The Oregon written test has 35 questions

Oregon's written driver's license test contains 35 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass, which is 80 percent. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in different driving situations.

The questions come from the Oregon Driver Manual, which is free to read from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) website or pick up at any DMV office. Every question on the test appears somewhere in that manual, so studying it is the most direct way to prepare.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon's written test has 35 questions, and you must answer 28 correctly to pass.
  • All test questions come directly from the Oregon Driver Manual, which you can read free from ODOT's website or get in print at a DMV office.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving decisions in different conditions.
  • You can take the test on a computer at any DMV office, and results are available when ready after you finish.

What topics the 35 questions cover

The test questions are divided across several areas of driving knowledge. You will see questions about traffic signs and what they mean, rules of the road (like speed limits and lane changes), right-of-way situations, parking rules, and how to handle emergencies or bad weather. Questions also cover impaired driving laws, seat belt requirements, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

Because the test draws from the Driver Manual, the specific questions change, but the topics stay the same. If you study each section of the manual, you will have seen the concepts that appear on the test.

How the test is delivered and scored

You take the test on a computer at an Oregon DMV office. The computer presents the 35 questions one at a time, and you select your answer from multiple choices. Once you finish all 35 questions, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed.

If you pass, you move forward in the licensing process. If you do not pass, you can take the test again, usually the same day or within a few days, depending on the DMV office's schedule. There is a fee each time you take the test.

How to prepare for the 35-question test

Start by reading the Oregon Driver Manual from beginning to end. The manual is organized by topic, so you can focus on one area at a time — signs, then rules, then right-of-way, and so on. As you read, take notes on anything that seems unfamiliar or confusing.

After you have read the manual once, go back through it a second time and pay close attention to the sections that felt hardest. Many DMV offices and the ODOT website also offer practice tests with questions similar to the real test. Taking a practice test helps you see which topics you still need to study and gets you used to the computer format.

Study in short sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before. Your brain retains information better when you spread learning out over time.

What happens if you do not pass

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and will not receive your license. You can retake the test, and there is no limit to how many times you can try. Each attempt costs a fee, which varies by DMV office.

Between attempts, spend time studying the areas where you struggled. If you missed questions about signs, focus on the signs section of the manual. If right-of-way questions confused you, work through those scenarios again. Many people pass on their second or third try after targeted studying.

Where to find the Oregon Driver Manual

The Oregon Driver Manual is available free online at the ODOT website (oregon.gov/odot). You can read it there, print it out, or read it as a PDF to your phone or computer. You can also pick up a printed copy at any Oregon DMV office at no cost.

The manual is updated when Oregon traffic laws change, so make sure you are studying the current version. The ODOT website always has the most recent edition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office, and you cannot bring study materials, phones, or notes into the testing area. The DMV staff will give you scratch paper if you need to work through a problem, but you must answer based on what you have memorized from studying.

How long does it take to finish the 35 questions?

Most people finish between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on how quickly they read and decide. There is no time limit, so you can take as long as you need to answer each question carefully.

Are the questions the same every time I take the test?

No. The test draws from a larger pool of questions, so each time you take it, you will see different questions. However, they all cover the same topics and come from the Oregon Driver Manual, so studying the manual prepares you for any version of the test.

Do I have to pass the written test before I take the driving test?

Yes. You must pass the written test first. Once you pass, you can schedule an appointment for the driving test, where an examiner watches you drive and evaluates your skills on the road.