Oklahoma Driver's License

Class A CDL

The Class A CDL allows drivers to operate vehicle combinations with a combined weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. It is designed for towing trailers or other vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 10,000 pounds.

Class B CDL

This CLD permits drivers to operate single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more and to tow vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVWR. It also includes the operation of buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Class C CDL

The Class C CDL allows drivers to operate vehicles under 26,001 pounds GVWR or tow vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVWR. It is also required to transport hazardous materials and vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Class D

Class D is the standard driver's license for most Oklahoma residents. Regardless of weight, it covers all other vehicles not included in Classes A, B, or C. It is the typical license for personal vehicle operation, including cars and light trucks.

Motorcycle License

Operating a motorcycle in Oklahoma requires a specific endorsement. This license allows motorcycles to be operated, catering to those who prefer two-wheeled motor vehicles.

Oklahoma Driver's License Documentary Requirements

When applying for a driver's license or identification card in Oklahoma, individuals must provide various documents to prove their identity, lawful presence in the U.S., Oklahoma residency, and other relevant information. Here are the general requirements:

• Proof of Identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship)
• Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, Pay stub with full SSN)
• Proof of Oklahoma Residency (two documents required) such as utility bill, residential lease agreement, or Oklahoma voter registration card
• Proof of Legal Presence (if applicable)
• If under 18, proof of school enrollment or graduation
• Name Change Documentation (if applicable), such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, and court order

Note that photocopies of documents will not be accepted. Applicants should verify the Required Documents provided by the Service Oklahoma office for accuracy.

Oklahoma Graduated Driver's License Program

The Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program is designed to help young, inexperienced drivers gain the necessary skills and experience to become safe, responsible motorists. The GDL program consists of four distinct phases that gradually introduce new drivers to the responsibilities of operating a vehicle.

Student Driver Phase

To obtain a driver's license in Oklahoma, individuals must first go through the student driver phase. This phase involves enrolling in and completing an approved Driver Education course.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old to start the classroom portion of the driver education course. They cannot begin any behind-the-wheel training until they have obtained a learner's permit.

The driver education course must be approved by Service Oklahoma. Parent Taught Driver Education does not qualify to waive the written test required for the learner's permit.

Learner's Permit Phase

After completing the driver education course, applicants can proceed to the learner's permit phase. To obtain a learner's permit, they must pass the Oklahoma Written Exam, which covers traffic laws, road rules, road signs, and safe driving practices.

The written exam can be waived if the applicant has a completion certificate from an approved driver education course. They must also pass a vision test, which will be administered during their visit to a Service Oklahoma Licensing Office.

Once the applicant passes the required tests, they will be issued a temporary paper permit to use until their learner's permit arrives in the mail. A $4 fee must be paid upon passing each failed written test.

Intermediate License Phase

After holding the learner's permit for at least 30 days, applicants who are 18 years or older can apply for an unrestricted license. Applicants between 15-18 years old must apply for an intermediate license before obtaining an unrestricted license.

The intermediate license phase involves passing a driving test, which can be retaken up to three times, with at least one day between each attempt. If the applicant fails the third drive test, they must wait 30 days before taking the test a fourth time, and subsequent attempts should be taken no more than once every 30 days.

Unrestricted License Phase

Once the applicant has successfully completed the intermediate license phase, they can apply for an unrestricted driver's license. This final phase does not require any additional testing, and the license can be obtained by visiting a Service Oklahoma location and providing the necessary documentation.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to obtain a Class D (unrestricted) driver's license. If they have completed driver's education, they must have held an intermediate license for at least 180 days and have no traffic convictions on their driving record for the 180 days immediately preceding the issuance of the unrestricted license.

If they have not completed driver's education, they must have held an intermediate license for at least one year and have no traffic convictions on their driving record for the one year immediately preceding the issuance of the unrestricted license.

Oklahoma Driver's License Tests

Obtaining a driver's license in Oklahoma requires passing a vision screening, a written knowledge exam, and a practical driving test. These assessments are designed to evaluate an applicant's understanding of traffic laws and road signs and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and navigate the state's roadways responsibly.

Vision Screening

A vision screening is mandatory for all first-time Oklahoma driver's license applicants. To pass the vision test, applicants must meet a minimum visual acuity of 20/40, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses are needed, driving privileges will be restricted to require their use.

If the applicants fail to meet the visual acuity standard, they will be referred to a vision specialist for further evaluation. Upon completion of the referral, if the visual acuity measures 20/60 or better, the individuals can qualify to test for an instruction permit or operator's license.

Written Test

The written test is crucial for securing a driver's license in Oklahoma. This test covers driving rules, regulations, procedures, and highway signs. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 80% to pass.

Oral tests are available for applicants who cannot read English but must still demonstrate knowledge of traffic signs.

