The Oregon written test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass

Oregon's Department of Transportation (ODOT) gives you 35 multiple-choice questions on the written knowledge test. Each question has four possible answers. You must get at least 28 questions right — that's 80 percent — to pass and move forward to the road test.

The test covers the Oregon Driver Manual, which covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You take the test on a computer at your local DMV office, and you get your results when ready after you finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon's written test contains exactly 35 multiple-choice questions, with four answer choices for each.
  • You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass the test.
  • The test covers material from the Oregon Driver Manual, including traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules.
  • You take the test on a computer at the DMV, and you receive your score before you leave.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test, but Oregon requires you to wait before your next attempt.

What the test covers

The 35 questions come from the Oregon Driver Manual and test your knowledge of the rules of the road. You will see questions about speed limits, right-of-way, parking, lane changes, and how to handle different road conditions. There are also questions about what different road signs mean and what to do in situations like a skid or a stalled vehicle.

Oregon also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and the consequences of breaking traffic laws. Some questions test whether you understand when you must yield to other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists. The test is designed to make sure you know how to drive safely and legally in Oregon.

How the test is scored

Your score is based on how many questions you answer correctly out of 35. There is no penalty for guessing, so an unanswered question counts as wrong. The computer scores your test when ready after you submit it, and the DMV staff will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave the office.

If you pass, you will receive a score report and can schedule your road test. If you fail, you will also get a score report showing which topics gave you trouble. This information can help you study the right sections of the Oregon Driver Manual before you retake the test.

Retaking the test if you don't pass

If you score below 28 correct answers, you do not pass and must retake the test. Oregon allows you to retake the written test, but you must wait a certain amount of time between attempts. Check with your local DMV office about the waiting period, as it may vary.

When you retake the test, you will get a different set of 35 questions from the same pool of test material. Study the areas where you struggled on your first attempt. The Oregon Driver Manual is free and available online, so you can review the topics that gave you trouble.

How to prepare for 35 questions

The best way to prepare is to read the Oregon Driver Manual from start to finish. The manual is organized by topic — speed limits, signs, right-of-way, parking, and so on — so you can focus on one area at a time. Take notes on the rules that seem most important or confusing.

Many people find it helpful to take practice tests before the real test. Oregon DMV does not publish an official practice test, but third-party websites offer sample questions based on the Oregon Driver Manual. These practice tests help you get used to the format and identify weak areas. Aim to score at least 28 out of 35 on a practice test before you schedule your real test at the DMV.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test with at least 28 correct answers, you can schedule your road test. The road test is the next step toward getting your full driver's license. You will drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to different road situations.

You do not have to take the road test on the same day as the written test. Many people study for the road test separately and schedule it for a later date. Your passing score on the written test is valid for a set period, so check with your DMV office about how long you have to complete the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the test the same day if I fail?

No. Oregon requires you to wait before retaking the written test. The exact waiting period varies by location, so contact your local DMV office to find out how long you must wait before your next attempt.

Are all 35 questions equally important for passing?

Yes. Each question is worth one point, and you need 28 points to pass. There are no weighted questions or bonus points, so every correct answer counts the same toward your score.

What if I don't understand a question on the test?

You can ask the DMV staff for clarification on any question you do not understand. They cannot tell you the answer, but they can explain what the question is asking. Raise your hand if you need help while you are taking the test.

How long do I have to answer all 35 questions?

Oregon does not publish a strict time limit for the written test. You have enough time to read and answer all 35 questions carefully. Most people finish in 30 to 45 minutes, but you can take longer if you need to.

Do I need to pass the written test before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written test first. The road test comes after you have shown you know the rules of the road. You cannot schedule a road test until you have a passing score on the written test.