Oregon Drivers Test

Taking a driver's test in Oregon is not much different from doing so in any other state, since you are tested on the same things - your ability to control the vehicle and follow the driving rules at the same time. There is no magic trick or a universal advice that would help you pass the driving test, the key is to practice as much as possible, as practice is the only thing that can make you a safe driver. Teenagers will need to meet all graduated license requirements before they can take their Oregon road test.

Driving Test Requirements

Taking a driving test is one of the final steps in the process of obtaining a drivers license, which means that there are other steps to be taken before you get to this point. These drivers test requirements are age dependent and teenagers need to follow the Oregon's graduated license program that was designed for those who wish to obtain a drivers license before their 18th birthday. The program was crafted to keep youngsters safe and it is based on multiple studies that were conducted nationwide.

Drivers Test - Under 18 Years of Age

The first thing you need to do is to obtain a learners permit. This requirement is mandatory and you will not be able to take the driving test unless you have a valid drivers permit on your hands. The great thing about the permit is that it allows you to practice your driving skills while being supervised by a more experienced driver, so you will have some driving experience by the time you get to taking the road skills exam.

Before the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue you with a driving permit, you must prove that you are no stranger to the state's driving rules. Your knowledge is challenged by the Oregon permit test, a series of multiple choice questions that cover the driving rules and road signs. Want to see what the drivers permit test is like? You can take this online Oregon practice drivers test that covers the same topics as the real knowledge exam.

You will need to hold your drivers permit for at least six months and be no younger than 16 years of age before you can take a driving test in Oregon. The holding period must be used for preparation for the driving exam and you must make sure to observe all Oregon permit restrictions until you pass the driving test. According to the graduated license program, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving and an Oregon drivers education course OR 100 hours of supervised driving.

When all of the above requirements are met, you are good to schedule the driving test with the DMV. Those who successfully pass the test are issued with a provisional drivers license.

In addition to taking the Oregon driving test, obtaining a drivers license will require you to take an additional test that is called Safe Driving Practices Test. This is a knowledge test that is quite similar to the permit exam in the sense that is covers the driving rules, however this test also incorporates questions on safe driving techniques that you should have acquired during the supervised driving practice stage.

Driving Test - 18 Years of Age and Older

The main requirement remains the same, no matter how old you are - you must obtain a driving permit before you can take a drivers license test in Oregon. Just like everyone else, you will be required to take a knowledge exam that covers the driving rules, so you may want to read the Oregon driving manual before you visit the DMV and submit your application for a permit.

Once you get that permit, you can start preparing for the driving exam. Although the DMV does not specify how long you need to hold that permit for before you can take the drivers test, you should not rush and spend at least couple of weeks familiarizing yourself with the vehicle you will be taking the test in.

Scheduling the Road Test

All road tests must be scheduled, you cannot just go to the DMV any time you wish and expect to be tested. You can find a list of contact phone numbers for scheduling the driving test in Oregon at the DMV website or in the drivers handbook.

If you cannot keep your appointment, call in and cancel in advance so the time slot can be allocated to someone else.

Make sure to arrive for your appointment at least 5-10 minutes early. This will give your examiner enough time to verify your paperwork and to run a quick safety inspection of the vehicle. If you are late for the appointment, you will have to reschedule.

Things to Bring / What to Expect

One thing you should definitely bring with you is your Oregon driving permit. You will not be allowed to take the road test unless you have a document that allows you to operate a vehicle.

Another thing you should worry about is the vehicle you will be taking the test in. The DMV does not offer any vehicles for testing, which leaves it up to you to come up with a car. The vehicle for the road test must be registered and insured, it must also be in good mechanical condition, with working seat belts. The DMV examiner will conduct a safety inspection of the vehicle and if it does not satisfy any of these requirements, you will need to reschedule for another time.

During the road test, the following things will be assessed:

Starting the vehicle. Your familiarity with vehicle controls will be inspected at this point. The examiner will ask you to locate all vehicle controls without having to look for them. When you pull out of the parking lot, make sure to check for traffic in all directions.
Stopping. You have to be able to stop smoothly, while maintaining full control of the vehicle. An emergency stop situation may be simulated, when you will be required to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.
Turn around. This may encompass a number of maneuvers. You have to be able to do a proper U-turn and a three-point turn.
Starting and stopping up and downhill. Remember to turn your wheel in the correct direction while parking on hills. If you don't remember what is the right way to park on hills, check the Kentucky driving handbook for this information.
Parallel parking. You have to be able to park the vehicle within 8 inches from the curb, with your vehicle parallel to the sidewalk. The wheels cannot touch the sidewalk. If you practice enough, this maneuver should not pose any difficulties.
Speed. Maintaining appropriate speed is important. Don't try to drive too slowly as it impedes other traffic.
General driving habits. The examiner will observe how you are behaving behind the wheel, how well you interact with other drivers on the road, whether you give the right of way whenever it's appropriate.

If you fail the test, you will have to wait a certain period of time before retaking the test again. The amount of time depends on your age and is as following.

Under 18 years of age: if you fail the drivers test in Oregon, you have to wait at least 28 days before taking the exam again. Fail the test five times and you will have to wait at least twelve months before taking another shot at it.

18 Years of age and older: if you fail the road test, you have to wait at least seven days before taking the exam again. If you fail the second attempt, the waiting time is extended to 14 days. If you fail again, the waiting time goes up to 28 days for every subsequent attempt. Those who fail the exam five times are required to spend at least a year practicing driving before retesting again.

Those who successfully complete the drivers test are awarded with an Oregon driving license. Mind you, if you are under 18 years of age, you get a restricted drivers license and you will need to observe all Oregon provisional license restrictions until you are bumped up to a full license.