There’s a reason Portland is called “The City of Roses.” It’s a beautiful place to live, with plenty of natural beauty and great weather.
But what makes it even better is that it’s home to some of the Top driving schools in the country!
For choosing a driving school in Portland, there are many factors you’ll want to consider. You may want one that offers evening classes or one that offers weekend classes.
You may want one where you can take your tests at their facility or one where you’ll need to go elsewhere for testing.
All these things will be crucial in helping you find the right driving school for your needs—and hopefully, this our list of Top driving schools in Portland will help guide your search!
What are the Top Driving Schools in Portland?
Here are the top 15 Top driving schools in Portland in 2025:
1. Confident Driving Instruction
Address: Vancouver, WA 98662
First on our list of Top driving schools in Portland is Confident Driving Instruction.
This driving school offers top-notch driving lessons for adults and teens at five convenient locations throughout the Vancouver area.
Their classes and lessons are for Washington state drivers who want to pass the written and road test license exams.
2. Driving 101
Address: 9113 Northeast 117th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98662
Next on our list of Top driving schools in Portland is Driving 101. This school is a Clark county driving school offering classes for teenagers and adults.
Various driving courses, such as distracted driving awareness, drug and alcohol awareness, parking manoeuvres, defensive driving simulation, and basic car mechanical instruction, are given to pupils during the classes.
Make-up classes, brush-up courses, and driver’s license exams are provided. The knowledge exam for Driving 101 is available in seven different languages.
3. America’s Driving School
America’s Driving School in Portland is the Top place to get your driver’s license. They offer various courses to meet your needs, and their instructors are the Top in the business.
Their defensive driving course is perfect for those who want to brush up on their skills, and their advanced driving course is ideal for those who want to take their driving to the next level.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned driver, America’s Driving School in Portland is the perfect place for you.
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4. Hammerly’s Great NW Drivers
Address: Hillsboro, OR 97123
Hammerly’s Great NW Drivers is a driving school in Portland for adults, teens, and seniors. They also teach manual transmission and how to drive with adaptive equipment.
Clients can choose between single driving lessons for $109 for 90 minutes, lesson packages, driving test sessions, and medical driving examinations.
This family-run firm employs teachers with an average of 23 years of driving instruction expertise. Hammerly’s Great NW Drivers has received five-star ratings from customers on Yelp, Google, Facebook, and Business Finder.
They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau as well. Customers commend their attentive, polite, and knowledgeable coaching and the inventive-themed sessions that make learning to drive enjoyable.
5. Elite Truck driving school
If you’re looking for a truck driving school in Portland, you’ve come to the right place. Their truck driving school offers a comprehensive curriculum covering everything from defensive driving to advanced manoeuvres.
The driving school believes its students should have the Top possible education, which is why they only use the latest trucks and equipment.
Moreso, they offer a state-of-the-art simulator that allows students to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
In short, if you’re serious about becoming a professional truck driver, Elite Truck driving school is a place to go.
6. Horizon Driver Education
Address: 7535 Northeast Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97213
Horizon Driver Education is an excellent option if you’re looking for a driving school in Portland. They offer classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, and their instructors are experienced and patient.
Horizon Driver Education has provided quality driver education to the Portland area for over 20 years. They offer classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, and their instructors are experienced and patient.
The Oregon Department approves their curriculum of Motor Vehicles, and they offer convenient scheduling options to fit your busy life.
Whether you’re a first-time driver or someone who needs a refresher course, Horizon Driver Education can help you reach your goals.
Horizon Driver Education offers clients driving instruction in Portland and surrounding areas. Adult driving classes are available in standard, intermediate, advanced, and customized programs.
The courses include six to ten hours of driving instruction to assist individuals in learning to drive safely and competently. Horizon Driver Education also provides an Oregon DMV Drive Test Waiver to students aged 15 to 17 who have completed their ODOT-approved driving courses.
7. 1st Learn To Drive
1st Learn To Drive is a top driving school in Portland, OR, offering training to teens and adults. Its purpose is to educate a road safety philosophy, raise driver awareness, and give its clients the skills they need to be safer drivers.
The driving school provides new and seasoned drivers with high-quality traffic safety teaching. The driving school teaches the principles required to drive safely.
