Teen Driver Education
Chemeketa’s driver education classes serve students ages 15-17 year-round in Salem, McMinnville, Dallas, Stayton, Silverton, Woodburn, Independence and Monmouth. Our course is an Oregon Department of Transportation approved course.
Requirements to Apply
- Hold a valid permit (no license)
- Be 15-17 years old
- Cannot turn 18 before the end of the course
- Be able to attend all scheduled classes during the course
Steps to Register
Step #1: Pre-register Instructions
Class enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required.
- A pre-registration link will be available under the Schedule section on the date and time listed. See the Annual Schedule section for upcoming pre-registration dates.
- The pre-registration is an intent to take the course and will ask very basic information (applicant name, parent name, and contact information)
- Students are selected through a lottery system after the pre-registration period closes, based on acailable seats at each course location.
After all pre-registrations have been reviewed, applications will receive an email notification regarding their enrollment status by the following week.
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COST
Full Cost
$645
- Students who turn 18 during the course
- Valid Oregon learner's permit (no driver's license)
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Discount Prices
$425:
- Students 15-17 (complete course prior to turning 18)
- Valid Oregon learner's permit (no driver's license)
$350:
- Students 15-17 (complete course prior to turning 18)
- Valid Oregon learner's permit (no driver's license)
- Qualifies for SNAP, TANF, or free and reduced lunch (documentation required)
Cost Includes
- 30+ hours of classroom instruction
- 12 hours of in-car training
- Six hours of driving
- Six hours of observation
- Textbooks and reference materials
Your DMV drive test may be waived if you are ages 15-17 and successfully pass the course.
*cost increases may occur every year*
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FAQs
How does the DMV Drive Test Waiver Work?
If a student between the ages of 15-17 takes and successfully completes our program, the certificate issued at the end of the course will waive the DMV drive test.
We do conduct an ODOT approved drive test in the course. When a student completes our program DMV is recognizing that the drive section that they pass with our program meets or exceeds their standards of a drive test.
Students who turn 18 during the course will still need to complete a driving test at the DMV after completion of our program.
What is the low income subsidy?
There is a $75 State subsidy program making the cost $350 for applicants that qualify for the Free and Reduced lunch program and/or the SNAP or TANF programs. Show eligibility letter from the school district, from SNAP or from TANF. Home school students can qualify through the school district they are in.
(This benefit applies only to students under 18 years of age and without a license.)
What if I turn 18 During the Course?
If you turn 18 during the class (this is typically noticed by the office at the time of registration) you will be charged the full cost of the program ($645)
What if I get my license before I complete the course?
If you obtain your license before completion of the course, you will be responsible for the full cost of the program ($645). This may result in bill of the difference between what you paid and the full cost of the course.
- COURSE RESOURCES
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Annual Schedule
Summer Session #1 2026: June 15 - July 21
Pre-registration opens April 13th at 8 am and will close April 15th at 5 pm.
Summer Session #2 2026: July 28 - August 20
Pre-registration opens June 1st at 8 am and will close June 3rd at 5 pm.
Fall 2026: September 21 - November 16
Pre-registration opens August 10th at 8 am and will close August 12th at 5 pm.
Winter 2027: January 11 - March 9
Pre-registration opens November 2nd at 8 am and will close November 4th at 5 pm.
Spring 2027: April 5 - May 31
Pre-registration opens February 8th at 8 am and will close February 10th at 5 pm.
*Drives will be schedule outside the required classroom time and may take an additional 1-2 weeks to complete after the last class*
Course dates are subject to change
Schedule
Fall 2026: September 22 - November 19
Pre-registration opens August 10th at 8 am and will close August 12th at 5 pm.
- Yamhill Valley Campus (McMinnville), Tuesday & Thursday, 6pm - 8pm
Required parent orientation will be held the week class starts. More detailed information will be provided once accepted.
Courses are subject to change/cancel due to facility/instructor availability.
Winter 2027: January 11th - March 9th
Pre-registration opens November 2nd at 8 am and will close November 4th at 5 pm.
- Class Locations, TBD
Required parent orientation will be held the week class starts. More detailed information will be provided once accepted.
Courses are subject to change/cancel due to facility/instructor availability.
Please refer to the 'Annual Schedule' section to view the upcoming pre-registrations dates.
If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming an instructor, please review the instructor information below or contact us directly by email for more details.
Complete the Schedule Updates (click here) form to receive email notifications on when classes will be scheduled.
Job Opportunity:
We are hiring for a part-time driver education instructor! Applicants must be certified through Western Oregon University Instructor training.
To apply, click HERE
Any questions regarding the Driver Education Instructor position, please email drivereducation@chemeketa.edu