SALEM, Ore.-Priority scheduling for drive tests is now available in rural counties across Oregon, including Baker, Morrow, Umatilla and Wallowa Counties.
“Giving local preference will improve the drive test process for people who live in less populated areas,” said Oregon DMV Administrator Amy Joyce.
Under Senate Bill 9, which took effect January 1, Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV), will give local preference to rural customers needing to schedule behind-the-wheel drive tests for licenses.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, SB 9 will require DMV Field Offices in 20 rural Counties throughout Oregon to give customers living within those counties or within 50 miles of a DMV office priority when scheduling a licensing test.
“Rural county offices serve large geographic areas for all DMV transaction types,” said Joyce, of the bill aimed to help customers in Baker, Clatsop, Crook, Curry, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler Counties.
Rural DMV customers can now schedule local preference drive tests for Class C driver’s licenses (the basic license for passenger cars), by checking in through the kiosk at their local DMV, scheduling with an employee at the DMV, or by calling customer service at 503.945.5000.
“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,” said Joyce.
Drive tests for those who do not live in rural areas should continue to be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis through the DMV2U portal or through a third-party tester, according to the DMV.
A complete list of certified Class C driving testers in Oregon is available online through the DMV.
