By Jeff Burtka , Attorney · George Mason University Law School
Before drivers younger than 18 can obtain a full, unrestricted driver's license, Oregon requires them to hold a provisional instruction permit (sometimes called a "learner's permit") and then a provisional driver license.
Teenagers who are younger than 18, must complete the following licensing steps to get a full driver's license.
Each licensing step has its own requirements and restrictions. At age 18, teens who have completed each step can obtain a full driver's license.
Oregon has basic eligibility requirements for all driver's licenses and permits. A person isn't eligible for a permit or provisional driver's license who:
A provisional instruction permit (often called a "learner's permit") allows teenagers to drive with certain restrictions. A learner's permit is valid for two years after issuance. However, if a driver satisfies all the requirements, holding a permit is required for only 6 months or until the driver turns 16 years old, whichever comes later. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.060, 807.065, 807.280 (2024).)
To apply for a provisional instruction permit, a person must be at least 15—and younger than 18—years of age and must submit an application to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) signed by a parent or legal guardian (unless the minor is emancipated or married). The applicant must be a resident of Oregon. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.050, 807.060, 807.062, 807.280 (2024).)
The applicant also must:
A holder of a learner's permit must be accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver's license. The accompanying person must be in the front seat next to the holder of the learner's permit. The learner's permit must be in the driver's immediate possession while operating a vehicle. (Or. Rev. Stat. § 807.280 (2024).)
A provisional driver license allows a teen to drive alone with certain restrictions. The restrictions apply for the first year or until the driver turns 18 years old, whichever comes first.
To apply for a provisional driver license, a driver must be at least 16 and younger than 18 years old. The teen driver must submit an application to the DMV signed by a parent or legal guardian (unless the minor is emancipated or married). (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.050, 807.060, 807.062, 807.065 (2024).)
The driver must meet the following requirements to qualify for a provisional driver license:
Along with the application, the underage driver must provide proof of identity, physical address, and school enrollment, completion, or exemption. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.040, 807.066 (2024).)
For the first 6 months after a provisional license is issued, the motorist can't drive with a passenger younger than 20 years of age (unless the passenger is an immediate family member). For the second 6 months, the underage motorist can't drive with more than 3 non-immediate-family-member passengers who are younger than 20 years of age. The family-member restriction doesn't apply when the driver is transporting passengers younger than 20 years of age for employment purposes.
During the first year after issuance of a provisional license, the minor can't drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. except:
For all motorists younger than 18 years old, it's unlawful to use a mobile communication device, including hands-free accessories, while driving a motor vehicle. (Or. Rev. Stat. § 811.507 (2024).)
Teen drivers who are 18 or older and who have a provisional driver license and no major traffic convictions are eligible for a full driver's license.
Teens who are 18 or older and who don't have a provisional license can obtain a full license using the adult application process. They must complete an application and provide proof of age, identity, and Oregon residency. Adult applicants also must pass knowledge, driving, and vision tests and must pay applicable fees. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.040, 807.050 (2024).)
Oregon law requires all drivers to carry liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist insurance coverage. Even drivers holding a learner's permit or a provisional driver's license must carry proof of minimum insurance requirements. Failure to provide proof of minimum insurance requirements can result in a fine and suspension of driving privileges. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 806.010, 806.012, 806.080 (2024).