Oregon Department of Transportation : Learn to Drive : Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services : State of Oregon

Whether you want to learn to drive for the first time, want a refresher course, or need special training for a medical condition; you have some options:

  • Learn from a licensed driver; or
  • Take a driver training course.

Learn From a Licensed Driver

For basic driving instruction, you can ask any licensed driver to teach you how to drive.  There are some criteria they need to meet.

The licensed driver must:

  • Be 21 years old or older; and
  • Have held a valid Driver License for 3 years.

Take a Driver Training Course

You can take a course from a certified driver training provider, or driving school.

Some course examples are:

  • Driver Ed: teens or adults;
  • Defensive Driving;
  • Bad Weather Driving; or
  • Private Lessons.

DMV certifies driver training businesses and instructors.  To get certified, they must prove their knowledge of the rules and laws about driving in Oregon.  They can only teach driving in a non-commercial passenger vehicle, not a commercial truck or bus.

Select your age group to see your options:

Teens – Under 18

​You can take a specialized Driver Ed course for teens, or a standard driver training course.

Specialized Teen Driver Ed Course

DMV and Transportation Safety Division have teamed up with WhyDriveWithEd to give you a list of approved Driver Ed providers that offer this specialized course.  When you contact a provider, be sure to ask for their TSD-Approved Driver Ed course.

This course gives you added benefits when you pass before turning 18.  This course:

  • Counts as 50 hours of driving experience;
  • Waives the DMV drive test; and
  • Costs less than the others.

Standard Driver Training Course

Many of the providers on WhyDriveWithEd offer several types of courses.  You can also take a course from a provider listed in the Adults section below.