Oklahoma Online Driver Education and Oklahoma Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Oklahoma? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Oklahoma has implemented a graduated driver license program for Oklahoma drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Instruction Permit (aka Learners Permit)

When you turn 15 in Oklahoma, you may begin to practice driving (you don't even need a permit or license!). However, you may only drive you must have a certified driving instructor actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat when you drive (your parent/guardian may be the supervisor if they are a licensed driver).

When you are 15 years and 6 months old, you may apply for your instruction permit so long as you are enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course. If you do not wish to take a drivers ed course, you will have to wait until your 16th birthday to apply for your instruction permit.

When you're ready to get your instruction permit, go down to your local driver's license office with the required forms of identification (please visit the Oklahoma Dept. of Public Safety [DPS] website for a list of acceptable ID documents)

At the driver's license office, you will first take a vision screening test, and if that goes okay, you will then need to pass a written test which includes material covered in the Oklahoma Driver's Manual before you'll be issued an instruction permit.

With an instruction permit, the following restrictions apply:

• If you are under 16, you may only drive with a certified driving instructor (or a parent/guardian who's a licensed driver for at least 2 years). This person must actively be supervising your driving from the front passenger seat.
• When you turn 16, any licensed driver who's over 21 may act be the supervisor (they must have been licensed for at least 2 years)
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts

Oklahoma Intermediate Driver License

You can apply for your intermediate drivers license if you meet the following requirements:

• Have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months & maintained a clean driving record
• Completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be at night). You must keep a log of your driving practice hours

You will need to pass a road test at the driver's license office in order to get your intermediate license. With an intermediate license, some restrictions still apply:

• No driving between the hours of 10pm and 5am unless you're going to/from your job, a school-sponsored activity, or a church-sponsored activity (you may drive during these hours if you have a licensed 21-year-old driver with you)
• You may only carry 1 non-family passenger in the car while you drive

When you turn 18 or have had your intermediate license for at least 6 months, you may apply for your full, unrestricted license.

Oklahoma Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Oklahoma is as follows:

• $25,000 bodily injury for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $25,000 property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Oklahoma Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Oklahoma, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Oklahoma DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 10 days to 1 year in Jail (or 4 years if a passenger under the age of 18 iss in the vehicle)
• $1,000 fine
• DUI Fine ($300 minimum--doubled if an under-18-year-old passenger is in the car)
• 30-day license suspension
• Assessment & Treatment Program

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Oklahoma Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

There are currently no laws in Oklahoma banning the use of cell phones while driving. However, that does not mean they're safe to use while driving!

Oklahoma Driver Education

For information on drivers ed requirements and a list of approved drivers ed courses available in Oklahoma, please visit the Oklahoma DPS website.