The Ultimate Guide to Your Oregon Road Test

We know that taking your Oregon road test can be nerve-wracking. With a little preparation and insight into the test itself, there's nothing to be worried about. This guide will make sure you know the specific requirements in Oregon, what you can expect on the road test itself and give our best practice tips. Here's exactly what you need to know to pass your Oregon road test.

What to know before your Oregon road test

First, you need to have a road test scheduled. There are no walk-ins. The two ways to schedule your Oregon road test are by calling the DMV at 503-945-5000 or by scheduling it with a Class C testing business which you can find online. Next, make sure you have valid registration and insurance for the vehicle you'll be taking your test in. If you are under 18, you must also have had your instruction permit for at least six months.

You'll need all of these documents when you check-in at the DMV. Lastly, make sure your testing vehicle meets Oregon requirements, and that you have a licensed driver to accompany you to your road test. We've listed out the car requirements for you in the next section, to make it easier to go through and check off each one.

Once you verified your road test, paperwork, and car requirements, it's time for more practice. We strongly recommend that you do, as this is where part of your road test will be. Take time and get to know the area.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Oregon road test?

Many people are denied testing because their car doesn't meet the state requirements. Check these and check them again. Make sure your testing vehicle meets these requirements:

  • Current registration, insurance, and inspection sticker
  • A windshield with no cracks or debris that would obstruct the view
  • Key safety requirements: working speedometer, horn, rearview mirror, seatbelts and windshield wipers
  • Working doors: the driver and passenger doors must open from the inside and outside
  • Working lights: brake lights, turn signal lights in front and back, headlights and taillights.
  • No service or warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.
  • Tires can't be bald or damaged.

If you don't have a vehicle that meets all of these requirements and/or a sponsor to take you to your road test, you have a few options. You can get a car through a driving school, see if a friend or family can accompany you with their car, or Skip offers a car and driver for the Oregon road test which you can reserve ahead of time online.

What to know the day of your Oregon road test

First, get to the DMV early! If you're late, they'll ask you to reschedule. The testing fee is $9 so make sure you bring that with you, as well as your licensed driver and car. Before your test, make sure your cell phone and any electronics are turned off and that you remove anything from your dashboard and rearview mirror.

The examiner will come to the driver's side window to ask for their Driver's License, your permit, as well as the registration and insurance for the vehicle. Your licensed driver will then get out (and can wait inside the DMV for you) and the examiner will begin the test, which starts with the vehicle safety check in the parking lot. They'll as you to show them the car's hazard lights, left and right blinker, horn as well as hand signals. Then examiner will move to the passenger seat to begin the driving portion of the test, which will start right in the parking lot before you head out to the road. Below, we've listed the maneuvers you should practice for your Oregon road test.

Lastly, remember, the examiners are not out to fail you. They want you to pass as much as you do. First and foremost, they want safety on the road, so show them you have good, safe control of the vehicle and you should do fine. 🙂

If you'd like any refreshers on signs and safety, feel free to check out the Oregon Driver's Manual.

What will I be tested on for the Oregon road test?

  1. Left and right turns: You'll be asked to perform multiple of both of these at major intersections, as well as controlled (stop signs) and uncontrolled intersections (no stop sign or light).
  2. Lane changes and signaling: Always be sure to signal and turn and look before changing lanes.
  3. Observing: always be looking! Look over your shoulder for your bling spot or behind the vehicle, before backing up. The most common mistakes on the Oregon road test are observational, so always be looking!
  4. Backing up: You'll be asked to go in reverse for about two car lengths along the curb. Make sure you don't hit the curb, you will lose points if you do.
  5. Parking

During your road test, it's highly likely that your examiner will be taking notes on a clipboard. This is nothing to worry about! The examiner is likely checking off requirements as you complete them. Keep your eyes on the road and not on your examiner, and you'll do just fine.

Lastly, here's a short, helpful video put out by the Oregon DMV to recap and give you a real-time feel of what you can expect on road test day:

What happens after my Oregon road test?

Congratulations on making it this far! If you passed, the tester will let you know where to go to get your license. If you failed, not to worry, most people pass by their second try. The examiner will be happy to go over anything you got wrong and answer any questions. In Oregon, if you fail you can re-take your test as soon as 7 days later. If you fail 5 times, you'll need to wait 1 year before you can test again. Each time you take the test, make sure you have a licensed driver with you and car. In the meantime, keep practicing and re-schedule your road test when you feel ready. 🙂

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