Portland, OR
Road Safety Course in Portland, OR
Oregon Friendly Driver: Take the Course Today!
Portland drivers face unique challenges every day, from navigating busy bike lanes on Hawthorne Boulevard to sharing the road with people walking in downtown’s Pearl District. Whether you’re a new driver learning Portland’s streets, a parent or caregiver teaching safe habits, or a business owner managing a delivery fleet, Oregon Friendly Driver offers a free road safety course in Portland, OR, designed to reduce crashes and protect our community.
Why Portland Needs Better Road Safety Awareness
Portland has seen rising traffic incidents involving vulnerable road users. With more people choosing to bike, walk, or use e-scooters throughout Multnomah County, drivers need updated knowledge about Oregon’s road safety laws and best practices for sharing the road responsibly.
Our safe driving course in Portland addresses these real-world challenges. Developed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) with community partner Commute Options, and taught in Portland by The Street Trust, this certification program goes beyond basic driver education to focus specifically on protecting people walking, people biking, and people with mobility challenges.
Who Benefits from Portland's Road Safety Course?
Because the course is completely free, there’s no financial barrier to becoming a certified Oregon Friendly Driver
What Makes Our Portland Road Safety Course Different?
It’s Not Driver Education
This is crucial to understand: Oregon Friendly Driver is not a driver education program. If you need to obtain your license, you’ll still complete traditional driver education. Our course is designed as supplemental training that focuses specifically on awareness, road-sharing, and protecting vulnerable road users, something standard driver education doesn’t emphasize enough.
100% Free To Take the Oregon Friendly Driver Course
There’s no catch. This is a legitimate, state-funded initiative to reduce crashes on Oregon roads. You’ll receive official driver safety certification at no cost, whether you take the online course or schedule in-person training for your Portland team.
Focused on Real Portland Driving Scenarios
Our curriculum addresses the specific challenges Portland drivers face: navigating protected bike lanes, yielding to people in crosswalks during rainy conditions, understanding right-of-way at multi-way stops, and driving safely near MAX light rail lines.
Flexible Learning Options
Choose the online safe driving course that takes under 90 minutes and can be completed from anywhere in Portland. Or request in-person driver safety training for your business, organization, or community group. We’ll come to you in Portland, Multnomah County, or surrounding areas.
Course Topics Covered in Portland Road Safety Training
Our comprehensive safe driving program addresses critical safety topics including:
Sharing the road with people biking
Understanding bike lane laws, safe passing distances, and blind spot awareness on Portland's extensive cycling network
Protecting people walking
Crosswalk laws, yielding requirements, and safe speeds in pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown Portland, Lloyd District, and Alberta Arts District
Driving around people with disabilities
Awareness of mobility devices, accessible parking, and extra caution needed near transit stops and medical facilities
E-scooter and micro-mobility safety
How to safely share roads with Portland's growing e-microbility population.
Reducing distracted driving
Critical focus techniques for Portland's complex traffic environments
Weather-related safety
Driving in Portland's rain, occasional snow, and reduced visibility conditions
How Portland Drivers Can Get Started
Online Course
Visit our enrollment page to begin the online driver safety course immediately. Complete the training at your own pace from anywhere in the Portland metro area—whether you’re in Northwest Portland, Sellwood, St. Johns, or anywhere in between.
In-Person Team Training
Portland businesses and organizations can schedule customized safe driving training for groups. We’ll bring the course to your location in Portland, making it convenient for your entire team to get certified together. This is ideal for:
- Delivery and logistics companies
- Sales teams covering the Portland territory
- Property management companies
- Healthcare organizations with mobile staff
- Any business with employees who drive for work
Serving the Greater Portland Metro Area
Our course addresses statewide Oregon road safety, and is available for in-person training throughout the Portland Metro region, including:
- Multnomah County: Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview
- Washington County: Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego
- Clackamas County: Oregon City, Milwaukie, West Linn, Happy Valley
Whether you commute into downtown Portland from the suburbs or drive professionally throughout the metro area, this road safety course provides essential knowledge for navigating our region safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Oregon Friendly Driver is not a driver education program. If you need to obtain your driver’s license, you’ll still need to complete traditional driver education. The OFD Course is supplemental training designed to build awareness and confidence beyond driver test prep, focusing specifically on sharing the road safely with people walking, biking, and rolling.
The OFD Course is completely free. There are no hidden fees or costs. This program is funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation to help reduce crashes and fatalities on Oregon roads.
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive official driver safety certification from Oregon Friendly Driver, demonstrating your commitment to safe driving practices in Portland and throughout Oregon.
Yes. We provide free in-person team training that can be scheduled at your Portland location. This is ideal for businesses with employees who drive for work, including delivery drivers, sales teams, and fleet operators. Just schedule through our form.
While requirements vary by district, many Oregon school districts recognize the OFD Course as valuable professional development. The course offers Department of Education-approved credit for school bus drivers.
Absolutely. The course is designed for drivers of all ages, from 15 to 85 and beyond. Many seniors take the OFD Course to refresh their skills, learn about new infrastructure like bike lanes, and maintain confidence on Portland roads.
Enroll in Portland's Free Road Safety Course Today
Ready to become a more aware, responsible driver on Portland streets? Enroll now in Oregon Friendly Driver’s free, certified course and join thousands of Portland-area drivers who’ve committed to making our roads safer.
- Education for People-Centered Roadways.
For individual enrollment, visit our online course page. For business team training in Portland, contact us to schedule a convenient session at your location.
Oregon Friendly Driver is funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation and administered by Commute Options. Learn more at www.OregonFriendlyDriver.org.