Oregon's permit test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass

The Oregon written permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You have 30 minutes to finish the test. The questions are multiple choice, with four answer options each. You take the test at a Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) office on a computer.

The test is the same whether you are 16, 18, or older — there is no separate version for different age groups. However, if you are under 18, you may have additional requirements like a learner's permit period before you can take the road test, depending on when you got your instruction permit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Oregon permit test contains 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly (80 percent) to pass.
  • You have 30 minutes to complete the test on a computer at an Oregon DMV office.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving in different conditions.
  • You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before your next attempt.
  • Oregon's DMV website offers a free study guide and sample questions to help you prepare.

What topics the 35 questions cover

The permit test questions come from Oregon's Driver Manual, which is free on the DMV website. The questions focus on practical driving knowledge you will need on the road. Common topics include identifying road signs and their meanings, understanding right-of-way rules at intersections, following speed limits and distance rules, and handling emergencies like brake failure or skids.

You will also see questions about driving in bad weather, sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists, and what to do after an accident. Some questions test your knowledge of Oregon-specific laws — for example, the state's hands-free phone law or rules about tinted windows. The test does not ask about vehicle maintenance or how to register a car; it focuses only on what you need to know to drive safely and legally.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

Your score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly out of 35. You need 28 correct answers to pass, which equals 80 percent. The test is scored when ready after you finish, and you will know your result before you leave the DMV office.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee as your first test. Many people pass on their second or third try after studying the areas where they struggled.

How to prepare for the 35-question test

Oregon's DMV publishes a free Driver Manual in English and several other languages on its website. The manual covers everything the test asks about. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. The manual includes sample questions at the end of each section, so you can practice before you go to the DMV.

The DMV also offers a free online practice test that mimics the real test format. Taking the practice test helps you get used to the computer interface and the time limit. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks, taking the practice test a few times, before they feel ready for the real test. There is no required study time — you can take the test whenever you feel prepared.

Where to take the test and what to bring

You take the permit test at any Oregon DMV office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early or going on a weekday morning often means a shorter wait.

Bring your Social Security number and proof of your date of birth — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You will also need to show proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian's signature on the instruction permit process. The DMV staff will tell you exactly what documents you need when you call or visit their office.

Time limits and test-taking rules

You have 30 minutes to answer all 35 questions. That works out to about 51 seconds per question on average, which is enough time if you have studied. You can skip a question and come back to it, and you can change your answer before you submit the test.

You must take the test on the DMV's computer — you cannot bring notes, a phone, or any study materials into the testing area. The DMV staff will monitor the test to make sure no one cheats. If you need extra time because of a disability, you can request accommodations when you schedule your test or when you arrive at the office.

Retaking the test if you do not pass on your first try

If you score below 28 correct answers, you will receive a printed report showing which topics you missed the most. Use that report to focus your studying on those areas. For example, if you missed many questions about right-of-way, spend extra time on that section of the manual.

You can retake the test the next day. There is no penalty for retaking it, and your previous score does not affect your new attempt. Each test is scored separately. Once you pass, you will receive your instruction permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice for the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online from home?

No. Oregon requires you to take the written permit test in person at a DMV office on their computer. You cannot take it remotely or at a testing center outside the DMV.

What happens if I run out of time before I finish all 35 questions?

The test automatically submits when your 30 minutes are up. Any questions you did not answer are marked as incorrect. This is why practicing with the time limit beforehand helps — it trains you to pace yourself and not spend too long on any single question.

Is the permit test the same in every Oregon DMV office?

Yes. The test is the same statewide. The questions may appear in a different order depending on which computer you use, but the content and difficulty are identical no matter which DMV office you visit.

Do I have to pass the permit test before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written permit test first and receive your instruction permit. Then you must hold that permit for a certain period (the length depends on your age) before you can schedule and take the road test.

What score do I need to pass the Oregon permit test?

You need to answer at least 28 out of 35 questions correctly, which is 80 percent. There is no partial credit — each question is either right or wrong.