Oregon

Oregon Online Driver Education and Oregon Licensing Procedures

Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Oregon Learner’s Permit or first Oregon driver’s license. Oregon has a Graduated Driver License Program for Oregon teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Oregon driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.

The Oregon Instructional Permit or Oregon Learner’s Permit

When you turn 15, you can finally apply for an Oregon Instruction Permit, otherwise known as an Oregon Learner’s Permit. In order to apply, you must:

• Be between the ages of 15-17 and a resident of Oregon
• Provide proper identification and proof of a Social Security Number
• Provide proof of school enrollment
• Surrender your Oregon Identification card (if you have one)
• Bring your parent/guardian to sign your application form
• Bring the correct license fee

Once you’re ready, head on down to your local Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as the class C knowledge test. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Oregon Instruction Permit, which is valid for 24 months from the date it was issued.

Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21, has a valid driver license, and is sitting beside you. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Oregon Instruction Permit with you at all times.

Once you’ve held your Oregon Learner’s Permit for 6 months and have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Oregon Graduated License Program, the Oregon Provisional License.

The Oregon Provisional Driver License and Oregon Full Driver License

You can apply for your Oregon Probationary Driver License once you’ve held your Oregon Temporary Instruction Permit for 6 months and have met a few requirements in addition to the identification requirements listed in the Oregon Instruction Permit section:

• Hold your Oregon Instruction Permit for at least 6 months in good standing
• Complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving in an Oregon approved traffic education safety school or...
• Complete 100 hours of driving practice with a parent/guardian or licensed driver over 21
• Pass a Safe Driving Practice Test
• Make an appointment for the dreaded Oregon road test
• Be able to provide proof of insurance on the car you’ll use to take the test.
• Bring the appropriate testing fees

If you’ve completed these requirements, then make your appointment and head on down to your local Oregon DMV. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Oregon driving test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Oregon Provisional License. However you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being

Oregon Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

There are a few restrictions for your Oregon Provisional Driver License that you should be aware of.

For the first 6 months:

No passengers under the age of 20 (unless they’re family)

No driving between midnight and 5AM unless traveling:

• Between home and work
• To a school event
• For employment purposes
• While accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old
• Also, no driving while using a cell phone (this includes hands-free devices)

For the second 6 months:

• No more than 3 passengers under 20 (who are not immediate family)
• No driving between midnight and 5AM unless driving:
• Between home and work
• To a school event
• For employment purposes
• While accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old
• And again, no driving while using a cell phone (this includes hands-free devices)

However, once you turn 18, you can finally apply for your Oregon Unrestricted License. Then, these restrictions are removed. Freedom!

Oregon Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

Once you receive your Oregon Learner’s Permit or Oregon Intermediate Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Oregon drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:

• $25,000 bodily injury for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

You’ll also need:

Personal Injury Protection:

• $15,000 Per Person Per Accident

Uninsured Motorist Coverage:

• $25,000 – Bodily Injury Per Person
• $50,000 – Bodily Injury Per Accident

If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Oregon mandatory liability insurance, your Oregon license could be suspended.

Oregon Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws

As an Oregon teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Oregon drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Oregon has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of an Oregon DUI or Oregon DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.

Upon your first conviction of an Oregon DUI, you’ll face the following penalties:

• Jail from 48 hours to 1 year, minimum
• Community Service 80 hours
• Fine of $1,000, minimum
• DUI Fees $300 minimum
• License Suspension of 1 year
• Ignition Interlock Device installation
• Drug/Alcohol Treatment Program
• Participation in Victim-Impact Panel Program Required

And of course, further Oregon DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Oregon license suspension or even Oregon license revocation.

Currently, Oregon teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, even with hands-free devices.

Oregon Online Driver Education

Oregon teen drivers are required to take an Oregon approved driver education course. You can find a list of Oregon approved traffic safety courses here.