Oregon DMV offers online testing
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM — Tired of lines at the DMV or waiting for an appointment to take a test? The Oregon Department of Transportation says that people can now stay at home for Class C (regular driver) and motorcycle tests.
“We hope that as more people are able to do their business online, it reduces the volume of customers coming into our field office and the benefit to the customers is that online testing really allows you to take the test at any time from anywhere that’s most comfortable for you,” says Lauren Mulligan, spokeswoman for the DMV. “It’s really easy and convenient and it helps you avoid waiting for an appointment or standing in line at a field office.”
There’s a bit of a catch, though. Customers who pass the online test still must go into a DMV office with their identity documents and pass a vision screening, at which time they’ll be issued a permit or become eligible to schedule a driving test if they’re old enough.
“Testing online allows customers the chance to know that they have passed their exam before coming into the DMV office. This can save some people multiple trips into the office if they don’t pass the first time,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “You don’t need an appointment to come in once you pass online, but do come prepared with all the documentation you need to make sure it is a smooth visit.”
Those wanting to take the test online will need reliable internet, a webcam, keyboard and mouse. Teenagers younger than 18 need an adult 21 years or older to supervise while they take the test.
Mulligan said the online testing system being used in Oregon has been used in other states and it has proven identity verification and anti-cheating features.
“Other states report to us that the past fail rates are very similar to what they say with their in-office testers, which indicates that cheating isn’t happening really at home,” says Mulligan. “There’s a lot of security features built into the product to prevent people from navigating out of the test screen.”
The tests will be offered initially in English and Spanish only, but the DMV said it plans to add more languages in the future.
The online test looks like the testing screens in a DMV office, so the experience will be similar for test-takers. And there’s no difference in cost for taking the test online.
“We hope customers embrace this new way to take their knowledge test,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “It is an easy and convenient option that we are proud to offer to Oregonians.”
“We feel like it’s going to be a game changer, especially for teens and their parents to help them have a more smooth process towards getting their permit and becoming informed drivers.” says Mulligan.
Learn more about online testing at DMV2u.oregon.gov.
