Minimum age for a car driving licence in Oregon (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A provisional instruction permit is available from 15 and a provisional driver licence from 16 after six months on the permit. Night and passenger restrictions apply until 18 or one year on the licence, whichever comes first.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A provisional instruction permit is available from 15 and allows driving only with a licensed supervisor at least 21 sitting beside. A provisional driver licence requires the permit to have been held for 6 months and 100 hours of supervised driving (50 with an approved driver education course). Until the holder is 18 or has held the licence for 1 year, whichever comes first, no passengers under 20 outside the immediate family (first 6 months) or more than three (second 6 months), and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. except in listed circumstances. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | 100 hours of supervised driving, or 50 hours plus an approved driver education course. [3] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Until 18 or for the first year, no driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m., except between home and work, home and a school event without other transport, for employment, or with a licensed driver aged 25 or over. [3] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | First six months: no passengers under 20 who are not immediate family; next six months: no more than three. Not applicable with a driving instructor or a licensed parent, step-parent or guardian. [3] |
Notes
- The earliest age is for a licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. It carries graduated-licensing restrictions, described under 'Driving before the minimum age'.
- The Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 807.020) page could not be reached from the server, and no DMV page read states an age for visitors.
Sources
- Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver & Motor Vehicle Services: Get a Driver License - Under 18 : Teen : State of Oregon (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver & Motor Vehicle Services: Get an Instruction Permit - Under 18 : Teen : State of Oregon (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Oregon Department of Transportation, DMV: Teen drivers: getting your provisional licence (Internet Archive snapshot of 21 August 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Oregon and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 16 (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Permit at 15; provisional licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| California | 16 (provisional licence) | 15½ (instruction permit) | Provisional from 16 after 6 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Idaho | 15 (daylight only); full privileges at 16 | 14½ (driver training permit) | Licence from 15 (daylight only); full at 16 | Valid home licence: 15+, daylight only until 16 |
| Nevada | 16 (after 6+ months on a permit) | 15.5 (instruction permit) | 16 after 6 months on permit; curfew 10 p.m.-5 a.m. | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Washington | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5 | Permit from 15; intermediate licence at 16 | Nonresident 16+ (15 with permit); foreign licence up to 1 yr |
More rules in Oregon
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per residence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 20 mph business; 25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph on listed highways
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial retail fireworks only
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named in concealed-carry ban · Locking or one-handed knives: Concealed spring/gravity blade banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.55 per hour (standard rate)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, 18 or older
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (under 21 may not buy or possess)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any amount (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.