According to Oklahoma law, any person under the age of eighteen (18) years wishing to apply for a driver license or permit must be regularly attending school, and successfully reading at the eighth grade level.
Most students will use the Oklahoma Core Curriculum eighth grade reading test results to qualify for the reading requirement. Some students, however, may have moved to our state after eighth grade, or may be a nontraditional student, or a student attending private school or being home schooled.
While these laws apply to every student, the State Department of Education has attempted to make it easier for nontraditional students and nonpublic school students to take an approved test and receive their license or permit. If you need additional information contact Student Assessment, at (405) 521-3364.
Attendance Requirements
Persons applying for a license or permit under the age of eighteen must meet one of the following criteria. You must have a Department of Public Safety form available at and completed by your local high school to verify eligibility.
- The student is enrolled in a public school, private school or technology center.
- The student has received a diploma or certificate of completion. The student is enrolled and is making satisfactory progress in a GED program.
- The student is absent due to physical or mental illness or other circumstances beyond the control of applicant.
- The student is employed at least twenty-four hours per week and it is verified by the employer on a form provided by the Department of Public Safety.
- Students receiving instruction at home or by other means must provide a statement from the parent or guardian.
- During the summer a parent must sign an affadavit at the driving exam site stating the student was enrolled the previous semester and intends to enroll in the upcoming school year.
Reading Requirements
Persons under the age of eighteen applying for a license or permit must meet one of the following criteria. They must have a Department of Public Safety form available at and completed by their local high school to verify eligibility.
- The student must demonstrate a satisfactory reading ability at the eighth grade level on the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Reading test required of all eighth graders.
- The student must demonstrate a satisfactory reading ability at the eighth grade level on an alternative test approved by the State Department of Education.
- The student must have an individualized education plan in reading and be performing satisfactorily according to the plan.
Alternative Testing
Alternative testing for those who have not taken, or did not pass the Oklahoma Core Curriculum eighth grade reading test with a score at or above an eighth grade level, is available. Students who are in the eighth grade and have not taken the Oklahoma Core Curriculum eighth grade reading test but want to apply for a motorcycle permit are permitted to take an alternative test first. Oklahoma public schools must give an alternative reading test four times per year to all public school, private school and home schooled children. The first test is free to all students, but school districts and other testing sites may charge up to $25 per test for subsequent tests.
NOTE: Many private schools also have been approved to administer an alternative reading test. Check with the administrative offices of private schools to see if they offer this test.
For More Information, Contact:
Student Assessment, SDE, (405) 521-3364