Spanish and 7 Other Languages at Oregon DMV: How to Request Your Test

You can take the Oregon permit test in a language other than English. The Oregon DMV offers the Class C knowledge test in multiple languages for both online and in-office exams.

What Languages Does Oregon DMV Offer for the Permit Knowledge Test?

Oregon DMV offers the permit knowledge test in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Arabic. Request your language when booking through DMV2U. The Oregon permit test is available in 8 languages. Select your preferred language when starting the test online or on the touchscreen terminal at a DMV office.

• English
• Spanish (Espanol)
• Arabic (Al-Arabiya)
• Chinese (Simplified Mandarin - )
• Japanese ( )
• Korean ( )
• Russian ( )
• Vietnamese (Ti ng Vi t)

A new resident from Portland's Vietnamese community can take the test entirely in Vietnamese at the SE Portland DMV office. Spanish-speaking applicants in Medford complete the online knowledge test at home in their native language.

The Chinese test uses Simplified Mandarin script; Traditional Chinese is not supported. All translated tests cover identical Oregon road sign and law content.

Requesting a Non-English Permit Test at Oregon DMV

Request a non-English Oregon permit test by selecting your language in the DMV2U booking system. Call your specific branch the day before to confirm the selection is active in their system. Request your language by selecting it on-screen at the start of your test. For languages not listed, options are limited.

• Paper Dictionaries: You may request a paper foreign language translation dictionary, but only with express permission from DMV staff before the test begins. The dictionary must be word-for-word only, with no definitions, notes, or pictures.
• Interpreters: Personal translators are not allowed for the knowledge test. For the behind-the-wheel drive test, interpreters are permitted.
• ASL Accommodations: American Sign Language users must submit an accommodation request form at least 7 days in advance.

An applicant in Beaverton whose primary language is Farsi studies using the English manual and can request an approved paper Farsi-English dictionary during the exam at the Washington Square DMV.

Check your dictionary for notes before going to the DMV to avoid immediate rejection. DMV staff in Salem inspect it and confiscate it if they find any handwritten markings, forcing you to reschedule.

Are the Non-English Oregon Permit Tests Identical in Format and Score?

Non-English Oregon permit tests contain the same 35 questions, use the same 25-minute time limit, and require the same 28 correct answers to pass as the English version. The multilingual permit test uses professionally translated text. Audio assistance (text-to-speech) is available for English and Spanish tests.

If you fail online, wait until the next business day before trying again.

Bring your own wired headphones for audio assistance if testing in-person. The Hillsboro DMV office may not have spares, causing delays or forcing you to take the test without audio support.

Do You Need to Read English to Drive Legally in Oregon?

Oregon does not require English proficiency to hold a driver's license. However, road test examiners give verbal directions in English; understanding stop, turn, and pull over is necessary. There is no requirement to take the test in English to get your permit. However, all road signs in Oregon are in English, so basic recognition helps.

1. Study Resources: Download the official 2026-2027 Oregon Driver Manual in English or Spanish. For other languages, focus on universal road sign shapes and meanings through practice tests.
2. Common Mistake: Applicants in Eugene sometimes fail by confusing 'Yield' and 'Merge' concepts. Practice these terms regardless of your test language. Honestly, these two trip up native English speakers just as much.
3. Real ID Consideration: If applying for a Real ID, you must visit a DMV office in person, regardless of the language you tested in.

Complete Form 735-173 online before your office visit to avoid form errors that cause rejection. The Bend DMV often sends teens back home for missing parent signatures on Form 735-7196, requiring a return trip.