PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles is tightening its testing policy in an effort to ensure that new drivers take the licensing process more seriously. Beginning October 1, applicants will only be allowed to take the written knowledge test twice per day, a significant change from the current system that allows unlimited attempts.
Too Many Attempts, Too Little Learning
The DMV said the change comes after staff observed troubling patterns.
“We’ve had customers take the test 10 or more times per day, indicating they are not learning the information but hoping to pass by chance,” the agency noted in a statement.
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Advocates for safer streets have long criticized the low bar for passing DMV tests, arguing that many licensed drivers leave without fully understanding the rules of the road. The new rule is designed to encourage deeper study and comprehension of the Oregon Driver Manual rather than relying on guesswork.
Purpose of the Knowledge Test
According to Chris Crabb, Public Information Officer for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the goal of the change is to strengthen road safety.
“The purpose of the knowledge test is to ensure the new driver knows the rules of the road and has some basic safe driving information,” Crabb said. “By limiting the testing to twice a day, we are encouraging people to take the test seriously.”
Benefits Beyond Safety
The DMV believes the change will also improve efficiency at its offices. Staff time has often been consumed by individuals repeatedly retaking the test, particularly in busy Portland locations. By capping the number of daily attempts, DMV staff will be able to assist more customers in line and reduce wait times.
“Our counter staff spend a lot of time with individuals who continually retake the test,” Crabb explained. “Reducing the testing will allow them to help more people in line.”
A Step Toward Better Driver Education
For traffic safety advocates, the decision is a small but meaningful step in connecting driver education with real-world road safety outcomes. Limiting test attempts forces applicants to approach the process with preparation rather than persistence.
Critics have argued that passing the DMV test has become too easy, resulting in poorly trained drivers on Oregon roads. With the new policy, ODOT hopes to instill greater accountability and reinforce the importance of understanding traffic laws.
Looking Ahead
While the change is welcomed, advocates say more reforms could follow. Future improvements may include revisiting the content of the knowledge test, requiring periodic retesting, or increasing public education campaigns around safe driving.
For now, the DMV’s move is being hailed as progress. As one road safety advocate put it: “It’s about time we connected the dots between testing standards and the safety of everyone on the road.”
