Absolutely! Here's a deep dive into the Drive Test (Behind-the-Wheel) portion of the Oregon driving test — what to expect, how to prepare, and tips to pass:
This test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely and obey traffic laws in a real-world driving environment.
Approx. 20–25 minutes
Conducted by a certified examiner (either DMV or an approved third-party provider)
Before taking the drive test, you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold a valid instruction permit
Have passed the Knowledge and Vision tests
Have proof of completed driver education (if under 18) or practice hours (50–100 hours)
Have a scheduled appointment – no walk-ins
You must bring your own vehicle, which must:
Be in good mechanical condition
Have valid registration and insurance
Include working:
Headlights and taillights
Brake lights and turn signals
Horn
Windshield wipers
Safety belts
Emergency/parking brake
⚠️ You’ll be disqualified immediately if your vehicle is unsafe or non-compliant.
Here's what the examiner will be observing:
You’ll be asked to:
Demonstrate hand signals
Turn on lights, horn, hazard lights
Show emergency brake and defrost functions
Smooth acceleration and braking
Use of mirrors and signals
Proper signaling and lane use
Right turns: Tight and close to curb
Left turns: Wide, enter correct lane
Check mirrors and blind spots
Use turn signal
Maintain speed and lane control
In a straight line or around a corner
Turn your head and look through the rear window
Go slowly and safely
Yielding when appropriate
Maintaining safe following distance
Recognizing right-of-way rules
Curbside parking
Possibly parallel parking (depends on location)
Proper use of parking brake
Awareness of surroundings
Obeying speed limits and signs
Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling through a stop sign
Failing to yield right-of-way
Driving too fast or too slow
Improper lane use (e.g., cutting corners)
Not checking mirrors/blind spots
Failing pre-drive vehicle check
Practice in the same car you’ll use for the test.
Know the test route (some DMVs have typical paths you can rehearse).
Avoid any distractions — no phones or passengers.
Stay calm and focused, even if you make a mistake (not all mistakes fail you).
Take a driver education course if you haven’t already.
At an Oregon DMV office (requires appointment)
Or through an ODOT-approved third-party examiner (usually faster scheduling)
💵 Cost: $45 at DMV; varies for third-party testers.
Perfect! Here’s a Mock Drive Test Checklist tailored to help you practice like you’re taking the real Oregon DMV behind-the-wheel test.
You can print this out or use it during practice sessions to track your progress.
| Task | Complete? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Valid instruction permit/license with you | ☐ |
| ✔ Vehicle registration and insurance in car | ☐ |
| ✔ Vehicle walkaround check (tires, lights, mirrors) | ☐ |
| ✔ Seatbelt on (driver and passengers) | ☐ |
| ✔ Adjust seat, mirrors, steering wheel | ☐ |
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Turn on headlights, left/right signals | ☐ |
| ✔ Use the horn | ☐ |
| ✔ Hazard lights (emergency flashers) | ☐ |
| ✔ Show how to use parking/emergency brake | ☐ |
| ✔ Demonstrate hand signals (left, right, stop) | ☐ |
Start Driving
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Start smoothly, signal, and check mirrors | ☐ |
Stops
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Complete stop at stop signs | ☐ |
| ✔ Stop behind crosswalk/limit line | ☐ |
| ✔ Proper response at traffic lights | ☐ |
Turns
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Right turns: tight, signal 100 ft before | ☐ |
| ✔ Left turns: wide into correct lane | ☐ |
| ✔ Check mirrors and blind spot before turning | ☐ |
Lane Changes
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Signal, check mirrors, turn head to blind spot | ☐ |
| ✔ Change lanes smoothly and safely | ☐ |
Backing Up
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Turn head and look over right shoulder | ☐ |
| ✔ Back straight and slow | ☐ |
Speed Control
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Stay within posted speed limits | ☐ |
| ✔ Adjust speed for traffic/weather conditions | ☐ |
Parking
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Curbside parking (within 12 inches of curb) | ☐ |
| ✔ Use parking brake properly | ☐ |
| ✔ Turn wheels if on a hill (uphill/downhill) | ☐ |
General Driving
| Task | Pass? |
|---|---|
| ✔ Maintain safe following distance (3-4 seconds) | ☐ |
| ✔ Stay centered in lane | ☐ |
| ✔ Obey traffic signs and signals | ☐ |
| ✔ Yield when required | ☐ |
| ✔ Drive with confidence and control | ☐ |
| Action | Avoided? |
|---|---|
| ❌ Rolling stops | ☐ |
| ❌ Speeding or driving too slow | ☐ |
| ❌ Hitting curb or driving over lines | ☐ |
| ❌ Dangerous maneuvers (e.g., cutting off cars) | ☐ |
| ❌ Ignoring examiner’s instructions | ☐ |
30+ ✅ out of 35 = You’re Ready!
Practice until you're comfortable doing all of the above smoothly and confidently.