Oregon license renewal for older drivers
Licenses are renewed every 8 years. Drivers 65 or older cannot renew online; they must renew at a DMV office and pass a vision test. DMV may require tests of any driver if it has concerns about their ability to drive safely. DMV lists no age-based knowledge or drive test.
Preparing for the renewal test
If you need to take a written or signs test to renew, it covers the same handbook as new drivers' tests. Our Oregon practice tests and road signs test are free to use, and the read-aloud button can help if small print is hard to read.
Rules that may have changed since you first got your license
Some of the rules in today's Oregon handbook are newer than many drivers' first test. Worth a look before renewal:
- Phones: Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving (provisional permit/license: hands-free is not allowed either). Drivers 18+ must use a hands-free accessory needing only minimal use of a finger to turn on or off. Video displays visible to the driver are illegal; sound systems may not be audible 50 feet away (p.80).
- Move over: On a road with 2+ lanes in your direction, when approaching any motor vehicle stopped with lights flashing, change lanes so you are not next to it, or slow to at least 5 mph under the posted limit; give as much room as possible. For emergency vehicles using lights/siren, pull to the right and stop (not in an intersection), then stay at least 500 feet behind after it passes (pp.57-58).
- School buses: Flashing amber = prepare to stop; flashing red = stop before reaching the bus and stay stopped until the red lights are turned off. On a divided highway with an unpaved median or barrier, only traffic on the bus's side must stop; a painted median or center turn lane does not divide the road, so all lanes stop. Church/worker buses with these lights are treated the same. No stopping distance is stated (pp.55-56).
- Alcohol: the limit for adult drivers is 0.08%.
Vision standard
You need visual acuity of 20/70 or better looking through both eyes (or through the one eye with usable vision; with two usable eyes, one eye at 20/70 or better is enough) and a field of vision of at least 110 degrees. If your best eye is worse than 20/40 but no worse than 20/70, DMV restricts you to daylight driving unless a licensed vision specialist advises otherwise in writing. DMV tests your eyesight at no charge. If you test wearing glasses or contacts, you must wear them to drive. If you fail, you get a form for a licensed vision specialist. Drivers 65 and older must have their vision tested in person at renewal.
Source: Oregon Department of Transportation, Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (Oregon DMV), checked 2026-10-27.