How to Pass Your Oregon Road Test: The Ultimate Guide

You’re probably both nervous and excited about taking your road test if you’re like most other new drivers. It’s a big moment–if you pass your test, you’ll be able to get your license and begin driving alone.

However, if you want to pass on the first try, you’ll need to prepare by finding out what to expect. That way, you can practice any driving techniques that need improvement, as well as reduce the stress of the big day by collecting documents and checking your vehicle ahead of time.

In this guide, we will go through everything you need to know to prepare for and pass the Oregon driving test.

Requirements Before the Oregon Road Test

The requirements will depend on your age – Oregon requires young drivers to complete a three-part graduated licensing program, which applies to drivers under the age of 18. If you are completing the graduated licensing program, you’ll take the road test when you’re transitioning from the instruction permit stage to the provisional license stage.

If you’re age 18 or over, you will be allowed to take the road test without getting an instruction permit.

Driver Checklist

Under 18 requirements:

• You’ve gotten an instruction permit.
  • You’ve studied the Driver’s Manual in preparation for the knowledge test.
  • You’ve gotten permission from a parent/guardian, pre-applied online, and scheduled an appointment.
  • You’ve brought the correct documents to the DMV.
  • You’ve passed the vision and knowledge tests.
  • You’ve paid the fees.

  You’ll only need 50 driving hours if you passed an approved driver’s education program. Additionally, if you have a hard plastic Driver Education Certificate of Completion, you may not have to take the road test.

  Over 18 requirements:

  The only requirement for drivers over 18 is that you’re able to provide proof of passing the written exam and vision exam.

  Vehicle Requirements

  Your vehicle will be checked just before you begin the actual road test. The following should be working correctly:

  • Headlights, brake lights, turn signals
  • Fenders
  • Rearview mirror
  • Seat belts
  • Muffler
  • Brakes
  • Horn
  • Tires
  • Ignition
  • Doors

  You should have license plates securely attached to your vehicle as well. If the weather conditions require them, you’ll also need to have working windshield wipers and/or defroster.

  How to Schedule Your Driving Test in Oregon

  Once you’re ready to take your driving test, pre-apply online if you haven’t gotten a license or permit before. You can schedule an appointment online as well, either with the Oregon DMV or with a third-party testing business.

  On the Day of Your Oregon Road Test

  As the big day approaches, make sure you’re ready for it by knowing exactly what will happen. Collect documents, check your vehicle, and practice your driving skills.

  What Should You Bring to the DMV?

  If you do not have the following documents, you will not be allowed to take the Oregon driving test. Before you go, check that you have:

  • Identity
  • Residency
  • Date of birth
  • Full legal name
  • Social security number
  • Current insurance for your vehicle
  • Registration for your vehicle

  You can find more information about which identification documents are acceptable.

  How Does the Oregon Road Test Work?

  Just before you take the road test, you’ll have to take and pass a vision test and the Safe Driving Practices test, which is a written knowledge test based on information in the Driver’s Manual. If you’ve presented the correct documentation and your vehicle has passed the vehicle check, you’ll then begin the actual behind-the-wheel test.

  During the test, your examiner will observe your driving skills from the front passenger seat of your vehicle. No one else will be allowed in the vehicle during the test. You’ll be tested on general driving ability and vehicle control. Unlike many other states, parallel parking is not tested on the road test in Oregon.

  Make sure that you are comfortable with the following driving maneuvers by reviewing these tips:

  • Turns: Use your turn signals, turn from the correct lane, and slow down sufficiently.
  • Backing up: Check over your shoulder out the back window and drive slowly.
  • Parking: Drive slowly and keep a safe distance away from other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. Your vehicle should be centered in the parking space.
  • Controlling your speed: Don’t break the speed limit. Accelerate and brake smoothly.
  • Signaling: Signal whenever you need to change lanes, merge, or make a turn. Make sure that the turn signal has cancelled afterward.

  What Errors Can Make You Fail Your Test?

  In Oregon, you must get a score of at least 76 to pass your road test. You’ll begin with 100 points and lose points for minor mistakes as the test progresses.

  However, if you make a major error, you’ll fail your test immediately. Examples of these errors are listed below:

  • You are involved in an accident that causes personal injury or property damage.
  • You refuse to perform a driving maneuver.
  • You drive dangerously so that others must prevent an accident.
  • You hit a sidewalk or curb.
  • You create a serious traffic hazard.
  • You run a red light or stop sign.

  If you fail, you’ll have to wait a day before you can reschedule and retake it.

  That’s It!

  That’s everything you need to know about passing the driving test in Oregon. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward.

  If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.

  

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