Oregon · Handbook chapter 1 · 4 min read

How Oregon's Class C tests work: the 35-question knowledge test online or in an office, the vision and drive tests, the provisional instruction permit at 15, 100 practice hours, provisional license limits, fees and documents.

Why this chapter matters

You need to know the testing rules and the teen license limits before you sit the test, and some of these numbers appear on it. Key figures: 35, 28, 15, 16, 21, 6 months, 100 hours (or 50 with driver education).

The three tests

For an original Class C privilege, DMV tests your vision, knowledge and driving skill. Each time you test you pay the fee and show proof of identity, date of birth and address.

• Vision: free. If you test wearing glasses or contacts, your license will require them.
• Knowledge: 35 multiple-choice questions on signs, laws and safe driving; 28 correct to pass. It costs $7 each time.
• Drive test: by appointment, $45. Bring a registered, insured passenger vehicle in working order. Only you and the examiner may be in the car. If you fail, wait until the next business day to retest.

Taking the knowledge test

No manual, notes, phones or talking. Cheating means a fail and a 90-day wait.

Applying

• At least 15 for an instruction permit and 16 for a license.
• Under 18, a parent or legal guardian signs your application and certifies that you are in school (or you show a diploma or GED).
• Show proof of identity, date of birth and residence address (originals or certified copies), give your Social Security number or certify that you have none, and surrender any other license or ID.

The provisional instruction permit

• Drive only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older sitting beside you.
• Practice hours count only if that driver has been licensed at least 3 years.
• Under 18, you may not use a cell phone or other mobile device while driving, even hands-free.
• The permit is valid for 2 years and costs $30.

Getting a provisional license (under 18)

• Be 16 or 17 and hold your permit at least 6 months (an out-of-state permit counts).
• Complete 100 hours of supervised driving, or 50 hours plus an ODOT-approved traffic safety education course.
• Pass the drive test. It can be waived if you passed an approved driver education course in the last 2 years.
• An original Class C license costs $64.

Provisional license limits

Night exceptions: driving between home and work, between home and a school event with no other transport, for your job, or with a licensed driver aged 25 or older. Passenger limits do not apply with a certified instructor or a licensed parent, stepparent or guardian. These limits end at 18 or after one year, whichever comes first. The mobile device ban lasts until 18.