Oregon Learners Permit Application
If you would like to obtain driving privileges in Oregon and you have never held a license before, you will need to apply for an Oregon learners permit first. The permit will give you the chance to practice driving in a relatively safe driving environment before you hit the roads on your own. The exact permit application procedure that you need to follow depends on your age, since teenagers need to meet graduated license requirements on top of the regular provisions. Taking a permit test is mandatory for all Oregon driver's permit applicants.
Graduate Drivers License
You may be aware of the fact that teenagers face higher risks of being involved in a traffic accident than an average driver. What's even worse - a teen driver is also more likely to sustain serious injuries in a traffic accident, mostly because teens frequently dismiss safety precautions such as wearing seat belts.
That is why the Department of Motor Vehicles has developed a separate licensing program that targets those who wish to receive driving privileges before their 18th birthday. The program is known by most of us as the Oregon graduated license system and it combines a number of restrictions and requirements all crafted toward one goal - keeping youngsters safe during their first years of driving.
Instruction Permit - Under 18 Years of Age
In order to be eligible for an Oregon drivers permit, you need to be at least 15 years of age. However, there is no rule that prevents you from learning rules before this time. You will be required to take a learners permit test as part of the application procedure, the test that is based on Oregon driving rules and road signs, so why not prepare in advance?
Although the state does not require you to take a drivers education course prior to submitting an application for a learners permit, it may still be a good idea to sign up for one of the DMV-approved Oregon drivers education classes. Drivers ed go a great job at getting you prepared for the exam. Plus, completing a drivers ed course will allow you to upgrade to a drivers license with just 50 hours of supervised driving experience.
As you can see, there are not that many permit requirements that you need to meet. Whenever you feel that you are ready to tackle the knowledge exam, visit the nearest DMV office and file your application for Oregon driver's permit. Should you successfully pass a vision test and the knowledge exam, you are issued with an instruction permit and you can start your driving practice.
Remember that you will need to keep your drivers permit for at least six months before you can take the drivers test and obtain your first drivers license. Even then, your license will be marked as interim and you will have to observe all Oregon provisional license restrictions until you graduate to a full driver license.
Application for Learners Permit - 18 Years of Age and Older
Those who already celebrated their 18th birthday have it much easier when it comes to applying for an Oregon driver's license, however the application for learners permit is exactly the same, no matter the age. You should start by learning the state driving rules and a reading the Oregon DMV drivers permit book is not the worst way to do it.
Once you are done with the book, visit a local DMV office, take a vision exam, take the permit test, file your application and the rest of the paperwork that comes with it. If the paperwork is in order and you pass the tests, you are issued with an instruction permit. There is no minimum amount of time that you need to hold the permit for, so you can schedule your Oregon driving test whenever you feel comfortable enough behind the wheel.
Testing Requirements
Those who never held a drivers license before and are now applying for their first driver's permit must take a vision test and a knowledge exam that covers the state driving rules. Successful completion of both tests is a must.
Eye Sight Exam
The following minimum vision requirements must be met when applying for a learners permit:
- visual acuity level 20/70
- field of vision 110 degrees
If you do not meet these standards, you are referred to an eye care specialist who will make a professional assessment of your eye sight and provide you with a report to take to the DMV. Depending on the results of this assessment, you be issued with limited driving privileges or you may be denied any driving privileges at all.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses during the eye exam, a note will be placed onto your learners permit and you will be required to wear glasses whenever you are driving.
Learners Permit Test
Taking a permit test is another important part of the application process. The DMV cannot allow you to get behind the wheel unless you can prove that you know the state's driving rules and won't pose any danger to yourself and other drivers on the road. The knowledge exam has questions that cover most of the common aspects of driving, so it does a good job at weeding out those who did not study the rules.
The permit test in Oregon is provided in the form of a computer test and you do not need to make any appointments for it. Just show up any time during the regular business hours, present the paperwork required for applying for a permit and take the test. If you do not pass the first time, you will have to return another day.
Those who are not sure whether they know the rules well enough to take the real DMV permit test are welcome to try this online Oregon practice permit test that covers the same rules and should give you a good estimate of your current level of preparation.
Required Paperwork
The paperwork that you need to present along with the application for drivers permit in Oregon is very similar to the paperwork required by other states in such circumstances. Photocopies are not accepted, you must either bring the originals or have a notarized copy.
When you arrive at the DMV for your learners permit appointment, make sure to present the following:
- proof of name
- proof of birth date
- Social Security Number
- proof of legal presence
- proof of Oregon residence
If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the office and sign the application form. The application cannot be processed without parental authorization.
Operating Under a Learners Permit
When the application process if finally behind you, you can start preparing for the road test. However, don't forget that although the permit grants you some driving privileges, they are still very limited and you must observe all Oregon drivers permit restrictions until you pass the road test. For example, you cannot drive alone and must have a licensed driver 21 years of age or older accompany you whenever you are driving. Once you pass the road test and receive your Oregon drivers license, these restrictions are removed.