Drive test (Class C behind-the-wheel test)
An Oregon DMV examiner, or an examiner from a DMV-certified Class C testing business, rides in the front seat and gives directions while you drive in traffic. The test covers turning, backing up, parking, lane changes, speed control, signaling and vehicle control. You start with 100 points, points come off for each error, and you need 76 or better to pass. Some actions, like a collision or running a red light, fail you immediately.
Checked October 4, 2026 against official Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (Oregon Department of Transportation) sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.
You must be 16 or older. Under 18 you must have held an instruction permit at least six months and logged 100 hours of supervised driving (50 with an approved driver ed course). Your driving privileges can't be suspended or revoked, and you can't be in the At-Risk Driver Program. Official source 1oregon.gov“You must be 16 years or older. If you are under 18, you must have held an instruction permit for at least six months. Your driving privileges cannot be suspended or revoked. You must not be in the At-Risk Driver Program.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2oregon.gov“Complete 100 hours supervised driving experience, or 50 hours if you have taken and passed an approved Driver Ed course”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
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The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.
You start with 100 points and the examiner takes points off for each error. A final score of 76 or better passes; below 76 fails. Any ground for immediate failure fails the test regardless of score. The examiner marks areas needing improvement on DMV's drive test pamphlet (Form 735-41) and explains the result after the test. Official source 4oregon.gov“During the test, the examiner will make notes on the test score sheet. The key items to be checked are listed inside this pamphlet. You may want to review them now. You have 100 points at the start of the test.”“Points will be taken off for driving errors the examiner observes. Your examiner will explain your test results to you when the test ends.”“IF YOUR SCORE WAS 76 OR BETTER . . . You have passed the test.”“IF YOUR SCORE WAS BELOW 76 . . . Your driving during the test was carefully examined. Your final score means you need to improve your driving and meet the minimum state standards before you get a Class C license.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Any one of these ends or fails a Oregon road test, no matter how well the rest goes.
Steps and scoring come from Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (Oregon Department of Transportation)’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.
Scored under the pamphlet's 'Parking / Backing / Re-entry' area. Backing over a curb or sidewalk is an immediate failure.
The pamphlet has 'Parking Space' and 'Parking / Backing / Re-entry' areas. DMV does not say which type of parking the examiner will ask for. When leaving a parked position, check blind spots and mirrors and yield to all traffic.
Not officially described by DMV.
'Lane Change' is a scored area on the pamphlet (the pamphlet lists speed, signal, observation and position items).
Not officially described by DMV.
'Turning' is a scored area on the pamphlet. Turning from or into the wrong lane when that is dangerous is an immediate failure.
Not officially described by DMV.
'Intersections' is a scored area on the pamphlet (attention at controlled and uncontrolled intersections, where and how you stop, right of way).
Not officially described by DMV.
The pamphlet scores driving too fast or too slow for posted or unposted limits. Official source 3oregon.gov“The test includes turning, backing up, parking, lane changes, speed control, signaling, vehicle control, and general driving ability.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Signals are scored for turns, lane changes and parking or re-entry. Official source 3oregon.gov“The test includes turning, backing up, parking, lane changes, speed control, signaling, vehicle control, and general driving ability.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Pamphlet area covering pedestrians, failing to anticipate, vehicle control, straying from lane, reaction to emergency and following too close. Official source 4oregon.gov“LACK OF ATTENTION Pedestrians Fails to Anticipate Observation Vehicle Control Position/Path Strays from Driving/ Lane Usage”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Listed under lack of attention on the pamphlet. Official source 4oregon.gov“LANE CHANGE Reaction to Emergency Following Too Close Speed Signal Observation Position”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
You show knowledge of traffic rules, highway signs and signals while driving. Official source 3oregon.gov“During the drive (behind-the-wheel) test, you will demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge of traffic rules, highway signs, and signals.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Adjust mirrors before starting; no smoking, photos or electronics. Official source 4oregon.gov“Smoking is not allowed during the drive test. Properly adjust your mirrors. Please turn off your electronic devices such as radio, cell phone, GPS, etc. Photos during the drive are not allowed.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Wait until the next business day before retesting. DMV's drive test fee is $45 per test; no attempt limit is published. Official source 2oregon.gov“If you fail the Drive Test, you must wait until the next business day to take another test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4oregon.gov“If you fail a drive test, you must wait to take another test until the next business day.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Oregon permit (knowledge) test retake rules.
