Updated for 2026

Oregon DMV (Driver and Motor Vehicle Services)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$7 (Knowledge Test) / $23.50 - $30 (Permit Issuance) / $45 (Road Test)

Testing System

touchscreen computer / Online 'DMV2U' (at home)

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Oregon is the confusion surrounding the 'Stop as Yield' law for cyclists (drivers often don't know who yields), violating the strict 'U-turn at Signals' rule (illegal unless posted otherwise), and failing to stop for pedestrians at any corner, marked or unmarked.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Oregon traffic laws are distinctively progressive regarding vulnerable road users and contain regulations found almost nowhere else. The most famous unique regulation is the 'Stop as Yield' law (ORS 814.414). This statute allows people riding bicycles to treat a Stop sign or a flashing red light as a 'Yield' sign. This means a cyclist can roll through an intersection without putting a foot down if the coast is clear. However, drivers must understand that this DOES NOT apply to steady red lights; cyclists must still stop completely at a solid red traffic signal. Another critical rule involves U-turns. In most states, U-turns are permitted at intersections unless a sign prohibits them. In Oregon, the law is the opposite: U-turns are PROHIBITED at any intersection controlled by a traffic signal unless a sign explicitly permits them. Making a U-turn at a green light without a 'U-Turn Permitted' sign is an automatic failure on the road test. Oregon also enforces a strict 'Move Over Law' that was recently expanded. Drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane or slow down significantly (at least 5 mph below the speed limit) for ANY stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, flares, or emergency signs—this includes police, tow trucks, and even regular passenger cars with hazard lights on. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) includes a rigid 'Provisional' phase. For the first 6 months, a teen driver cannot carry any passenger under the age of 20 who is not an immediate family member. For the second 6 months, they can carry up to three non-family passengers under 20. Driving is prohibited between midnight and 5:00 AM for the first year unless for work, school, or authorized activities. Additionally, Oregon is a 'hands-free' state; holding a mobile device while driving is a primary offense. Finally, regarding school buses: drivers must stop for a bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless the highway is divided by an unpaved median strip or a physical barrier.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Oregon involves specific cultural and environmental quirks that define the Pacific Northwest experience. A major recent change involves pumping gas. For decades, Oregon was one of only two states (along with New Jersey) that completely banned self-service gas stations. As of 2023, the law changed: in rural counties, self-serve is fully legal, and in urban counties, stations can designate up to 50% of their pumps as self-serve. However, attendants are still mandatory at larger stations, so drivers must pay attention to signs indicating 'Self-Serve' vs 'Mini-Serve' lanes. Another critical environmental fact is the 'Tsunami Hazard Zone'. Along the coast (Highway 101), drivers will see unique blue and white circular signs indicating when they are entering or leaving a tsunami inundation zone. Drivers are taught that in the event of an earthquake, they should ignore traffic signals and proceed immediately to higher ground on foot if roads are blocked. Oregon also uses 'Bicycle Boxes' (green painted areas) at intersections in cities like Portland. Drivers must stop BEHIND the green box, not inside it, to allow cyclists to position themselves for turns. Stopping in a bike box is a traffic violation. Environmentally, the state is known for rain, but 'Hydroplaning' is the technical hazard tested. The manual warns that tires can lose contact with the road at speeds as low as 35 mph in heavy rain. Furthermore, winter driving laws regarding 'traction tires' are strict; signage will require drivers to carry chains or have traction tires when crossing mountain passes like Mt. Hood. Failure to carry chains when signs are posted can result in a fine. The written test itself is 35 questions, requiring 28 correct answers (80%). The test is available online via 'DMV2U', allowing applicants to take the test at home, but unproctored online tests may be limited to specific applicant categories or require follow-up verification. Also, Oregon has an 'Implied Consent' law; driving implies consent to breath, blood, or urine testing. A unique fact is that Oregon law explicitly states that 'every intersection is a crosswalk', whether painted or not. If a pedestrian shows intent to cross at any corner, you must stop.