DMV, submit Form 735-173DP with their signature. If you are emancipated or married, provide proof — no parent signature required. Parent/guardian must also certify school attendance; if you're no longer in school you must present a high school diploma or GED.
Documents must be original or certified copies. Common combinations:
The vision test is free. The Class C knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions — pass with 28 correct (80%). Take it at any DMV office on a touch-screen monitor, or online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov (desktop/laptop with webcam, no phones or tablets — under-18 testers need a Proctor over 21).
You must pay the test fee separately from any other fees. No hats, glasses, paint, or tinted contact lenses. For current fee amounts, see oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/Fees/Driver.aspx.
You must be at least 16 to apply. Under-18 applicants must have already held the instruction permit at least 6 months and completed the 100-hour (or 50-hour + course) supervised driving requirement (page 90).
Drive tests are by appointment only. Schedule at DMV2U.Oregon.gov or call 503-945-5000 — DMV recommends booking at least three weeks in advance. Third-Party Testers (certified by ODOT) can often schedule sooner, sometimes at higher cost.
Bring a passenger vehicle with current registration and valid proof of insurance — no insurance proof = reschedule. Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle. Remove weapons, turn off electronics, and clear the dashboard/rearview mirror. The drive test may be waived if you completed an ODOT-approved Driver Education course within the past two years, or if you are a new resident surrendering a valid (or less-than-one-year-expired) out-of-state license (page 3).
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual