Learning to drive is a major milestone in a teenager’s life—one that brings both excitement and responsibility. For parents in the Portland area, finding the right driving school can make all the difference in helping teens develop safe driving habits from the start. Whether you’re looking for an ODOT-approved program, flexible scheduling, or additional practice opportunities, Portland offers a range of excellent options for every need and budget.
Below is a curated list of some of the best driving schools and resources for teens in Portland and nearby areas.
Serving all four quadrants of Portland, Horizon Driver Education offers ODOT-approved teen driver training, including a summer-accelerated session beginning June 4, 2025. Students receive 30 hours of classroom instruction and 12 hours of in-car training, with the added benefit of a drive test waiver upon completion.
- Location: Serving NE, SE, SW, and NW Portland
- Program Highlights:
- ODOT-approved teen driver education
- 30 hours of classroom instruction and 12 hours of in-car training (6 hours driving, 6 hours observation)
- Drive test waiver upon successful completion
- Accelerated summer session starting June 4, 2025
With locations in Gresham and Beaverton, Pacific Driver Education provides flexible, ODOT-approved courses for teens, including 30 classroom hours and 12 in-car training hours. They also offer online learning options and private driving lessons tailored to student needs.
- Location: Gresham and Beaverton
- Program Highlights:
- ODOT-approved teen driver education
- 30 hours of classroom instruction and 12 hours of in-car training
- Flexible scheduling options
- Offers online courses and private driving lessons
3. Oregon Driver Training Institute
Operating in the Portland metro, Eugene/Springfield, and the South Oregon Coast, this institute offers comprehensive ODOT-certified teen driver education. Their program emphasizes developing safe, responsible driving habits through classroom and private instruction.
- Location: Greater Portland, Eugene/Springfield, and South Oregon Coast
- Program Highlights:
- ODOT-approved teen driver education
- Offers both classroom and private lessons
- Emphasizes safe driving habits and responsible behavior
Northwest Driving School serves the Portland Metro Area with a focus on practical, real-life driving scenarios and offers both solo and partner lesson formats. The school provides flexible scheduling, convenient pick-up, and a certificate of completion.
- Location: Portland Metro Area
- Program Highlights:
- Focuses on real-life driving scenarios
- Offers both single student and partner programs
- Convenient pick-up and flexible scheduling
- Provides a certificate of completion
Located in Astoria, Warrenton, and Seaside, Freedom Driver Education delivers DMV-certified, ODOT-approved training for both teens and adults. Their program highlights the importance of personal responsibility and is backed by instructors with extensive experience.
- Location: Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside
- Program Highlights:
- ODOT-approved teen driver education
- Emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility
- Offers both teen and adult driving lessons
- Certified by the DMV with extensive driving experience
Additional Resources & Tips
- ODOT Parent-Teen Guide: Offers comprehensive information on teen driving laws, licensing requirements, and safety tips.
- DMV Drive Test Waiver: Completing an ODOT-approved driver education course allows teens to bypass the DMV drive test.
- Low-Income Subsidy: Families qualifying for meal assistance may be eligible for up to $75 in scholarships for driver education courses.
Final Tips for Parents
Choosing the right driver’s education program is one of the most important investments you can make in your teen’s safety and independence. Opting for an ODOT-approved course not only ensures high-quality instruction but also provides a drive test waiver and counts toward the required driving experience. To maximize your teen’s success, encourage regular practice sessions to build confidence and reinforce safe driving habits.
Whether your teen prefers in-person instruction or the flexibility of online learning, Portland offers trusted programs that meet state standards and focus on real-world driving skills. With the right education, consistent practice, and active parental involvement, you’ll be helping your teen build a strong foundation for a lifetime of safe, responsible driving.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.