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Drive Tests
About Drive Tests
Under 18 Years of Age
Failing the Test
Regular Drive Test
Motorcycle Drive Test
Commercial Drive Test
Related Information
About Drive Tests
  • Locations & Hours - Drive tests are conducted at most regular DMV offices. Refer to the individual DMV office pages for directions, hours and phone numbers.
  • Make an Appointment - Check the DMV office listing and call the office or drive test center nearest you. They can schedule a day and time for your drive test.
  • Proof of Insurance - Before the drive test is conducted you will be required to provide proof of insurance. If you do not have the necessary insurance information you will have to reschedule the drive test.
  • Proof of legal presence, full legal name, identity and date of birth - You may be asked to provide acceptable proof of legal presence, full legal name, identity and date of birth.
  • Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) - You may be asked to provide acceptable documentation proving your Social Security Number.
  • Vehicle Inspection - The examiner will inspect your vehicle to ensure it can be safely and legally operated. If equipment is not working properly, the examiner may be unable to give the drive test. Your vehicle must be equipped with safety belts and have valid license plates or a temporary permit. Refer to the Oregon Driver Manual (EnglishSpanish, or Korean) for more information regarding the vehicle inspection. If the vehicle does not pass the inspection you will have to re-schedule the drive test.
  • Fees - Depending on the drive test you are taking there may be a fee charged. You must pay test fees in advance. Please bring a separate payment for your issuance fee (see note on payment of test fees.)
  • Expired Driver License - If your driver license is expired for more than one year, you will be required to take the knowledge and drive test before renewing.

Under 18 Years of Age
If you are under 18 and applying for a provisional driver license, there are additional requirements that you are subject to – please refer to Getting a Driver License – Under 18 for specific information.

Failing the Test
Under 18
If you fail this test and you are under 18 years of age, you must wait at least 28 days after each failure before retaking the test. You must have a valid instruction permit for 28 days between tests. If you fail a fifth test, you must wait at least one year before taking another test.
 
Over 18
If you are 18 years of age or older, you must wait a minimum of seven days before taking your next test. If you fail the second time, you must wait at least two weeks before the third test. Subsequent tests must be taken at least four weeks apart. If you fail your fifth test, you must wait at least one year before taking another test.
 
Fee
A testing fee is required for each test given (see note on payment of test fees). You will be required to pay the test fee in advance every time you take the drive exam.

Regular Drive Test
During the behind-the-wheel drive test, you show your driving skills and how you obey traffic rules, highway signs and signals. The test includes turning, signaling, backing, changing lanes, controlling speed, road courtesy and general driving ability.
 
Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during a driving test; the only exception is that a supervisor may go on a drive test to observe the examiner. Interpreters, children or pets cannot be in the vehicle during a test.

Motorcycle Drive Test
Basic vehicle control and collision-avoidance skills are included in the on-cycle operation tests to determine your ability to handle normal and hazardous traffic situations. For example, you may be tested for your ability to:
  • Know your motorcycle and your riding limits.
  • Accelerate, brake, and turn safely.
  • See, be seen and communicate with others.
  • Adjust speed and position to the traffic situation.
  • Stop, turn and swerve quickly.
  • Make critical decisions and carry them out.
Examiners may score on factors related to safety such as:
  • Selecting safe speeds to perform maneuvers.
  • Choosing the correct path and staying within boundaries.
  • Completing normal and quick stops.
  • Completing normal and quick turns, or swerves.
Fee
There is no fee to take this test.

Commercial Drive Test
These tests must be conducted in English only and translators are not permitted.
 
Before taking the drive test you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You may be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you should inspect and why.  Section 11 of the CDL manual tells you what to inspect and how to inspect it.
 
You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive. Section 12 of the CDL manual explains more about this test.
 
Third Party Testers
CDL drive tests are also available from Third Party Testers.
 
Fee
A testing fee is required for each test given (see note on payment of test fees).

Related Information

 
Page updated: July 22, 2008

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