The behind-the-wheel programs at 1st Learn To Drive focus on building the core abilities required to pass your driving test and skills that will last a lifetime.
They attempt to establish a welcoming learning environment and provide a range of programs to meet your needs. 1st Learn To Drive offers pick-up services from home, school, and work.
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8. IITR Truck School
Address: Clackamas, OR 97015
If you’re looking for a driving school in Portland, IITR Truck School is one of the places to go. They offer a wide range of courses to fit your needs, and their experienced instructors will help you get the most out of your learning experience.
IITR Truck School, which serves the Portland area, was formed in 1981 and is the only continuously licensed school of its kind in both Washington and Oregon.
They are also the Northwest’s only trucking school to be approved by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. They provide a Class A CDL curriculum that trains beginning tractor-trailer drivers for certification and safe operation.
IITR offers both classroom and on-the-road instruction so that you can get the most out of your time at the school. Their on-the-road training is precious, allowing you to practice what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Overall, IITR Truck School is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn how to drive a truck. Their experienced instructors and wide range of courses make them a perfect choice for anyone looking for driving instruction in Portland.
This curriculum lasts 160 hours and offers day, night, and weekend classes. Existing drivers can also get refresher training. Students who complete the program will receive lifelong job placement support if they update their contact information. IITR has trained over 20,000 students and has five handy regional locations.
9. Westside Driving School
Westside Driving School in Portland is one of the most reputable driving schools in the area. They offer a wide range of services, from beginner to advanced driver’s education. They also provide a variety of discounts for their students.
Westside Driving School in Portland has taught people how to drive for over 20 years. They are a family owned business and prides itself on providing quality service. Their instructors are all certified, and they have a high success rate.
Westside Driving School is the Top choice if you’re looking for a driving school in Portland. They offer everything you need to learn how to drive safely and confidently.
10. Oregon Driver Training Institute
Address: 15962 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Oregon Driver Training Institute is the leading driving school in Portland. We offer a wide range of courses to meet the needs of all drivers, from beginners to those who need refresher courses. They’re experienced and certified instructors will help you learn the skills you need to be a safe and confident driver.
They offer a variety of course options, including online and in-person classes. Their online classes are convenient and flexible so that you can complete them at your own pace.
Oregon Driver Training Institute assists clients in Portland in learning and practising safe driving techniques. Its program involves classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and imparts practical information on safe driving in various surroundings and traffic circumstances.
The curriculum analyzes traffic regulations and driving directions and teaches students how to share the road with other drivers and pedestrians safely.
Every driver, juvenile, adult, first-timer or refresher can benefit from the school’s customized curriculum. It also provides private classes for those who prefer one-on-one, hands-on driving instruction with a private instructor.
Whether you’re a new driver or someone who wants to brush up on their skills, Oregon Driver Training Institute is the driving school for you.
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11. Pacific Driver Education
Address: Gresham, OR 97030
Pacific Driver Education is among the driving schools in Portland this season. Pacific Driver Education in Portland provides affordable driver education programs approved by the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Transportation Safety Division.
They teach low-risk driving techniques and habits that have been scientifically proven to reduce car accidents. Thirty hours of classroom training, six weekly two-hour driving sessions, and at least five hours of practice with a parent or guardian are all part of teen driving school.
Upon successful completion, the student receives a certificate that allows them to avoid taking the Oregon state driver’s exam. Students with an Oregon learner’s permit, under 18, and completing all course components within 90 days are eligible for a discount.
Adults can sign up for individual driving lessons, lesson packages, or the intro to driving class, which includes eight hours of classroom instruction, four 90-minute private driving lessons, and a DMV drive test exam. Commercial fleet training is also offered.
Classroom instruction covers Oregon traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and how to handle emergencies. Behind-the-wheel education allows students to practice what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Pacific Driver Education has a team of experienced and certified instructors committed to helping students become safe, confident drivers. The school also offers convenient scheduling options to fit busy lifestyles.
12. Wake’s Driving School
Address: Battle Ground, WA 98604
Wake’s Driving School, founded in the early 1990s, is the longest-running driver instruction school in Clark County, Washington. Their programs use innovative technology to educate the Washington State Department of Licensing’s Risk Prevention Curriculum.