Moreover, testing centers in Oklahoma are equipped with tablet devices that allow for audible test presentations in English and several foreign languages. This feature is available without a special appointment. However, individuals requiring an oral test or interpreter services must schedule a specific appointment.

The written test is commonly offered in multiple languages, including:

• Arabic
• Burmese
• Chinese
• French
• Japanese
• Spanish
• Somali

Upon request, these languages can be accessed electronically or in audio format for added convenience.

Road Test

The road test is the final test applicants must take when obtaining a driver's license in Oklahoma. When taking this test, all applicants must have a properly registered vehicle for testing and provide proof of liability insurance.

During the road test appointment, the applicant must be accompanied by a licensed adult in the front passenger seat who is at least 21 years old. It is illegal for permit holders to drive alone to their road test appointment. Any traffic violations at the test site will result in the test being rescheduled.

In the test proper, an examiner accompanies the applicant and occupies the passenger side of the front seat. The road test evaluates various maneuvers and skills, such as:

• Making stops and hill starts
• Backing up
• Turning the car around
• Performing parallel parking
• Approaching intersections
• Maintaining appropriate speed
• Doing clutch use (if applicable)
• Making turns
• Using lanes correctly
• Understanding right-of-way rules

While on the road test in Oklahoma, an applicant must follow the examiner's instructions. They must also obey traffic laws and avoid collisions and dangerous behavior, as doing so will result in automatic test failure and termination.

After completing the road test, applicants will receive a score sheet indicating a pass or fail status; no numerical scores are provided.

If applicants fail the road skills test, they must wait at least one week before retaking it and are encouraged to practice during this time. Should applicants pass, they will receive their driver's licenses.

Fees for Obtaining an Oklahoma Driver's License

The cost of obtaining a driver's license in Oklahoma varies depending on the license's type and duration. The application fee for a Class D driver's license in the state is $4, while the issuance cost is $38.50.

For CDLs, the fees can vary, and those interested can refer to the Digital Driver License Classes and Fees provided by the Service Oklahoma office.

Note that the fees and accepted payment methods are subject to change. To check the latest information, individuals should contact their local Service Oklahoma office when applying for a driver's license.

For more details on acquiring a standard Oklahoma driver's license, refer to the Oklahoma Driver Manual. On the other hand, for getting a state CDL, check the Oklahoma Commercial Driver License Manual.

Renewing an Oklahoma Driver's License

An expiring or expired Oklahoma driver's license can be renewed online, through a licensed operator, and in person at any licensing office. The eligibility criteria and process for each option are as follows:

Online Renewal

To be eligible for an online driver's license renewal in Oklahoma, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• The driver's license is not suspended
• Not be adding a REAL-ID credential to the license for the first time
• Have Oklahoma residency
• The license being renewed is valid or has not expired for more than a year.

If individuals meet these criteria, the online renewal process involves preparing a primary ID document, a photo taken within the last six months, a debit/credit card, a Social Security number, and a driver's license number.

With these documents prepared, individuals can visit and follow the steps outlined on the Oklahoma Driver's License Renewal/Replacement page. Upon completion, they can expect to receive the renewed license by mail within 30 days.

There is a fee for online renewal. If renewing a license valid for four years, the cost is $38.50. If the license lasts for eight years, the renewal fee rises to $77.

In-Person Renewal

To be eligible to renew a driver's license in Oklahoma, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a state-issued birth certificate if a U.S. citizen
• Not have a license that has been expired for more than three years
• Not have a suspended license

When applying in person at the nearest Service Oklahoma location, applicants can expect to receive their renewed license within 30 days. A temporary license will be issued during the in-person visit.

If an in-person renewal application is denied, the applicant will receive a refund for the credential fee, less the credit card processing fee. This refund may take up to 10 business days to appear on the applicant's statement.

Replacing an Oklahoma Driver's License

Individuals may need to replace their Oklahoma driver's license if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. This process can be done online or in person.

Online Replacement

To replace an Oklahoma driver's license online, applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria as the renewal process:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a state-issued birth certificate if a U.S. citizen
• Not have a license that has been expired for more than three years
• Not have a suspended license

If these criteria are met, the fee for an online replacement at the Oklahoma Driver's License Renewal/Replacement page is $25.25 for a standard license or $40.25 for a commercial license. Applicants can expect to receive their replaced license within 30 days, but no temporary license is issued when applying online.

In-Person Replacement

Individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for online replacement or need a physical temporary license must apply for the replacement in person at a Service Oklahoma location.

The same fees apply for in-person replacement: $25.25 for a standard license or $40.25 for a commercial license. When applying in person, applicants will be issued a temporary license during their visit, and the permanent license will be mailed within 30 days.

Regardless of the method chosen, applicants may be required to provide additional documentation to verify their identity, lawful presence, and Oklahoma residency, depending on their circumstances.