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Knowledge Tests
Overview
Image of two people taking tests on computers
This page provides information about the various knowledge tests administered by DMV.
 
Use the links below to go directly to any section:

General Testing Information & Requirements
  • Locations & Hours - Knowledge tests are conducted at most regular DMV offices. Refer to the individual DMV office information pages for details. Most DMV offices stop conducting knowledge tests for regular (non-commercial) driver licenses 1 hour before closing and stop conducting knowledge tests for commercial driver licenses 1.5 hours (90 minutes) before closing.
  • Proof of full legal name - You may be asked to provide acceptable proof of full legal name.
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth - You may be asked to provide acceptable proof of legal presence in the U.S., identity and date of birth.
  • Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) - You may be asked to provide acceptable documentation proving your Social Security Number.
  • Expired Driver License - If your driver license is expired for more than one year, you will be required to take the knowledge, vision and drive tests before renewing.

General Testing Rules & Guidelines
  • Knowledge tests and the Safe Driving Practices Test are closed book tests. With permission, you may use a foreign language translation dictionary.
  • No one is allowed to accompany a customer into the testing area while a knowledge test is being taken except for necessary interpreters.
  • Talking, listening to an audio player or using a cell phone is not allowed while taking the test.
  • No writing or note taking during a test is permissible unless you are marking answers on a paper test.
  • Do not cheat on a test with help from a prohibited aid or another person.  If DMV determines that you did cheat, you will not be able to take any knowledge tests for 90 days. 

Failure & Retesting
There is a mandatory waiting period after each failed testing attempt for all commercial and non-commercial knowledge tests. If you fail your first, second, or third knowledge test attempt, you have to wait until at least the next day to try again. If you fail a fourth or subsequent attempt, you must wait at least 28 days before taking the test again.

Regular (Class C) Knowledge Test
Formats & Languages
The Regular (Class C) Knowledge Test (for standard non-commercial drivers) poses questions about road signs, traffic laws and other information you need to know to drive in Oregon. All information necessary to pass this test is included in the Oregon Driver Manual (available in English, Spanish, Korean and audio versions).
 
The test is delivered in DMV offices on automated touch-screen based testing equipment (with or without audio) in the following languages:
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Russian
  • Korean
  • Vietnamese
  • Japanese
You may also request a paper version of the test, or request that a Transportation Service Representative present it to you orally (i.e., read the test to you out loud), however, you must contact your local DMV office in advance to schedule an appointment for this special service.

Fees
A fee is required for each Regular (Class C) Knowledge Test given.

Practice Tests
The following practice tests are available to help individuals prepare for the actual Regular (Class C) Knowledge Test:
 
English:
Spanish:

Safe Driving Practices Test (Under 18)
There is an additional knowledge test required for persons under 18 years of age. It tests for knowledge and understanding of safe driving practices and principles gained through driving experience and information covered in the Oregon Driver Manual (available in English, Spanish, Korean and audio versions). You may take the Safe Driving Practices Test if you are within 30 days of your 16th birthday. 

Fees
There is no fee for taking the Safe Driving Practices Test.

Motorcycle Knowledge Test
To obtain a motorcycle endorsement or instruction permit, you must pass the Motorcycle Knowledge Test. This test checks your understanding of road rules and safe riding practices. The test is based on information in the Motorcycle & Moped Driver Manual and Oregon Driver Manual.

Fees
There is no fee for taking the Motorcycle Knowledge Test.

Moped Knowledge Test
To obtain a moped restricted Class C driver license, which authorizes the operation of mopeds only, you must pass the Moped Knowledge Test. Test questions are based on information, practices, and concepts from the Motorcycle & Moped Driver Manual and Oregon Driver Manual. This test checks your understanding of road rules and safe riding practices.

Fees
A fee is required for each Moped Knowledge Test given.

Commercial Knowledge Test
Commercial drivers are required to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements are needed.  The tests are based on information in the Oregon Commercial Motor Vehicle Manual.
 
Available CDL Knowledge tests include:
  • General Knowledge Test -  Required by all applicants.
  • Passenger Endorsement Test - Required for operating vehicles carrying 16 persons or more, including the driver.
  • Air Brakes Test - Required for operating vehicles with air brakes.
  • Combination Vehicles Test - Required for driving vehicles in combination (Class A).
  • Hazardous Materials Endorsement Test - Required for hauling hazardous materials or waste in amounts which require placards. All applicants renewing a CDL that includes a hazardous materials endorsement must successfully re-complete the hazardous materials endorsement test prior to renewal.
  • Tank Endorsement Test - Required for hauling liquids or gas in bulk.
  • Doubles/Triples Endorsement Test - Required for pulling double or triple trailers.
  • School Bus Endorsement Test - Required for transporting pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school sponsored events.
Note: Refer the "CDL Licensing Requirements" table in the Oregon Commercial Motor Vehicle Manual for details on how to obtain the desired endorsement(s). Endorsement exams cover not only material from individual endorsement sections, but also from the section on driving safely. You will need to be familiar with the driving safely section when applying for any CDL classification or endorsement.

Have a Current Valid CDL from Another Jurisdiction?
DMV will waive all CDL knowledge tests EXCEPT the Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test if you surrender a current valid CDL from another jurisdiction for a comparable Oregon CDL.

Formats & Languages
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Knowledge tests are offered in English only and translators are not permitted.
 
You may go to any full-service DMV office to take your CDL Knowledge tests. Appointments are not required. However, many offices do not conduct knowledge tests after 4:00 PM on weekdays and after 11:00 AM on Saturdays. Be sure to arrive early enough to give yourself plenty of time to take the test before the office closes.

Fees
A testing fee is required for each CDL Knowledge test given.

Related Information
Additional information that may be relevant includes:

 
Page updated: October 21, 2009

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