Oregon Online Driver Education and Oregon Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Oregon? 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 Oregon has implemented a graduated driver license program for Oregon 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 Oregon.

Oregon Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You may apply for an instruction permit in Oregon after you turn 15. When you're ready to get your instruction permit, please take the following items with you to the local Oregon DMV office:

• Social Security card
• Valid forms of ID (for a complete list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the DMV website)
• Bring your Oregon idenfication card (if you have one) to surrender it
• Proof of school enrollment (a blank form is available on the DMV website)
• Fill out an application form (also available on the DMV website) and have your parents sign it
• Money for the licensing fee

At the DMV office, you will be given a vision screening test, and then you will have to take the written (knowledge) test. If you pass it, you will be issued an instruction permit.

After you get your instruction permit, you may begin to practice driving, but there are restrictions:

• You may only drive with a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old actively supervising your driving from the front passenger's seat
• No driving between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am
• No using a cell phone while you are driving (whether it's hand-held or hands-free)

Oregon Provisional License

To apply for a provisional license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driver training in a state-approved drivers education course OR complete 100 hours of driving practice with a parent/guardian or any licensed driver who's over 21 years of age.
• Pass a safe driving practice test

When you're ready to upgrade to a provisional license, make an appointment to schedule your road test at to the local DMV office and take the following items with you to your a

• Your instruction permit (for surrender)
• Proof of insurance on the vehicle you will drive
• Money for the testing fee

After you get your provisional license, some restrictions still apply:

• For the first 6 months--no non-family passengers under the age of 20 may ride with you
• For the first 6 months--no unsupervised driving between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am (unless it's to or from your job or a school-sponsored event)
• For the second 6 months--no more than 3 non-family passengers under the age of 20 may ride with you.
• For the second 6 months--no unsupervised driving between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am (unless it's to or from your job or a school-sponsored event)
• No using a cell phone while driving (whether it's hand-held or hands-free)

Oregon 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 Oregon is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $10,000 property damage per accident

In Oregon, you also need the following additional coverage:

• Personal Injury Protection--$15,000 per person per accident
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage--$25,000 for personal injury (1 person) and $50,000--personal injury (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.

Oregon Drunk Driving Laws

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

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

• 2 days to 1 year in Jail (minimum)
• 80 hours of community service
• $1,000 fine (minimum)
• DUI fine of $300 (minimum)
• 1-year suspension of your license
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
• Enrollment in a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Participation in a victim-impact panel program (mandatory)

Oregon Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Oregon law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones or any other electronic devices while they are driving (it doesn't matter if they're hand-held or "hands-free").

Oregon Drivers Education

Oregon teen drivers are required to complete a state-approved drivers education course. You can find a list of approved drivers ed courses by visiting the Oregon DMV website.