Driver training rules in Oregon

✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Oregon for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	Optional for under 18: an ODOT-approved course (30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind-the-wheel, 6 hours observation) cuts required practice from 100 to 50 hours.source 1 · source 2
Supervised practice (teens)	Under 18: instruction permit held 6 months; 50 supervised hours (supervisor 21+, licensed 3+ years), with more hours required without an approved course.source 1
New adult drivers	No course required for 18+. Driver training is optional; an instruction permit is needed only to practice driving before the drive test. Pass knowledge test and drive test (drive test waived after an ODOT-approved course within 2 years).source 3
Who licenses driving schools	Oregon Dept. of Transportation issues commercial driver training school and instructor certificates; ODOT Transportation Safety Office sets driver education provider requirements.source 4 · source 2
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	No Oregon hour minimum stated; DMV requires federal ELDT from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before the skills test.source 5
CDL schools: state license	Yes. Private CDL schools are licensed as private career schools by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (ORS 345). The DMV driving-school offense (ORS 822.500) excludes training for a profession.source 6 · source 7 · source 4
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	No Oregon hour minimum; federal ELDT only. DMV requires ELDT from a TPR-listed provider before the skills test.source 5
CDL schools: instructor rules	Yes, through HECC teacher registration (OAR 715-045-0012): age 18+, any Oregon credentials required for the field, high school diploma or GED, and 2 years' work experience or education in the subject (within the last 5 years for new teachers).source 8 · source 7
Carriers training their own drivers: license	Exempt. ORS 345 does not apply to training a business offers primarily for its own employees.source 7
Carriers: hours or curriculum	No state hours for anyone; federal ELDT only.source 5 · source 7
Carriers: instructor rules	No. HECC teacher registration applies to licensed career schools; employee training is outside ORS 345. Federal 380.605 applies.source 7 · source 8
New school bus drivers	Oregon Dept. of Education: 8-hour Core class, 15 hours behind-the-wheel, and a First Aid course.source 9
School bus refresher	Average of 8 hours of training per year.source 9

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Oregon, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driving jobs in Oregon

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

1. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors807.html
2. https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Documents/ProviderRequirements.pdf
3. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/licenseget.aspx
4. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors822.html
5. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/cdlget.aspx
6. https://www.oregon.gov/highered/institutions-programs/private/Pages/private-career-school-licensing.aspx
7. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors345.html
8. https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=3260
9. https://www.oregon.gov/ode/schools-and-districts/ptf/Pages/Training-Material.aspx

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