DMV may waive the drive test if you completed an ODOT-approved driver education course within the past two years, or if you are a new resident surrendering an out-of-state license that is valid or expired less than a year. You can also test with a DMV-contracted Class C testing business instead of DMV; costs may be higher, and the business sends your score to DMV within 24 hours. Official source 1oregon.gov“If you need to take a drive test to get your license, you must test with DMV or a DMV contracted Class C testing business.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3oregon.gov“DMV may waive the drive test if: You are a new resident surrendering an out-of-state license that is valid or expired less than one year. DMV receives proof you completed an ODOT-Approved Driver Education Course within the past two years.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4oregon.gov“If you passed your drive test, please visit a DMV office to be issued a driver license. Third Party Testing businesses are required to send your test score to DMV within 24 hours.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
An Oregon DMV examiner, or an examiner from a DMV-certified Class C testing business, rides in the front seat and gives directions while you drive in traffic. The test covers turning, backing up, parking, lane changes, speed control, signaling and vehicle control. You start with 100 points, points come off for each error, and you need 76 or better to pass. Some actions, like a collision or running a red light, fail you immediately. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Backing up, Parking (parking space and re-entry into traffic), Lane changes, Turning (left and right), Intersections.
You start with 100 points and the examiner takes points off for each error. A final score of 76 or better passes; below 76 fails. Any ground for immediate failure fails the test regardless of score. The examiner marks areas needing improvement on DMV's drive test pamphlet (Form 735-41) and explains the result after the test.
Official Oregon sources list these as automatic failures: A collision involving any property damage or injury; Refusing to perform any maneuver on the test; A dangerous action where another driver's expert driving prevents a collision; The examiner has to help, physically or by voice, to avoid a collision; Driving or backing over a curb or sidewalk; Passing a car stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, or passing a school bus stopped with red lights flashing; Turning from or into the wrong lane when traffic makes it dangerous; Running (or having to be stopped from running) a red light or stop sign; and Creating a serious traffic hazard by stalling or other improper driving.
A passenger vehicle with current registration; Valid proof of insurance for the vehicle (without it the test is rescheduled); Proof of your physical address and identity (extra documents for REAL ID); At a Class C testing business: your Oregon DMV customer number and two photocopies of a picture ID; and The $45 drive test fee at DMV.
Starts under its own power; Working front and rear turn signals, brake lights and horn; Passenger door opens and closes with the handle from inside and outside; Proper, secure and reasonably clean passenger seat; Working seat belts; Tires not bald or damaged; Muffler without excessive leaks or unreasonable noise; Valid registration displayed; Side-view or rearview mirrors; Nothing blocking the driver's or examiner's view; In bad weather: traction tires or chains, wipers, headlights, taillights and a defroster; Only you and the examiner in the car; no weapons; electronics off; nothing on the dashboard or mirror; and Ignition interlock device, if you are required to have one.
You must be 16 or older. Under 18 you must have held an instruction permit at least six months and logged 100 hours of supervised driving (50 with an approved driver ed course). Your driving privileges can't be suspended or revoked, and you can't be in the At-Risk Driver Program.
Wait until the next business day before retesting. DMV's drive test fee is $45 per test; no attempt limit is published.
DMV may waive the drive test if you completed an ODOT-approved driver education course within the past two years, or if you are a new resident surrendering an out-of-state license that is valid or expired less than a year. You can also test with a DMV-contracted Class C testing business instead of DMV; costs may be higher, and the business sends your score to DMV within 24 hours.
DMV publishes the applicant pamphlet (Form 735-41, 'Please read this before you start your driving test'), which lists the scored areas, the 100-point start, the 76-point pass mark and the grounds for immediate failure. The examiner's own score sheet (DMV Form 735-7171, named in OAR 735-061-0440) and the per-error point values are not published. The last ground for immediate failure on Form 41 is in a font that doesn't extract as text, so it is left out. The pamphlet's two-column layout doesn't extract cleanly, so the exact sub-items under each scored area aren't quoted one by one. The test's required maneuvers are not listed beyond 'turning, backing up, parking, lane changes'; DMV does not say whether parking means parallel parking.
Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.
This guide summarizes official Oregon sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (Oregon Department of Transportation) before test day.