What You Should Know About the Oregon Graduated Driver’s License Program
The number of operators under age 21 who were involved in fatal accidents fell from 85 in 2005 to 33 in 2014, possibly in part because of the GDL program. The program gives new drivers increasing privileges as they learn the skills necessary to be safe and responsible drivers. The program begins at age 15, and operators are eligible for an unrestricted license at age 17.
The Learner’s Permit
The teen will use the permit for at least six months while acquiring at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice. The supervisor must be 12 or older and had a license for three years or more and must be seated beside the driver at all times. If the teen is not completing a driving course, they will need 100 hours of supervised driving practice.
The Instructional License
At 16, the teen is eligible for a provisional license, which must be held for 12 months. During this time, the operator may not drive between after midnight and before 5 a.m. unless it is for work or school, an adult supervisor (licensed and over 25) is in the vehicle.
For the 180 days, the driver may not have any passengers under the age of 20 in the vehicle unless they are immediate family members. After six months the driver will have no more than three passengers under the age of 20.
The driver is eligible for an unrestricted license at age 17.
Keep in mind that no person under the age of 18 can use a cell phone to talk or text while operating a motor vehicle.
The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend for up to one year, the privileges of any driver under 20 for offenses involving the possession, use, or abuse of alcohol.