Graduated Driver License in Oregon

Oregon’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program includes the following requirements and restrictions for drivers under 18 years old:

  • Drivers must hold an Oregon instruction permit for 6 months prior to applying for a driver’s license.
  • Drivers must have at least 50 hours of driving experience while being supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and a valid license for at least three years, plus one of the following:
  1. Completion of a traffic safety course that meets standards developed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT); or
  2. An additional 50 hours of driving experience for a total of 100 hours of supervised driving with a licensed driver.
  • During the first 6 months, a driver may not carry any passenger younger than 20 years of age who is not a member of the driver’s immediate family.
  • During the second six months, a driver may not carry more than three passengers who are under 20 years of age who are not members of the driver’s immediate family.
  • During the first year, a driver cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., except a) driving from home and place of employment; b) driving between home and a school event for which no other transportation is available; c) driving for employment purposes; or d) driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years of age.
  • In addition, Oregon drivers younger than 18 years old are subject to a stricter version of the state’s Driver Improvement Program than adults. For drivers under 18 who get a) two convictions, b) two preventable accidents or c) one of each, DMV will restrict driving privileges for 90 days to drive only for work purposes with no passengers except a parent, stepparent or guardian. These restrictions are in addition to the restrictions placed on a driver in the first year of a provisional license.
    • For a third conviction or accident, DMV will suspend the teen’s driving privileges for six months even if he or she turns 18 years of age during the suspension period. Each subsequent driver improvement violation or preventable accident will suspend driving privileges or right to apply for driving privileges for six months, regardless of a previous or current Driver Improvement Program suspension(s).