About the Oregon DMV written test
The Oregon knowledge test (often searched as the Oregon permit test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Oregon driver handbook published by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services.
Oregon applicants take a 35-question multiple-choice knowledge test based on the Oregon Driver Manual, and you need 28 correct answers to pass. Teens aged 15 to 17 can get a provisional instruction permit after passing the test and a vision test.
Oregon permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can get an instruction permit at age 15; under 18 you must hold it at least 6 months before applying for a license.
- Questions on the real test
- 35
- Passing score
- You must answer at least 28 of the 35 questions correctly to pass the knowledge test.
- Vision screening
- A vision test is required; it is free, and failing sends you to a vision specialist.
- Permit fee
- The knowledge test costs $7 per attempt for teens; the permit issuance fee is listed on the DMV fee page.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% for drivers 21+; zero tolerance for drivers under 21.
- Seat belt law
- Everyone in every seating position must wear a seat belt; children use approved car seats until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services before you test.
What Oregon drivers should know
- School speed zones are 20 mph from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.
- Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of an intersection crosswalk.
- Provisional drivers: no passengers under 20 (except family) for 6 months and no driving midnight to 5 a.m.
- Under 18 needs 100 supervised hours, or 50 hours plus an approved traffic safety course.
- Under 18 drivers may not use any mobile device, even hands-free.
Topics covered in our Oregon practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Oregon permit test
- Read the official Oregon driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DMV.