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How to Get an Instruction Permit - Under 18 Years of Age
DMV issues Class C provisional instruction permits to eligible applicants who are between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.
 
A provisional instruction permit allows drivers to operate a vehicle only if they are accompanied by a person who:
  • Currently has a valid driver license;
  • Has had a valid driver license for at least 3 years;
  • Is at least 21 years of age; and
  • Is sitting beside the provisional driver (in the passenger seat vs. a back seat).
In order to apply any hours of experience gained operating a motor vehicle with a provisional instruction permit (towards the required 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving for a provisional driver license), the instructor must meet all of the criteria listed above. 
 
A provisional instruction permit authorizes the operation of any vehicle for which a Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required (except a motorcycle or moped).
 
Provisional drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device, including talking on a cell phone and/or sending or receiving text messages.  Furthermore, this restriction remains in effect until the driver is 18 years of age.

Qualify/Apply
You must apply in person at a DMV office, and you must:

Expiration/Renewal
Provisional instruction permits are valid for twenty-four months from the date of issuance.
 
DMV does not send renewal notices for instruction permits.
 
If your instruction permit is about to expire, you may renew it. However, renewing your instruction permit prior to the expiration date does not extend the validity of the new permit for the time remaining on your current permit. The new permit will be valid for twenty-four months from the date of issuance.
 
To renew your instruction permit, you will be required to surrender the current instruction permit and pay the applicable fee(s).
 
If your instruction permit is expired for one year or more, you must successfully complete the Class C knowledge test and vision screening tests and pay all applicable testing and issuance fees.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to have my permit before I can apply for a Provisional Drivers License?
You must have had an instruction permit from Oregon, another state or the District of Columbia, for at least six months. The instruction permit must have been valid for at least six months in the issuing state or District of Columbia.
 
Or you may find answers on the Frequently Asked Questions for Teens page.

Related Information
Additional information that may be relevant includes:
Publications and Web sites that may be helpful for teens/parents include:

 
Page updated: September 17, 2008

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