The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Oregon Class C knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You must score 80% to pass — that's 28 correct, with no more than 7 missed. There is no time limit.
If you fail at a DMV office, you may retest the same day depending on testing-resource availability. If you fail online, you can retake it twice in a 24-hour period and up to four times total before having to come into a DMV office. If you are determined to be cheating, you cannot retake the test for 90 days.
You can take the knowledge test online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov on a desktop or laptop with a webcam (mobile/tablet not allowed), or in person at any DMV office on a touch-screen monitor. Drive tests are by appointment only — schedule three weeks in advance via DMV2U.Oregon.gov or by calling 503-945-5000.
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 out-of-state license (or one expired less than a year). Under-18 applicants must hold an instruction permit at least 6 months before applying for a license.
Oregon presumes impairment at 0.08% BAC for drivers age 21+. Drivers under 21 are Zero Tolerance — any measurable amount fails. Even below 0.08%, you can still be arrested for DUII if alcohol or drugs affect your driving (page 82).
By driving on Oregon roads you've agreed to take a breath, blood, or urine test if asked. Refusing brings a fine and license suspension. Open alcohol containers must be in the trunk — a re-closed bottle whose seal was broken still counts as open (pages 82–83).
Permit at 15; license at 16 after holding the permit at least 6 months. Under-18 applicants need 100 hours supervised driving (or 50 hours plus an ODOT-approved traffic safety course). Supervisor must be 21+ with 3 years of valid driving (pages 89–90).
Oregon's safe following distance is 2–4 seconds. At speeds greater than 30 mph, use 4 seconds or more. When stopped behind another vehicle, you should be able to see where the rear tires of the vehicle in front meet the road (page 26).
Set by law unless posted: 15 mph in alleys/narrow residential, 20 mph in business district and school zones, 25 mph in residential, parks, and on ocean shores, 55 mph elsewhere (interstates vary). Always obey posted signs and the Basic Rule (page 19).
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change (page 38). After stopping, you may turn right on red onto a two-way road, and right or left on red when entering a one-way road in the direction of traffic — unless a sign says otherwise. Left on red onto a two-way road is illegal.
Stop when red lights flash on a school bus and remain stopped until the driver turns them off. Painted medians and turn lanes do NOT separate the road — all lanes must stop. Only on a divided highway with an unpaved median or barrier do oncoming drivers continue (page 55).
Headlights on from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility makes it hard to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 350 feet when following. Driving with parking lights only is illegal (page 76).
10 ft from a fire hydrant, 20 ft from a crosswalk at an intersection, 50 ft from a signal/sign your car would hide, 50 ft from a railroad rail. Parallel: no more than 12 inches from the curb. Disabled-space violation: $165–$1,000 (pages 68–71).
Drivers under 18: no cell phone or mobile electronic device — even hands-free. Drivers 18+ must use a hands-free accessory that requires only minimal use of a finger. Sound systems audible 50 feet from your vehicle are illegal (page 80).
Oregon's Class C knowledge test is 35 questions and you need 28 correct (80%). Aim for 90%+ on practice tests so a few unexpected wordings won't sink you on test day.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Oregon test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the 2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual at https://OregonDMV.com. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Oregon's basic limits aren't the same as other states: 15 mph in alleys, 20 mph in business districts and school zones, 25 mph on ocean shores and in residential areas/parks, 55 mph elsewhere unless posted. Studded tires are only legal Nov 1 – Mar 31.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual