20 questions from the Oregon driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When are headlights required to be turned on according to the handbook?
Answer: From sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is difficult for people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. The handbook specifies two conditions for headlight usage: between sunset and sunrise, or when visibility is limited to 1,000 feet.
Oregon driver handbook, page 84: “Headlights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise. Lights also must be on at any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead.”
2. Under what condition are you NOT required to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?
Answer: When the pedestrian is on the other side of a safety island. The rules specify that drivers do not need to stop if the pedestrian is located on the opposite side of a safety island from the driver's lane.
Oregon driver handbook, page 55: “You are not required to stop if the pedestrian is in a crosswalk on the other side of a safety island.”
3. Under what circumstance may a driver cross the center line within a no-passing zone?
Answer: When the right side of the road is blocked. The handbook states that crossing the center line in a no-passing zone is allowed only if the right side of the road is blocked or if turning left.
Oregon driver handbook, page 40: “You may cross the center line in a no-passing zone only if the right side of the road is blocked or if you are turning left.”
4. When driving behind a stopped large vehicle that is preparing to start forward, what should you do?
Answer: Do not pull up too close behind it. The handbook advises maintaining distance because large vehicles may roll back slightly when beginning to move forward.
Oregon driver handbook, page 61: “Do not pull up too close behind a stopped large vehicle as it may roll back slightly when starting forward.”
5. Why is it important to be able to hear sounds while driving, according to the handbook?
Answer: To detect changes in road surface, engine problems, and approaching emergency vehicles. The handbook lists specific auditory cues—tire sounds indicating road changes, engine sounds indicating problems, and sirens from emergency vehicles—as critical reasons for maintaining hearing ability while driving.
Oregon driver handbook, page 90: “A change in the sound coming from your tires warns you of road surface changes. A difference in the sound of your engine may warn you of a problem. Sound also can tell you when another vehicle may be in your blind spot. It is important to be able to hear an approaching emergency vehicle.”
6. What is the required action when an emergency vehicle is approaching a roundabout?
Answer: Do not enter the roundabout; pull over to the right and allow other vehicles to clear the intersection. The handbook directs drivers to avoid entering the roundabout, pull to the right, and let existing traffic clear the area for emergency vehicles.
Oregon driver handbook, page 52: “Do not enter a roundabout when emergency vehicles are approaching. Pull over to the right. Allow other vehicles to clear the intersection so the emergency vehicles can move through the roundabout.”
7. What action should a driver take regarding cruise control when driving in wet conditions?
Answer: Do not use cruise control. The handbook states directly that cruise control should not be used when roads are wet.
Oregon driver handbook, page 85: “Do not use cruise control in wet conditions.”
8. What is the minimum distance a driver should activate their turn signal before making a turn or lane change while moving in traffic?
Answer: 100 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must signal at least 100 feet prior to turning or changing lanes when in traffic.
Oregon driver handbook, page 46: “If your vehicle is moving in traffic, use your turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn or lane change.”
9. When is it permissible to park a vehicle on the shoulder of a highway?
Answer: If passing traffic has enough room to get by. Parking on the shoulder is allowed only if it does not obstruct passing traffic, ensuring there is sufficient room for other vehicles.
Oregon driver handbook, page 79: “If necessary, you may park a vehicle on the shoulder of a highway if passing traffic has enough room to get by.”
10. If you miss your desired exit on a freeway, what should you do?
Answer: Go to the next exit. The handbook advises continuing to the next exit rather than stopping or reversing on the freeway.
Oregon driver handbook, page 43: “If you miss your exit, go to the next one.”
11. If a driver finds themselves in the wrong lane to turn while already at an intersection, what does the handbook advise?
Answer: Go to the next intersection. The handbook advises continuing to the next intersection rather than making risky last-minute lane changes to avoid collisions.
Oregon driver handbook, page 47: “If you are at an intersection and in the wrong lane to turn, go to the next intersection.”
12. What is the minimum distance you must stop from the nearest rail if there is no stop line at a railroad crossing?
Answer: 15 feet. The sample question indicates that the required stopping distance is 15 feet when no stop line is present.
Oregon driver handbook, page 75: “If you are required to stop at a railroad crossing and there is no stop line, you must stop at least ___ feet from the nearest rail. a. 15”
13. What action should a driver take when another driver begins to pass them?
Answer: Stay to the right and adjust speed to help the other driver return. The handbook advises staying to the right and adjusting speed to facilitate the passing vehicle's return, noting not to use lights or hands to signal.
Oregon driver handbook, page 41: “When another driver starts to pass, stay to the right. You can help the other driver pass you safely by checking oncoming traffic and adjusting your speed to let the vehicle move back into the right lane as soon as possible.”
14. What action must a driver take before entering a roundabout?
Answer: Yield to traffic inside the roundabout as well as traffic exiting it. The handbook states that drivers must yield to vehicles already inside and exiting the roundabout before merging into the flow of traffic.
Oregon driver handbook, page 51: “Before you enter the roundabout, you must yield to traffic inside as well as exiting the roundabout. Wait for a gap and merge into traffic.”
15. What is the required speed limit in a school zone when the yellow light on the school speed sign is flashing?
Answer: 20 mph. The handbook states that the reduced speed limit within a designated school zone is 20 mph.
Oregon driver handbook, page 57: “A school speed zone is an area where a reduced speed of 20 mph applies and is defined by school speed signs.”
16. What does a flashing yellow arrow indicate to a driver making a turn?
Answer: You may make the movement indicated but must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. The handbook specifies that while movement is permitted, the driver must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic who have a steady green signal.
Oregon driver handbook, page 24: “A flashing yellow arrow means that you may make the movement indicated by the arrow, but first you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.”
17. According to the handbook, how should a driver check their blind spot before changing lanes?
Answer: By glancing over the shoulder in the direction of the lane change. The handbook instructs drivers to glance over their shoulder in the direction of the lane change to check the blind spot, rather than relying only on mirrors.
Oregon driver handbook, page 38: “Glance over your left shoulder if you are moving left. Glance over your right shoulder if you are moving right so you can see if there are any vehicles.”
18. What is the speed limit within a school speed zone in Oregon?
Answer: 20 Miles Per Hour. The handbook lists 'Within a school speed zone' under the 20 Miles Per Hour category, distinct from the 15 mph alley limit or 25 mph residential limit.
Oregon driver handbook, page 27: “20 Miles Per Hour • In any business district. • Within a school speed zone.”
19. When driving through a work zone on a freeway, what should you expect regarding lane configurations?
Answer: There may be fewer, narrow or new lanes. The handbook notes that freeway work zones can alter lane availability and width, requiring drivers to adjust to fewer or narrower lanes.
Oregon driver handbook, page 68: “There may be fewer, narrow or new lanes.”
20. How should a driver handle a bicycle that has merged into traffic while inside a roundabout?
Answer: Allow the bicycle the full travel lane and do not pass it. The handbook specifies that drivers must give bicycles the full lane and prohibits passing them within the roundabout.
Oregon driver handbook, page 51: “Allow people riding bicycles that have merged into traffic the full travel lane. Do not pass a person riding a bicycle within the roundabout.”