19 questions from the Oregon driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane road going the same direction, what action must you take?
Answer: Change lanes to avoid driving next to the stopped vehicle. The handbook requires changing lanes to avoid driving next to stopped vehicles with flashing lights on multi-lane roads.
Oregon driver handbook, page 65: “If you are on a road with two or more lanes of traffic going the same direction and you approach any motor vehicle that is stopped with lights flashing, you must change lanes so you do not drive next to the stopped vehicle.”
2. Under what condition may a driver make a left turn against a red light?
Answer: When turning from a one-way road onto another one-way road, after stopping and yielding. The handbook specifies that turning left from one one-way street to another is permitted against a red light after stopping and yielding, whereas other combinations have different rules.
Oregon driver handbook, page 48: “Left Turn: One-Way Road to One-Way Road: Approach the turn in the traffic lane that is nearest the left curb. Turn into the nearest left lane for traffic on the road you are entering. You may make this turn against a red light after stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.”
3. According to the basic rule, under what condition is a driver violating the rule even if their speed is below the posted limit?
Answer: When driving at a speed that is unsafe for existing conditions. The handbook states that driving at an unsafe speed for current conditions violates the basic rule, regardless of whether that speed is under the legal limit.
Oregon driver handbook, page 29: “If you drive at a speed that is unsafe for existing conditions in any area, at any time, even if it is slower than the speed limit, you are violating the basic rule.”
4. According to the handbook, how far from the nearest rail must you stop if there is no stop line at a railroad crossing?
Answer: At least 15 feet. The handbook states that in the absence of a stop line, the driver must stop at least 15 feet away from the nearest rail.
Oregon driver handbook, page 72: “If there is no stop line, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.”
5. How are bike lanes identified according to the handbook?
Answer: By a wide white line with a bicycle symbol or a bike lane sign. The handbook describes bike lanes as being identified by a wide white line accompanied by a bicycle symbol or sign.
Oregon driver handbook, page 33: “Bike lane: Identified by a wide white line with a bicycle symbol or a bike lane sign.”
6. What is the correct procedure when encountering a double solid yellow line?
Answer: Turn left to enter or exit a roadway after waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. The handbook specifies that while passing is prohibited across double solid yellow lines, drivers are permitted to turn left across them to enter or exit the road once traffic clears.
Oregon driver handbook, page 30: “Double solid yellow line: Indicates passing is not allowed for both directions of traffic. You may turn left, to enter or exit a roadway, across double solid yellow lines after waiting for oncoming traffic to clear.”
7. According to Oregon law, what is the maximum speed limit when driving in an alley?
Answer: 15 Miles Per Hour. The handbook sets the speed limit at 15 mph for alleys, distinguishing it from higher limits for business districts or highways.
Oregon driver handbook, page 27: “15 Miles Per Hour • When driving in alleys.”
8. What is the correct procedure when following a construction vehicle inside a work zone?
Answer: Do not follow construction vehicles. The handbook advises against following construction vehicles closely because they may enter the road unexpectedly and cause slowing.
Oregon driver handbook, page 68: “Do not follow construction vehicles when in a work zone.”
9. What does a yellow warning sign indicate to a driver?
Answer: It alerts the driver to known possible hazards or a change in road conditions ahead. Yellow signs are defined in the handbook as alerts for hazards or changing conditions, distinct from regulatory instructions.
Oregon driver handbook, page 18: “Warning signs are yellow and alert you to known possible hazards or a change in road conditions ahead.”
10. When is the road likely to be the most slippery according to the handbook?
Answer: When the temperature is near the freezing point. The handbook notes that roads are most slippery near the freezing point, contrasting this with temperatures below freezing.
Oregon driver handbook, page 86: “Be aware that the road is likely to be the most slippery when the temperature is near the freezing point rather than below freezing.”
11. Which type of digital speed sign is black and white and says 'speed limit'?
Answer: Variable Speed Limit. The handbook distinguishes between yellow 'Variable Advisory Speed' signs and black-and-white 'Variable Speed Limit' signs, identifying the latter as the one displaying 'speed limit'.
Oregon driver handbook, page 28: “Variable Speed Limit signs are black and white and say, “speed limit.””
12. If your vehicle begins to skid, how should you steer the vehicle?
Answer: Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. The instructions for handling a skid specify steering toward the desired direction of travel to regain control.
Oregon driver handbook, page 87: “Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.”
13. Under limited visibility conditions, what must replace the red flag on a load extending beyond the rear of a vehicle?
Answer: A red light visible for 500 feet. The handbook states that a red light visible for 500 feet is required to replace the red flag during limited visibility.
Oregon driver handbook, page 64: “A red light, visible for 500 feet to the rear and sides, must replace the red flag when limited visibility conditions exist.”
14. According to Oregon's Implied Consent law, what is the consequence of refusing to take a breath, blood, or urine test when asked by a police officer?
Answer: You may receive a fine, and/or your driving privileges could be suspended. The handbook states that refusing the test results in a fine and/or suspension of driving privileges.
Oregon driver handbook, page 91: “If you refuse to take a test, you may receive a fine, and/or your driving privileges could be suspended.”
15. What technique is recommended for shifting a vehicle to neutral when power steering fails?
Answer: Use an open palm to avoid shifting into another gear. The handbook specifies using an open palm during the shift to prevent accidentally engaging a different gear.
Oregon driver handbook, page 93: “Use an open palm to avoid shifting into another gear.”
16. What should a driver do if they drive off the road onto the shoulder?
Answer: Slow down until safe, grip the wheel firmly, and turn the front wheels just enough to return. The handbook advises against hard braking and sharp turns, instead recommending slowing down and making a gentle correction to return to the road.
Oregon driver handbook, page 83: “Don’t panic or brake hard. Slow down until you can get back on the road safely. • Grip the steering wheel firmly and keep your vehicle on a straight course. • Turn the front wheels just enough to get you back on the road.”
17. What action must a driver take when facing a 'Left Turn Yield on Green' signal?
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians until it is safe to turn. The rule requires yielding to both oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the left turn on a green light.
Oregon driver handbook, page 17: “On a green circular signal, yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians until it is safe to turn.”
18. When turning at an intersection without a traffic signal, when is it permissible to begin your turn relative to a pedestrian?
Answer: When the pedestrian has crossed the lane you are turning into and the next lane. The handbook specifies that for unsignalized intersections, the pedestrian must clear both the target lane and the subsequent lane before the driver initiates the turn.
Oregon driver handbook, page 55: “If you are turning at an intersection that doesn’t have a traffic signal, before you begin to turn, the pedestrian must be past the lane you are turning into, plus the next lane.”
19. Why is it recommended to keep extra space between your vehicle and parked cars?
Answer: To allow room for a door to open or a person to step out from between vehicles. The handbook specifies that extra space is needed to react to doors opening or pedestrians stepping out from parked cars.
Oregon driver handbook, page 36: “Keep extra space between your vehicle and parked cars by moving away from them without leaving your lane. A vehicle door may open in your path or someone may step out of a vehicle or from between parked vehicles.”