Intro
The process of getting your driver's license will depend on several factors, including your age and how long you've lived in Oklahoma.
The GDL Program
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs are designed to help young novice or new drivers adjust to the responsibility of obtaining full driving privileges. Studies have shown that GDL programs help reduce collisions among novice drivers. In Oklahoma, there are three stages to the GDL program.
Those without a license who are at least age 15 may drive only while accompanied by, and receiving instruction from, a certified driver education instructor.
To earn your learner permit, you must be at least age 15 ½, and you need to be currently receiving instruction in a driver education course, or have already completed your driver education course. Safe2Drive's Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education course satisfies this requirement. You will also need to pass the written driving exam and the vision exam. Those age 16 and older must pass the written exam and the vision exam, but are not required to complete a driver education course.
Learner permit holders may only drive from 5 am to 10 pm, and must be accompanied by a licensed driver who's at least age 21.
The next step is the intermediate license. In order to earn your intermediate license, you must hold your learner's permit for at least six months, and have no traffic convictions on your driving record. Before earning your intermediate license, you will need to complete at least 50 hours (with ten hours at night) of behind-the-wheel training from a licensed driver who is at least age 21 and has been licensed for at least two years.
Those with an intermediate license may drive unsupervised from 5 am to 10 pm, unless they're driving to or from school activities, a job, or church. They can drive at any time when accompanied by a licensed driver who's at least age 21. Intermediate license holders can only drive with one passenger, except when accompanied by a licensed driver who's at least age 21. They can also drive with multiple passengers who live in their home.
The final stage is the unrestricted license. For drivers under age 18, in order to have an unrestricted license, you must have had your intermediate license for at least 6 months and have no traffic convictions on your driving record. Those at least age 18 can earn their unrestricted license after passing all driving and vision exams.
Exams
There are several exams you may be required to complete in order to get your driver's license.
- The driving skills test. This is a road test administered by a Department of Public Safety examiner. During the driving test, the examiner will give you instructions on where to drive and what driving maneuvers to perform. If you fail the driving skills test, you can retake it as soon as the following business day, as scheduling permits.
- The knowledge test(s). You'll be tested on your knowledge of Oklahoma traffic laws, safe driving practices, drug and alcohol laws, and the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the driving task. Safe2Drive's Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education course can help prepare you for this test!
- The vision exam. Your vision will be checked with a traditional eye test. In order to drive safely, you must be able to see adequately! If you wear contact lenses or glasses, wear them during the test. You may receive a restriction for contact lenses or glasses, which simply means that you are required to wear them while driving.
New Oklahoma Residents
If you've moved to Oklahoma from outside of the state, you can transfer your out-of-state license without having to take a written or drive test. You will need to take the vision exam. Applicants will have to appear before a Driver License examiner and show primary and secondary proofs of identity, proof of their full legal name and date of birth, and proof of legal presence in the US.
Once your documents have been accepted and your applications have been processed, you'll take the vision test. If you pass the vision test, you'll be given a form, your identification documents, and your out-of-state license, which you'll take to a tag agency. There, you'll pay the applicable fees and your new Oklahoma license will be printed.
What to Bring to the DL Office
What you need to bring with you to the Driver License office will depend on what type of license you are applying for. You can visit the DPS's website to see a full list of approved documents, but generally you will need:
- Proof of identity documents (e.g., a US Birth Certificate, a US Citizen Identification Card, or a Mexican or Canadian nationals Border Crossing Card)
- Name change documentation
- Proof of residency documents (e.g., rental/lease agreement, deed/title to residential real property, employment document, or medication documents)
If you're an Oklahoma resident and need to complete a driver education course to satisfy licensing requirements, click the orange button below to learn more about Safe2Drive's Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education course!
Register for OK Driver's Ed Course