has implemented a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program so that teen drivers 15 years or older can gradually work towards an unrestricted driver’s license by age 17.

Most teens are eager to get behind the wheel for the first time, as it marks their first step towards convenience and independence. However, before you can take the wheel as a new driver, you should first familiarize yourself with the legal driving age in your state and any restrictions there may be.

What is the driving age in Oregon?

Oregon

teen drivers

must be the minimum driving age of 15 years old before starting the Graduated Drivers License program. To receive a standard, unrestricted

Oregon driver’s license

, drivers must be 17 or older.

What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Oregon?

According to a study by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), one of the leading causes of young driver deaths is motor vehicle crashes.

The Graduated Drivers License Program (GDL) was introduced to help reduce the rate of critical collisions and car accidents involving teens.

The GDL program allows young drivers to gradually gain driving experience and confidence before they receive full driving privileges. In most states, the GDL program will include three stages:

Instruction permit stage: the teen will be driving under supervision

Provisional license stage: the teen will have limited unsupervised driving with driving restrictions

Full license stage: the teen will have unrestricted driving privileges

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How to get your instruction permit in Oregon

All drivers under the age of 18 must go through the GDL program through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

While going through the program, young drivers will gain more driving privileges as they complete each stage. You’ll need to prepare the required documents when applying for your Provisional Instruction Permit at an Oregon

DMV office

Below are the steps to getting the provisional instruction permit:

You must be at least 15 years old

Determine if you need a

Real ID

Schedule your appointment at the DMV office to complete the knowledge and vision test

If this is your first issuance in Oregon,

complete the pre-application online

Drivers under 18 years old must provide a parent or legal guardian's signature

Show proof of your physical address/identity (Real ID applications require

additional documents

)

Pass the knowledge and vision test

Pay a $23 fee (or $53 for a Real ID)

Get your picture taken

To prepare for your knowledge test, use the

Oregon Driver Manual

and take the practice knowledge tests.

To pass the exam, you need a score of 80 percent (28 out of 35 questions). If you fail, you can retake the test after one day. However, if you fail on the fourth try, you will have to wait 28 days before retesting.

Once you pass the knowledge and vision tests, you’ll obtain your provisional instruction permit.

Provisional instruction permit restrictions

A provisional instruction permit comes with restricted driving privileges. With this permit, you can only operate a vehicle if you are accompanied by someone who has a valid driver’s license. They must also be at least 21 years old and sitting next to you.

You are also not allowed to use any mobile communication devices while driving, including cell phones or hands-free accessories.

During this time, you will need to complete 50 or 100 hours of driving practice before getting your

provisional license

. These hours will only count if you are supervised by a driver who has had their license for at least three years.

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How to get your provisional driver’s license in Oregon

You are required to gain 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving to graduate to the next stage in the GDL program

Here are the requirements to obtain an Oregon driver’s license:

You must be at least 16 years old

Hold an Oregon instruction permit for at least 6 months

Get driver training (optional)

Schedule your driving test

online

or with a

Class C testing business

Start your

application online

(with parent signature)

On testing day show proof of your physical address and identity (if you want a Real ID you must bring additional documents)

Pass a vision test and drive test

Pay the $60 fee (or $90 for a Real ID)

Get your picture taken

The vehicle you use for the test must also have a valid

vehicle registration

. The examiner will inspect the vehicle—you will be asked to reschedule if it doesn’t pass the equipment check.

If you fail, you must wait to take another test the next business day.

Key Takeaway: Bring your learner’s permit, complete your pre-application online, and practice enough to gain confidence to pass your driving test and obtain your Oregon driver’s license.

Provisional driver’s license restrictions

If you’ve obtained your provisional driver’s license, congratulations! Keep in mind that some restrictions still apply.

Violating any of the restrictions could lead to penalties and license revocation:

First six months: you may not drive with non-family passengers under the age of 20. Driving between midnight and 5:00 am is prohibited unless you are driving between home and work/school events or accompanied by a driver 25 years old or above.

Second six months: you may not drive with more than three non-family passengers under the age of 20. Driving between midnight and 5:00 am is prohibited unless you are driving between home and work/school events or accompanied by a driver 25 years old or above.

Mobile communication devices cannot be in use while the vehicle is in operation, including cell phones and hands-free accessories (i.e.

distracted driving

These restrictions are lifted once you reach the age of 18 or have held the license for a year, whichever comes first. You will then have an unrestricted driver’s license to legally drive in the Beaver State.

Exceptions

Currently, all young drivers must follow the GLD program to obtain their full license. There are no exceptions.

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FAQs

Can you get an Oregon driver’s license at 16?

Yes. Teenagers in Oregon can get a provisional driver’s license at the age of 16 if they have held a learner’s license for at least 6 months and complete 50 to 100 hours of driving practice with a qualified supervisor. You must also pass the Class C driving skills test and vision test before getting the license.

Can you drive by yourself at 17 in Oregon?

You can drive alone at 17 in Oregon within the curfew from 5:00 am to midnight.