Languages and accommodations
The manual says the test comes in several languages, with or without audio. You can use your own earbuds, and with permission, a paper translation dictionary. It doesn't list the languages or the fees. ODOT posts fees on its driver fees page.
At the office
Bring proof of identity and date of birth, your SSN (or proof you aren't eligible for one), and your Oregon residence address. You'll surrender any other licenses. Under 18, a parent or guardian signs the electronic application. Vision screening may lead to a referral to a specialist.
Permit (15) to license (16)
Your supervisor must be 21+, licensed at least three years. Hold the permit six months (an out-of-state permit counts), then choose your hours route:
| Route | Supervised hours |
|---|---|
| No course | 100 |
| ODOT-approved traffic safety education course | 50 |
The course cuts the requirement in half. Under 18, you can't use a phone or mobile device at all while driving. At 18+, hands-free only. If you fail the drive test, you can retest the next business day.
The manual we read doesn't describe passenger or night limits for provisional licenses, so we don't list any.
Oregon speeds, low and specific
- 15 mph: alleys and narrow residential roadways
- 20 mph: business districts and school zones. If you're unsure whether it's a school day on a “7 a.m.–5 p.m.” sign, slow to 20.
- 25 mph: residential districts, parks and ocean shores
- 55 mph: other roads unless posted
Why so low? The manual gives the numbers. A pedestrian hit at 23 mph has about a 10% risk of death, at 42 mph about 50%, and at 58 mph about 90%. Keep 2–4 seconds of following distance, and 4+ above 30 mph.
Painted medians don't count. When a school bus shows red lights, only an unpaved median or barrier lets opposite traffic keep going. On a four-lane road with a painted median, all lanes stop. Buses for worship services or workers with flashing lights are treated like school buses.
Alcohol and insurance
DUII is presumed at .08, and you can be arrested lower. Under 21, it's zero tolerance: any BAC fails the implied consent test. Open containers are illegal on any road, and a resealed bottle with a broken seal still counts. Minimum insurance is 25/50/20, plus $15,000 PIP and 25/50 uninsured motorist coverage. Disabled-parking fines run from $165 to $1,000.
Neighbors
Washington · Idaho · Nevada · California