So it’s that point in your life when it’s time to work on getting your driver’s license.
Congrats!
For teens 16 to 18, the process starts by completing a driver’s ed.
And yes, we get it, you probably don’t want to spend even more hours studying.
But since it’s required, you might as well go for the best driving school. The one that makes sure you learn everything you need in a fun and complete way.
This is where we come in.
Today, we’re going to list the best driving schools in Portland, Oregon. This way, if you pick any on our list, you know you’ll be in great hands.
So buckle up and let’s get started!
The Best Online Driving Schools in Portland, OR
One thing you should know. As we speak, online driving schools are not yet authorized in Oregon. However, there is no harm in asking for special permission from your local DMV.
If you get the green light, then AMAZING!
Imagine being able to work through the material during hours that suit your preference (and your availability) — you can’t get any more convenient than that.
If so, then check out these 4 best online driving schools in Oregon:
Let’s take a close look at each one.
DriversEd
As we said, you probably don’t want to spend even more hours studying.
However, DriversEd’s content is filled with multimedia to help make the experience enjoyable. They’ve harnessed the power of technology and brought various driving scenarios to life using 3D animation.
This way, you don’t just read about how you should do things — you can watch and have a visual representation in your head. These scenarios cover topics like navigating a city, exploring the freeway, or dealing with hazards on the road.
If you’re looking for a course that allows you to participate, you may enjoy the games embedded in the material.
Activities like crossword puzzles, matching games, and interactive images provide you with more engagement while learning. They’re also fun ways to test how much knowledge you’ve accumulated.
DriversEd offers courses to both teens and adults. You’ll learn about updated traffic laws in Oregon and safe driving techniques.
The package also comes with 50 FREE online practice tests, so you can prepare for the DMV exam and get a better chance of passing it on your first try.
NOTE: DriversEd is not yet authorized in Oregon. If you want to take their courses, make sure you ask the DMV first.
DriverEdToGo
Another well-known online driving school is DriverEdToGo.
Their course is highly engaging. You’ll encounter interactive images that allow you to explore the different parts of a car.
They also include games and driving simulations that not only help you learn but keep you entertained at the same time.
You’ll have to complete short knowledge checks at the end of each chapter. These aren’t complex questions, but they’re a good gauge of how much you’ve picked up.
Unlike DriversEd, practice tests aren’t automatically part of the package. You have to purchase these as upgrades.
You get other upgrade options, too, such as audio narration and unlimited attempts for the course’s final exam.
NOTE: Again, DriverEdToGo is not yet authorized in the state. Make sure to ask your local DMV branch if their course can satisfy state requirements.
DMVEdu
We know the main reason you’re taking driver’s ed is so you can get your license — and that’s great. But DMVEdu makes sure that you get more than that.
Besides learning the knowledge you need about operating a motor vehicle, they also want you to become the safest driver you can be.
Their course doesn’t just cover traffic signs and safe driving practices. It also delves deeper and discusses the causes and consequences of car accidents. Typical points emphasized include how distracted or drunk driving is hazardous not only to you but to everyone else on the road.
DMVEdu ensures you won’t have difficulty navigating their platform. It’s all intuitive, which means you won’t have a problem going through their portal or course.
If you want to get a feel of their content, you can access a 5-minute demo. There’s no better way to figure out whether their program meets your preferences than to have hands-on experience of how it works.
NOTE: Reminder that DMVEdu is not approved to satisfy state requirements. However, you can ask the Oregon DMV if they will accept it.
SafeMotorist
SafeMotorist offers various courses in Oregon. Besides driver’s education, you can also take defensive driving, traffic school, and a program for insurance reduction. They even have a separate course for first-time drivers.
Their program follows a tried and tested formula. SafeMotorist presents relevant information, gives opportunities for review, and integrates reinforcement exercises.
SafeMotorist’s driver education program has 30 hours’ worth of content. They divided these into 9 units, each covering a different subject.
