Oregon DMV introduces priority scheduling for drive tests to customers in rural counties
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, January 5th, 2026 in Featured Stories More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM – (Release from the Oregon Department of Transportation) Oregon DMV now gives local preference to rural customers scheduling behind-the-wheel drive tests for Class C driver licenses, the basic license for passenger cars.
As of Jan. 1, Senate Bill 9 requires DMV field offices in 20 rural counties to give priority to applicants who live within the same county, live within 50 miles of a DMV field office, or live in one of two counties without a DMV office.
“Giving local preference will improve the drive test process for people who live in less populated areas,” said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “Rural county offices serve large geographic areas for all DMV transaction types. Customers in those counties can face challenges getting a driver’s license due to the limited number of drive tests offered in their area, combined with the fact that customers from across Oregon sometimes come to those locations for a test.”
Who does this bill impact?
The bill helps customers living in Baker, Clatsop, Crook, Curry, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler counties. DMV does not offer drive tests in Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman or Wheeler counties. Customers in those counties can schedule a local-preference drive test at any rural DMV office that offers the service.
How can rural customers schedule local preference
DMV will offer rural customers three different options to schedule local preference Class C drive tests:
- At their local DMV office through the lobby check-in kiosk. The kiosk will only display and allow scheduling of drive test appointments for the office the customer is physically at.
- Scheduling with an employee at the DMV office.
- Calling Customer Assistance at 503-945-5000. Customer Assistance will verify the customer lives in one of the 20 counties before making the appointment.
Senate Bill 9 does not affect drive test appointments made on DMV2U, which are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers who don’t live in a rural county should continue to use DMV2U or call Customer Assistance to schedule drive test appointments or schedule with a third-party tester. Visit oregondmv.com for a list of certified Class C testers.
