Skip to main content

Press Release

May 30, 2024


Teens Can Now Get a Guaranteed Drive Test on Their 16th Birthday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY & TULSA – Service Oklahoma is excited to announce the ‘Sweet Sixteen Guarantee’ ensuring all 16-year-olds can have guaranteed Drive Test on their 16th birthday or the first day they are eligible. The ‘Sweet Sixteen Guarantee’ is designed to offer 16-year-olds a seamless and celebratory path to obtaining a Driver License on their special day. 

"We understand the excitement surrounding a teen turning 16 and also the anticipation of taking a Drive Test on this milestone birthday,” said Jay Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Service Oklahoma. 

Historically, a teen had no guarantee of getting a Drive Test on their actual birthday, often adding stress to what should be a momentous day. 

“With the ‘Sweet Sixteen Guarantee,’ teens are guaranteed a Drive Test on their 16th birthday seven days a week. It’s a fun way to commemorate this day in their lives,” said Doyle. 

To be eligible for a 16th birthday Drive Test, teens must be 16 years of age, have held their Learner Permit for at least 180 days prior to applying, have completed 50-hours of behind-the-wheel training and have completed the free online Work Zone Safe Course.

Sweet Sixteen Guarantee Graphic Showing Qualifications for a Birthday Drive Test

Oklahoma HB1854, 2024 Recently Signed into Law
Oklahoma HB1854 was recently signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt which enables teens who turn 15 years old to get their Learner Permit as opposed to the previous age of 15 ½. This new law gives teens an extra six months to get their Learner Permit and fulfill the needed requirements to receive an Intermediate Driver License on their 16th birthday.  

The combination of HB1854 and the Sweet Sixteen Guarantee opens up more opportunities for teens to ensure they have the ability to take a Drive Test on their actual 16th birthday and, upon passing, receive their Intermediate Driver License. 

“The Sweet Sixteen Guarantee, alongside new legislation allowing teens to acquire a Learner Permit at 15, means trying to take a Drive Test on a teen’s birthday will no longer be a source of uncertainty and frustration,” said Doyle.  

How to Request a Birthday Drive Test Appointment
Teens can apply for their 16th birthday Drive Test appointment as soon as they obtain their Learner Permit. The process to apply for a ‘Sweet Sixteen Guarantee’ Drive Test is easy. Teens and their parents must apply for a birthday Drive Test appointment online at service.ok.gov/birthday

The ‘Sweet Sixteen Guarantee’ Drive Tests are offered at the two centrally located Drive Test Centers in Oklahoma City and Broken Arrow. These Drive Test Centers deliver a quick and efficient examination process, ensuring that every teen driver can quickly take a Drive Test while also offering a selfie-wall to celebrate the milestone birthday. 

The ‘Sweet Sixteen Guarantee’ is the newest feature Service Oklahoma has added to over a dozen digital products created since its inception. These key offerings have decreased customer wait times by 84% percent compared to 2023 across the 33 Service Oklahoma Licensing and Exams and Drive Test Center locations. 

Service Oklahoma: Oklahomans Helping Oklahomans  
Service Oklahoma's mission is to ease the stress of navigating government services while providing a best-in-class customer experience. Service Oklahoma provides driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of the state both online and in-person. Service Oklahoma’s partnership with licensed operators (formerly tag agents) provides essential services in all 77 counties at 270+ locations across the state.

MEDIA CONTACT

Britnee Joyner

Service Oklahoma
Senior Public Information Officer
britnee.joyner@service.ok.gov