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A provisional license is the second phase in Oregon’s three-step licensing program for young and new drivers. Novice drivers who hold a valid instructional permit and are either 16 or 17 years old are eligible to apply for one upon completing 50 hours of supervised driving and passing an Oregon driver education course.

When it comes to getting your first unrestricted driver’s license, there are a lot of things you need to do before you can qualify. Many states use a three-phase graduated license process, which starts with a learner’s permit and ends with a full driver’s license—but what about the phase in between? That’s where a provisional license comes into play.

Obtaining a provisional license gets you one step closer to a full license, but you’ll still have to contend with certain requirements and restrictions that are unique to your state. Here’s everything you could ever hope to know about an Oregon provisional license, including how to get one, what they entail, and what you can (and can’t) do during the time you have one.

MORE: How to save on Oregon car insurance costs

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What is a provisional driver’s license in Oregon?

In order to make driving accessible for younger drivers, the state of Oregon uses a graduated licensing system to issue restricted permits/licenses to teenagers between the age of 15 and 17. Once the license-holder turns 18, they may apply for a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

A provisional license is the second level of license, preceded by an instructional permit—in order to qualify for a provisional license, one must be able to provide proof of the following:

An instructional permit (from any state) issued at least 6 months prior

Certification that they have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience

Certification that they have completed a driver education course that satisfies the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) specifications OR completion of at least 100 hours of supervised driving experience

You will then need to schedule a driving test with your local DMV or with a

Class C testing business

. You may not be required to take the test if you:

Turn in a Driver Education Certificate of Completion card issued by the Oregon’s Transportation Safety Division

Recently moved to Oregon and turn in an out-of-state license, which may be expired up to one year

If testing with the DMV, you will need to bring proof of your physical address and proof of your identity—you will also need to pass a vision test, regardless of whether you are required to take the driving test. Upon passing, you’ll be asked to pay the $60.00 provisional license fee and will have your picture taken.

What are the age requirements for an Oregon provisional driver’s license?

In order to obtain a valid provisional driver’s license in Oregon, the driver must be either 16 or 17 years old. If you are under the age of 18 but were issued a valid driver’s license by another state (or the District of Columbia), you will still need to schedule an appointment with your local DMV to obtain an Oregon provisional driver’s license.

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Can I get car insurance with a provisional driver's license?

How long is a provisional license in Oregon?

A provisional license in Oregon is good for a maximum of two years, but is only valid until the license-holder turns 18, at which point they must apply for a standard Class C driver’s license if they wish to continue driving.

What are the rules for driving with a provisional license in Oregon?

While drivers who hold a provisional license in Oregon are allowed to drive unsupervised, they are still subject to certain rules and restrictions based on their respective age group—what’s more, young drivers are often held to higher standards when it comes to maintaining a clean, accident-free driving record.

Novice drivers are also subject to extremely strict

DUI laws

in the state of Oregon, as any amount of alcohol detected—even 0.01%—can result in an immediate provisional license suspension.

What are the restrictions for a provisional license?

Unless driving with a parent, stepparent, or instructor, drivers with a provisional license are subject to the following restrictions:

During the entire first year—license holders may not drive between the hours of 12:00 am and 5:00 am unless driving home from work, between home and a school event (provided no other transportation is available), for employment purposes, or if accompanied by a licensed passenger who is at least 25 years old

During the first six months—unless they are immediate family members, license holders may not carry any passengers under 20 years of age

During the second six months—unless they are immediate family members, license holders may not carry more than three passengers under 20 years of age

Until 18 years of age—license holders may not operate a motor vehicle while using a mobile device (e.g. no talking on the phone, texting, etc.) or hands-free accessories

Failure to adhere to these restrictions can result in a citation from law enforcement, which qualifies as a Class B traffic violation. You will then be required to take part in Oregon’s Provisional Driver Improvement Program, which is designed to have an immediate impact on those convicted of traffic offenses or who have been involved in preventable accidents.

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Oregon license plates

How do I change my Oregon provisional license to a full license?

In order to change your Oregon provisional license to a standard Class C driver's license, you must reach 18 years of age, at which point you can begin the application process. To apply for a standard Class C license, you must provide the following:

Proof of age

Proof of identity and an Oregon residence address

A Social Security number and proof of legal presence

Bring all of these documents with you when you go to your local DMV. If you want to avoid the DMV’s infamous wait times, we recommend making an appointment with them beforehand, rather than simply showing up with the paperwork.

During the in-person application process, you will be required to pass a vision test, a 35-question knowledge test, and a driving test. Your driving test may be conducted at the DMV or through a Class C testing business—if you schedule one with your DMV, you’ll need to bring a registered vehicle and

valid proof of insurance

If you pass all of these tests, the DMV will take your driver’s license picture and collect any fees that apply—the DMV-led drive test costs $9.00 and Class C non-commercial driver’s licenses cost $60.00.

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