20 questions from the Oregon driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the minimum number of correct answers required to pass the Oregon knowledge test?
Answer: 28 out of 35 questions. The handbook states that a passing score requires answering 28 out of the 35 questions correctly.
Oregon driver handbook, page 10: “It has 35 multiplechoice questions. You must answer 28 questions correctly to receive a passing score.”
2. What action must a driver take when entering or leaving a parking lot, alley, or driveway across a sidewalk?
Answer: Stop before reaching the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers must stop before the sidewalk and yield to both pedestrians and bicyclists when crossing a sidewalk to enter or exit a property.
Oregon driver handbook, page 55: “If you cross a sidewalk, such as when entering or leaving a parking lot, alley or driveway, stop before reaching the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and people riding bicycles.”
3. When parking near streetcar or light rail tracks, where should you position your vehicle if there is no solid white line separating the parking area?
Answer: As close to the curb as possible away from the rails. The handbook directs drivers to park close to the curb and away from the rails when no specific white line marking is present.
Oregon driver handbook, page 73: “If there is no white line, park as close to the curb as possible away from the rails.”
4. Under Oregon's Open Container law, where should open bottles or containers with alcohol be placed while in a vehicle?
Answer: In the trunk. The handbook instructs that any open bottles or containers should be placed in the trunk to comply with the law.
Oregon driver handbook, page 91: “Any open bottles or containers should be in the trunk.”
5. What is the recommended action if your vehicle's brakes stop working?
Answer: Shift to a lower gear so the engine can help slow you down. The handbook advises shifting to a lower gear to utilize engine braking when the primary brakes fail.
Oregon driver handbook, page 93: “Shift to a lower gear so the engine can help slow you down.”
6. What do red markings on the road designate?
Answer: Where transit only vehicles may travel continuously. The handbook defines red markings specifically as designating lanes for transit-only vehicles such as buses, light rail, and bikes.
Oregon driver handbook, page 33: “Red markings are used to designate where transit only vehicles may travel continuously – like buses, light rail trains (LRT) or bikes.”
7. According to the handbook, what is the requirement for drivers aged 18 or older when using a cell phone or mobile electronic device?
Answer: They must use a hands-free accessory that requires minimal finger use. The handbook states that drivers 18 and older are required to use a hands-free accessory with minimal finger interaction, distinguishing this rule from the stricter rules for drivers under 18.
Oregon driver handbook, page 88: “Drivers 18 years of age or older must use a hands-free accessory to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device. The hands-free accessory must only require minimal use of a finger to activate or deactivate the device.”
8. What is the recommended action if you notice signs of fatigue such as yawning, head nodding, or heavy eyelids while driving?
Answer: Find a safe place to stop and rest. The handbook advises against pushing through fatigue and specifically instructs drivers to find a safe place to stop and rest when experiencing symptoms of tiredness.
Oregon driver handbook, page 89: “Never try to push through to your destination. Find a safe place to stop and rest or take a brisk walk.”
9. Why should drivers avoid braking suddenly in front of streetcars or light rail trains?
Answer: Because streetcars and trains cannot stop quickly. The handbook explains that sudden braking should be avoided because these vehicles require more time and distance to come to a complete stop.
Oregon driver handbook, page 74: “Streetcars and trains cannot stop quickly. Avoid braking suddenly or performing unpredictable moves in front of or around them.”
10. What is the correct procedure when approaching a ramp meter that appears dark?
Answer: Do not stop at a dark ramp meter. The handbook states that ramp meters appear dark when not in use and drivers should not stop at them.
Oregon driver handbook, page 43: “Do not stop at a dark ramp meter.”
11. What is the correct procedure if a vehicle becomes stuck on railroad tracks?
Answer: Get out of the vehicle and move away from the tracks. The instructions specify that occupants must exit the vehicle and move away from the tracks immediately, regardless of whether a train is visible.
Oregon driver handbook, page 72: “If a vehicle, person or object is stuck on the railroad tracks: 1. Get out of the vehicle! 2. Get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train.”
12. What is the required seating position for infants according to the safety belt section?
Answer: Rear-facing until they reach two years of age. The handbook specifies that infants are required to ride in a rear-facing position until they are two years old.
Oregon driver handbook, page 82: “Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach two years of age.”
13. How far ahead must you dim your headlights when following another vehicle?
Answer: Within 350 feet. The handbook states that lights must be dimmed when following another vehicle within a distance of 350 feet.
Oregon driver handbook, page 84: “Dim your lights when following another vehicle within 350 feet.”
14. How far may a load extend beyond the sides of the right fenders on a passenger vehicle?
Answer: No more than 6 inches. The handbook limits the extension of loads beyond the right fenders to a maximum of 6 inches.
Oregon driver handbook, page 64: “Loads may not extend more than 6 inches beyond the sides of the right fenders.”
15. When entering a freeway from an on-ramp, how should you adjust your speed?
Answer: Speed up to merge with fast-moving traffic already on the road. Drivers are instructed to accelerate on the ramp to match the speed of freeway traffic for a smooth merge.
Oregon driver handbook, page 42: “Use the freeway on-ramp to speed up and merge with fast-moving traffic already on the road.”
16. How should a driver react when encountering another driver exhibiting aggressive behavior or "road rage"?
Answer: Stay out of their way. The handbook instructs drivers to avoid confrontation by staying out of the way, advising against challenging the aggressive driver by speeding or trying to out-drive them.
Oregon driver handbook, page 89: “If you see an aggressive driver, stay out of the way. Do not challenge them by going faster or trying to out-drive them.”
17. When approaching an intersection with no signs or signals, which direction should you look first?
Answer: Left, to make sure cross traffic is yielding right of way. The handbook instructs drivers to look left first at uncontrolled intersections to verify that cross traffic is yielding.
Oregon driver handbook, page 50: “As you approach an intersection with no signs or signals, first look to the left to make sure cross traffic is yielding right of way, then look to the front and to the right.”
18. What is the correct action when you see a pilot vehicle leading a large load in oncoming traffic?
Answer: Reduce your speed and position your vehicle as far to the right as possible. Drivers are instructed to slow down and move right within their lane when encountering a pilot vehicle in oncoming traffic.
Oregon driver handbook, page 62: “If you see a pilot vehicle in oncoming traffic, reduce your speed and position your vehicle as far to the right as possible, while staying in your lane.”
19. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action when a vehicle behind you is following too closely and there is a right lane available?
Answer: Move over to the right. The handbook instructs drivers to move to the right lane if available when being tailgated, rather than braking hard or staying put.
Oregon driver handbook, page 36: “If a vehicle behind you is following too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right.”
20. When a school bus is flashing amber lights, what does this signal to other drivers?
Answer: The bus is about to stop to load or unload children. Flashing amber lights serve as a warning that the bus is preparing to stop for passenger loading or unloading.
Oregon driver handbook, page 63: “Flashing amber lights warn traffic that the bus is about to stop on the road to load or unload children.”