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House approves priority access for rural residents at select DMV drive-test sites
Summary
The House passed Senate Bill 9, directing certain rural DMV field offices in 20 counties to prioritize drive-test appointments for local residents living in-county or within 50 miles, aimed at reducing travel burdens for rural families.
The Oregon House voted to pass Senate Bill 9, a measure directing 20 designated rural Division of Motor Vehicles field offices to prioritize behind-the-wheel driving test appointments for residents who live in-county or within 50 miles of the testing location.
Proponents described persistent access problems in rural areas where a high share of drive-test slots are taken by people traveling from outside the local area, creating long trips and repeat travel for students and families. Representative Mannix framed the bill as a short-term operational fix while the state addresses DMV staffing and capacity.
"Give priority to the local folks so they don't have to drive far away for their teenagers to take their driving test," Representative Mannix said on the floor. Representative Bobby Levy described the measure as a “common sense solution,” saying rural residents sometimes must travel hundreds of miles round trip to complete a test. Representative Edwards echoed those concerns and recounted her family's drive-test experience.
Representative Gamboa opposed the bill on policy grounds, arguing the long-term solution is increased funding for DMV and driver education programs rather than prioritization rules. Supporters responded that the bill is a partial, immediate remedy to reduce travel burdens while broader staffing and program fixes are pursued.
The House declared Senate Bill 9 passed after debate and a recorded voice vote. Lawmakers and advocates said the bill is intended as an interim remedy to improve geographic equity in access to behind-the-wheel testing; it does not appropriate new funding for DMV staffing.
