. You’re eligible to apply for a learner’s permit (the first phase) once you turn 15 years old. You’ll also have to pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening.

Instead of jumping right into an unrestricted license, new drivers in the Beaver State go through a three-step process. First, you’ll get your learner’s permit, which allows you to study the driver’s manual and learn about regulations. To get the permit, you’ll have to pass a written test and vision test, plus show proof of residency, and more.

In this guide, we’ll help you figure out the paperwork and what you need to bring to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get your Oregon learner’s permit.

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How to get an Oregon learner’s permit

Let’s start with the basics. To get your learner’s permit, you’ve got to meet the

Oregon driving age

of at least 15 years. Your first step is to get ahold of the Oregon Driver Manual—available from the DMV or

online

. Study up on the manual to learn about traffic signs, sharing the road, and responsible driving. You’ll need to know this essential information to pass the written test.

When you’re confident and ready to take the written test,

make an appointment

at your local DMV or drop in if it doesn’t look too busy. To save time, the DMV encourages new drivers to complete an

online pre-application

before heading to the DMV. They’ll ask you to complete the application on a touchscreen device at the DMV. You’ll also need your parent or guardian to fill out the state’s

parental consent form

At the DMV, you’ll have to pay $5 and pass the 35-question multiple-choice knowledge test that covers the information in the Oregon Driver Manual. You can find state-approved practice tests

online

. You must answer 28 of the questions correctly to pass the test.

Next, a DMV employee will test your vision to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely. Then, they’ll take your picture for your learner’s permit. Even though you can wear glasses for the vision test, you’ll have to remove them for the photograph.

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What to bring to DMV

The DMV will probably ask you if you’re interested in getting a Real ID. This is slightly different from the standard learner’s permit or driver’s license that they issue. Starting in May 2025, you’ll be required to show Real ID (or a valid passport) if you want to board an airplane. To get a Real ID, you’ll have to show your U.S. Passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.

If you don’t want to mess with getting a Real ID, here’s what you’ll need to prove and a few examples of what documents the DMV will accept:

Full legal name: birth certificate or passport, U.S. immigration documents

Legal presence in the U.S., identity, and date of birth: U.S. birth certificate or U.S. consular report of birth abroad

Social Security number: Social Security card or a document issued by the Social Security Administration

Oregon residency: mail addressed to you at your current address, a verbal statement from your parent stating you live at that address, school records with your address listed

Sometimes, the DMV agent can verify your Social Security number electronically, but it helps to have physical proof just in case.

Pay the $23 learner’s permit fee and just wait for the DMV to mail your permit to the address on your application.

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Oregon learner’s permit regulations

Now that you’ve got your learner’s permit, it’s time to start practicing! The state requires you to have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat when you drive. If you’re still under 18, you’ll have to complete 100 hours of supervised driving and have had your permit for at least six months to get your

Oregon provisional license

The state reduces the number of required hours if you take an approved Driver’s Ed course and complete it. If you take the course, you only have to put in 50 hours of supervised driving.

You’ll also have to pass a driving test or present your Driver’s Ed certificate, pass another written test, show all the necessary documents to the DMV, and pay the $69 license and testing fees to get that provisional license. You’ll still have some driving restrictions, but these lift after one year or when you turn 18 years old.

Remember: You’ll need

car insurance

once you’re behind the wheel. Looking for young driver discounts is a good idea to help tackle the costs. For instance, you could score a

driver training discount

or a good student discount to reduce your monthly insurance costs.

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

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Jerry
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