Examples of what you’ll be learning about are the fundamentals of motor vehicle operations and personal factors affecting driver performance.
You’ll go through real driving scenarios to help you assess the level of risk in each one. Plus, you’re sure to learn what you need to pass the DMV test.
NOTE: Before you go with SafeMotorist, make sure to ask special permission from the Oregon DMV if you can take their courses to satisfy the driver’s ed requirement.
The Best In-Person Driving Schools in Portland, OR
What if you don’t want to bother asking the DMV for a special online course?
Or, what if you’re not allowed?
Well, here are the best in-person driving schools in Portland.
Horizon Driver Education
- Address: 7535 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR
- Phone: (503) 680 6544
Whether you’re a teen wanting to have more independence or an adult getting your license for the first time, Horizon Driver Education can meet your needs. They designed their classes to emphasize the value of driving safely while providing a fun and engaging learning experience.
Horizon offers 3 packages for teens — standard, intermediate and advanced. All three include the mandatory 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours driving lessons, and 6 hours observation. The higher-end packages offer additional hours for private lessons.
If you’re between 15 and 17 and graduate Horizon Driver Education, you’ll receive a Drive Test Waiver from the Oregon DMV.
1st Learn to Drive
- Address: 6723 SE 16th Avenue, Portland, OR
- Phone: (503) 509 0870
This driving school’s courses aren’t just for teens — even adults can benefit from attending their classes.
Classroom instruction focuses on subjects that help you make crucial decisions while on the road. It is supported by behind-the-wheel instruction to help you develop fundamental driving skills.
They don’t want you to learn just for the sake of passing the DMV driving test. 1st Learn to Drive ensures you develop skills you can carry with you in real life.
Stick Shift Driving Academy
- Address: Portland, Oregon 97201
- Phone: (503) 843 8844
Most teenagers nowadays drive an automatic — and who can blame them? But if you want to go a little old school and want to drive a stick, Stick Shift Academy is right up your alley!
They provide a complete curriculum that includes hill starts, parking, and shifting up and down. Stick Shift Driving Academy offers 3 packages so that you can choose the one that best suits your driving needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driver’s Education in Portland
Does taking an online driver’s ed course fulfill the requirements of Oregon DMV?
Unfortunately, Oregon is one of the states that don’t authorize online driver’s education just yet. If you’re from Portland and you complete one, you won’t get credits from the DMV.
That said, you can ask for special permission from the DMV, especially if you’re studying at a popular online driving school, like the ones on our list.
Why should I consider an online driver’s ed course if it isn’t approved in Oregon?
If the DMV doesn’t allow you to take online driver’s ed, we realize it seems counterproductive to even think about going through these courses.
But, although it won’t give you DMV credits, it does come with its own set of benefits.
Completing an online course as a supplement to your in-person class means you’ll have a better chance of passing your DMV test on the first try. Since it is self-paced, you can spend more time on topics you find challenging instead of forcing yourself to learn at the same rate as your peers in a traditional driver’s ed class.
You can also take advantage of some online driver’s ed packages. Some schools automatically include practice tests when you purchase the course, so you can simulate the DMV exam before you need to take it.
Plus, there are other online driving schools that even allow you to get an auto insurance discount or high school credits.
How long will it take me to complete driver’s ed?
Oregon requires the driver’s education course to be 15 hours long. For in-person classes, the time you’ll spend studying depends on the schedule the school provides.
Online courses offer more flexibility. Schools often make their materials self-paced and grant you 24/7 access. It means you can go through the content as fast or slow as you prefer and log in to the system as frequently or infrequently as you want.
If you’re taking an online driver’s ed course, the length of time you spend studying depends entirely on you.
Final Words
So even though online driving schools are not yet approved, there is no harm in asking special permission from your local DMV.
And with our list of the best online driving schools in the US, your DMV just might accept it.
If not, then don’t worry. We listed down the best in-person driving schools for you, too.
Just know that, whatever school you choose in the end, you will learn everything you need to know.
Have fun!