This school has an open-door policy that allows parents to observe new adolescent driving lessons. Classes are open to students aged 15 and up. This is also an approved testing location for obtaining a Washington State driver’s license and administering written and road tests.
They offer a variety of courses to fit your needs, and their experienced instructors will help you feel confident behind the wheel.
Whether you’re a new driver or need a refresher course, Wake’s Driving School can help you improve your skills.
They offer both classroom and on-the-road instruction so that you can learn at your own pace. And their competitive rates make it easy to get the education you need without breaking the bank.
13. Western Pacific Truck School of Oregon
Address: Portland, OR 97230
The Western Pacific Truck School of Oregon has provided CDL and truck driver training services in Portland, Olympia, Longview, and Centralia for over 40 years.
The Advanced Tractor/Trailer Operating Program, which lasts 160 hours and allows students to gain eligibility for a Class A CDL and a Class B CDL for straight vehicles and passengers, is one of the courses available (40 hours for Oregon certification, 48 hours for Washington).
This school assures that they will be able to place pupils in the labour market and boasts a 96 per cent graduation record. Before enrolling, qualified students can sign up to receive an “Intent to Hire” letter.
For suitable students, financing is available; the program can also be sponsored through VA benefits, Displaced Workers, NAFTA, Washington Labor & Industries, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Also, the Western Pacific Truck School instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and they’ll ensure you’re prepared to pass your CDL exam. And Top of all, the school’s location in Portland means you can take advantage of all the city offers while getting your CDL.
14. Toms Driving Academy
Address: 2950 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123, United States
Whether you’re a new driver or someone who wants to brush up on their skills, Toms Driving Academy in Portland is the perfect place for you.
Toms Driving Academy offers a wide range of courses to meet your needs, and our experienced instructors will help you feel confident behind the wheel.
They offer both classroom and on-road instruction so that you can learn at your own pace. And our convenient location means you can get to us easily anywhere in Portland.
15. Advantage Driving School
Finally, on our list of top driving schools in Portland is Advantage Driving School. Whether you are a new driver or someone who wants to brush up on their skills, Advantage Driving School in Portland is the perfect place for you.
They are committed to providing their students with the Top possible driving education experience. They believe that everyone has the right to learn how to drive safely and will do everything they can to help you achieve that goal.
This driving school offers a variety of classes to choose from, so you can find the one that Top fits your needs.
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How Do I Pick the Top Driving School?
You should select a driving school that has positive reviews and skilled instructors. You should also consider what you want to learn from driving school: do you want to pass the behind-the-wheel driving exam, brush up on your skills, or become more comfortable with a specific issue?
Choose a school that specializes in the subject matter you want to learn.
Portland Driving School Requirements
To drive in Portland, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
To apply for a driver’s license in Oregon, you must first pass a written knowledge test. You can take this test at any DMV office or download an application online and study at home.
The test will cover traffic laws, road signs and signals, vehicle registration rules and responsibilities, driver safety practices like wearing a seat belt or using child safety seats correctly, and other essential topics when driving safely on public roads.
Once you’ve passed your written knowledge exam with a score of 80% or higher (which means you answered 80% of questions correctly), it’s time to schedule your driving skills test!
This test consists of three parts: parallel parking (first without a spotter), then with one person spotting from inside the car; backing into an open space; then finally, driving forward through an obstacle course set up by an examiner who will watch how well you handle turns, stops, and starts while maintaining control over your vehicle at all times.
If everything goes smoothly throughout both exams, then congratulations! You have now earned yourself full privileges under Oregon law regarding driving here within our borders!
FAQs
You can begin teaching someone to drive if you are at least 21 years old. You’ve had your full driver’s license for at least three years. You are authorized to drive the exact vehicle as the learner.
All new drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 must complete an Oregon driver’s ed course, also known as a traffic safety education course, to obtain their learner’s permit.
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Conclusion
The Top driving schools in Portland offer quality instruction at a reasonable price. A good driving school will have certified instructors who are patient and knowledgeable. The school should also provide various courses to meet all drivers’ needs.
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