Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Oregon You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Oregon who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

The kind of instruction permit you need to apply for depends on your age. There is a separate one for those above and below 18 years of age.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Oregon Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local DMV Office.
2. Fill in the application form.
3. A number of documents and proofs are required when applying for an instruction permit. You must bring with you:
   • Proof of legal name.
   • Proof of residency.
   • Provide proof of identity and legal presence.
   • Your social security number.
4. If you are under 18, the application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian unless you are married or an emancipated minor.
5. Also, if you are under 18, you must provide proof of school enrollment, completion or exemption.
6. You will also need to pass a vision screening test and a Class C license knowledge test at a DMV Office. A driver's manual is available to help you prepare for this test. It is also recommended that you take some practice tests.
7. Pay the applicable testing and issuance fees; it will be $22.50 for the permit and $5 fee for the Class C knowledge test. You will have to give a separate check for each different fee.
8. Bear in mind, you need to surrender your out-of-state permit, if you have one.

When driving with an instruction permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. You are not permitted to carry any other passengers.

THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your instruction permit, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) or passed an approved traffic safety education course before being issued the provisional license. The provisional driver's license in Oregon includes the following restrictions:

1. Provisional drivers are not permitted to drive between 12 am and 5 am for a year, unless supervised by a license holder at least 25 years old.
2. For the initial six months, you cannot carry any passenger less than 20 years of age, unless they are your family.
3. For the next six months, you cannot carry more than 3 passengers under 20, unless supervised by a license holder at least 25 years old.

THE DRIVER LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. An instruction permit may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver license provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. Have not had a revoked or suspended license in Oregon or elsewhere.
2. Have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months.
3. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Oregon, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.