Getting Your Oregon Learner’s Permit: A Complete Guide

If you’re looking to get an Oregon instruction permit, also known as a learner’s permit, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain all the details you must know.

Who Needs an Oregon Learner’s Permit?

The state of Oregon requires teenagers to complete their version of the Graduated Driver License program before gaining full driving privileges.

The first step of the GDL is the learner’s permit which will allow you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult at least 21 years old. You will be eligible for a permit at the age of 15.

How Get an Instruction Permit in Oregon

To get your instruction permit, you must complete the following steps.

1. Complete Permit Application – If you have never held Oregon credentials, you will need to complete a pre-application as a first step. This pre-application will significantly reduce the amount of time you spend at the DMV.
2. Visit the Oregon DMV – It’s best to schedule an appointment in order to avoid long wait times. You can visit any location in the state.
3. Present Documentation – Like all trips to the DMV, you will need to present certain documentation in order to identify yourself. These are the documents you will need:
   • Proof of identity
   • Proof of citizenship and/or legal presence
   • Proof of address
   • Social security number
   • Proof of enrollment or high school graduation

4. Pass the Vision Test – The vision test will test your eyesight to ensure you will be safe to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Oregon. You will need to exhibit 20/80 vision or better.
5. Pass the Knowledge Test – The exam will test you upon common road signs and traffic rules across the state of Oregon. It consists of 35 questions and you’ll be required to answer 28 correctly (80%) to pass.
6. Pay Learner’s Permit Fee – A $23.50 fee will be assessed at the time of your application. You will be able to pay by cash check, or debit and credit card.

The knowledge exam is difficult for most with about a 50% fail-rate nationwide, so coming prepared will help you pass it on the first try. Zutobi is the easy alternative to spending hours with your handbook and hoping you’ll be lucky with the questions on the test.

Our popular platform has a gamified approach to learning. Our prep course comes with a summarized Oregon handbook, lots of permit practice tests, and many practical driving tips to help you learn faster than ever before.

Oregon Permit Restrictions

The Oregon DMV imposes several restrictions that you will need to follow while driving with an instruction permit:

• Must always be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older who is sitting in the passenger seat.
• Cannot operate a motor vehicle while using electronic devices.

How to Progress to a Provisional License

A provisional license is the next step after the learner’s permit for drivers that are 16 or 17 years old. With this license, you may drive unsupervised with certain restrictions.

You are eligible to move on to a provisional license after you have had your permit for a minimum period of six months and completed ONE of the following:

• Completed driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving.
• Completed 100 hours of supervised driving. If you decide to take the driver’s education course, you will only need to complete 50 hours of supervised driving.

You’ll need to complete the road test as well. However, this is not required if you take a TSD-approved driver’s education course.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about getting an instruction permit in Oregon. If you need any help studying for your upcoming knowledge or driving exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized handbook, Oregon practice tests, and a gamified learning experience on the web and mobile. Study with us and pass your knowledge test on your first try.