Oregon’s Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements

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.

How Does a Teen Driver Get a Driver's License in Oregon?

Teenagers who are younger than 18, must complete the following licensing steps to get a full driver's license.

• Step one: Provisional instruction permit.
• Step two: Provisional driver license.
• Step three: 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.

Eligibility Requirements for Every License Level

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:

• has a "problem condition" involving drugs or alcohol
• has a mental or physical condition that affects the person's ability to drive safely
• is unable to understand highway signs
• has a current suspension or revocation of driving privileges in Oregon or another state
• has been declared a "habitual offender"
• has—and doesn't surrender—a current out-of-state license or permit or a valid Oregon driver's license or permit
• hasn't complied with the requirements of a traffic citation in another jurisdiction, or
• hasn't shown proof of completion of a treatment program after a conviction for a DUII offense.

(Or. Rev. Stat. § 807.060 (2024).)

Learner's (Instruction) Permits in Oregon

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).)

How Do You Get a Learner's Permit in Oregon?

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:

• pass a knowledge test
• pass a vision test
• provide a Social Security number or a written statement that the applicant doesn't have one
• provide proof of identity, date of birth, and residence
• provide proof of school enrollment, exemption, or completion, and
• pay a fee.

(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.021, 807.040, 807.066, 807.070, 807.280 (2024).)

What Are the Driving Restrictions for a Learner's Permit?

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).)

Provisional Driver Licenses in Oregon

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.

How Do You Get a Provisional Driver License in Oregon?

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:

• possession of a learner's permit for at least six months
• 100 hours of supervised driving experience, or 50 hours and completion of a state-approved traffic safety education course
• proof of school enrollment, exemption, or completion
• passing knowledge, driving, and vision tests, and
• payment of all required fees.

(Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 807.060, 807.065, 807.066, 807.070 (2024).)

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).)

What Are the Driving Restrictions for a Provisional Driver License?

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:

• between home and work
• between home and a school event and there is no other transportation available
• for purposes of employment, or
• while accompanied by a person who is at least 25 years old and has a valid driver's license.

(Or. Rev. Stat. § 807.122 (2024).)

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).)

How Do You Get a Full Driver's License in Oregon?

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).)

Do Permit Drivers Need Insurance in Oregon?

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).