One minute you are teaching your kid to ride a bike the next thing you know, you are getting ready to teach your baby to drive a car. It is mind-blowing, to say the least. But here at Oregon Kid, we are here for you, and we are going to go through the steps in getting a driver’s permit in Oregon. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Your child must be at least 15 years old to apply for a permit. 
  • Your child must be an Oregon resident or meet the DMV’s requirements for non-resident applicants.

Prepare Required Documents

  • Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. Just bring everything you can. You want to be overprepared. 
  • Proof of legal presence in the United States (if applicable).
  • Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) or an exemption form.
  • Proof of residency, like a utility bill or rental agreement. This can be in your name or your kid’s name. 
  • Your kid will need you, they need a parent or legal guardian’s signature on the application for those under 18.

Study the Driver’s Manual

Obtain a copy of the Oregon Driver Manual, which is available online on the Oregon DMV website or at local DMV offices. Study it thoroughly to prepare for the written knowledge test.

Take the practice knowledge test.

DMV Testing

  • You will schedule their appointment online, and if you want to go on or right after their birthday, then start looking at least a couple of months out. You can just walk in too, but the appointments make life so much easier. To make an appointment or visit, check out a local DMV office for standby service.
  • Complete the pre-application online if this will be your first issuance in Oregon;
  • Visit your nearest DMV office and take the written knowledge test. The test will assess your child’s understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
  • If they fail, it is okay, you can take it again right away. Just pull a number, pay, and wait to retake the test. 
  • After passing the knowledge test, your child will need to pass a vision screening.
  • There will be a fee associated with obtaining your driver’s permit. Currently, you pay a $23 fee (or $53 for a Real ID).
  • Smile! Your kid will get their picture taken and get their provisional permit.
    • Photo Rules – These items are not allowed in a photo: 
      • Eyeglasses
      • Sunglasses
      • Hat or head covering (other than religious)
      • Contacts that change the appearance of the eye
      • Face paint
      • Stickers or bandages
      • Anything that covers your face or changes your appearance
  • That is it! Your kid will get a temporary copy of their permit, and a real one will be mailed in the mail shortly after. 

Once they have their permit, here are the details of what they can do and what they need to work toward to get their driver’s license later. 

Driving Restrictions and Rules

​A provisional instruction permit allows your child to operate a vehicle only if your kid is accompanied by a person who:

  • Has a valid driver’s license
  • Is at least 21 years of age
  • Is sitting beside the permitted driver
  • You need a supervising driver who has had their license for at least 3​ years for the driving practice to count toward the 50 or 100-hour requirement to get a provisional driver’s license.
  • Drivers under 18 years old cannot operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device, including talking on a cell phone and texting. Hands-free accessories are not allowed.
  • There are also rules about who can be in the car with the permitted driver driving. Check out the DMV’s website for more information about your teen (soon-to-be) driver.

DMV Tips

Visiting DMV

The busiest times (longest wait times) at DMV offices tend to be:

  • Mondays
  • Fridays
  • Early mornings
  • Late afternoons
  • Around lunchtime

Testing

  • Most DMV offices stop testing an hour before lunch and an hour before closing. Check your local DMV office page for their testing hours.
  • You must call DMV or a testing business to schedule your driving test.

Test & Issuance Fees

  • Test fees are collected prior to testing.  If you fail a test, you’ll need to pay the fee prior to re-testing each time.
  • Issuance fees are collected after all requirements are met.  That includes passing all required tests.

It is a trip to have your kid driving, but it is an important step as they grow up. Take a deep breath and try to enjoy the ride. What are your experiences with teaching your kid to drive? We would love to hear them!