Oregon DMV Permit Practice Test 11

  • Questions35
  • Correct to pass28
  • Passing score80%
  • Minimum age15 years

35 questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why; you need 28 correct answers to pass.

  1. 1. Under Oregon law, if a driver is traveling at or below the posted speed limit, does that alone guarantee compliance with the basic speed rule?

    Show answer

    Answer B: No, the posted limit does not authorize a speed higher than conditions allow under the basic speed rule

    ORS 811.108 clarifies that speed limits under ORS 811.111 do not authorize speeds higher than the basic speed rule permits, and the basic speed rule likewise cannot authorize exceeding the posted limit.

  2. 2. A driver passes this sign on an entrance ramp while merging onto a freeway. Who has priority?

    A downward pointing white triangle with a wide red border
    Show answer

    Answer B: The traffic already traveling on the freeway

    The sign places the duty on the entering driver, who must adjust speed and fit into a gap without forcing through traffic to brake or swerve.

  3. 3. You stop at a rest area because you are sleepy. How long a nap is usually recommended?

    Show answer

    Answer D: About fifteen to twenty minutes

    A short nap of fifteen to twenty minutes restores useful alertness without leaving the grogginess a longer sleep can bring, and you should wait a few minutes before driving on.

  4. 4. Once a person is sentenced for a Class C felony DUII in Oregon, what mandatory minimum incarceration term applies, without reduction for any reason?

    Show answer

    Answer C: 90 days

    ORS 813.011 requires a mandatory minimum of 90 days of incarceration for a felony DUII conviction, and that minimum cannot be reduced for any reason.

  5. 5. Why is it risky to brake hard and steer sharply at the same moment?

    Show answer

    Answer C: The tires have a limited amount of grip that braking and turning must share

    Each tire can deliver only so much grip, and asking it to slow the vehicle and change direction at once can exceed that limit and start a skid.

  6. 6. A motorcycle ahead of you has its turn signal blinking but continues straight through several intersections. What is the likely explanation?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Motorcycle signals often do not cancel themselves after a turn

    Many motorcycle turn signals are not self-cancelling, so a rider may leave one on by mistake. Wait until the rider actually starts to turn before you act on the signal.

  7. 7. You want to reverse direction but the street is too narrow for a U-turn. What is the alternative?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Make a three-point turn, or go around the block in heavy traffic

    Where there is not enough width for a U-turn, the three-point turn does the job in stages, and on a busy street going around the block is safer still.

  8. 8. A yellow diamond shows an arrow that doubles back on itself. What kind of curve lies ahead?

    Show answer

    Answer C: A turn of 135 degrees or more, nearly doubling back

    The hairpin curve sign is used where the road changes direction by 135 degrees or more, and it is normally backed up by chevrons or a large arrow through the bend.

  9. 9. A pedestrian steps off the curb without looking your way. What should you assume?

    Show answer

    Answer B: That the person has not seen you at all, and be ready to stop for them

    Defensive driving means assuming you have not been seen until there is clear evidence that you have.

  10. 10. Two people drink the same amount of alcohol at the same time. Why might their blood alcohol concentrations differ?

    Show answer

    Answer C: Body weight, gender and food in the stomach affect the concentration

    Smaller people and, on average, women reach higher concentrations from the same amount of alcohol, and an empty stomach speeds absorption. Counting drinks alone does not tell you your level.

  11. 11. Your power steering fails while you are driving. What happens and what should you do?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Steering becomes much harder but still works, so slow down and pull off the road

    Without power assistance the steering still works, but it takes much more effort, especially at low speed. Keep both hands on the wheel and get off the road.

  12. 12. A flashing red arrow is displayed for your turning lane. What does it require?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Stopping, then turning when the way is clear

    A flashing red arrow is treated like a stop sign for that movement: come to a full stop, then turn when it is safe and no one has to be cut off.

  13. 13. You hear a bang and one of the front tires deflates while you are on the highway. What happens to the vehicle?

    Show answer

    Answer D: It pulls strongly toward the side that failed

    The collapsed tire drags heavily on that corner, so the vehicle veers toward it. Hold the wheel firmly, keep your line and let the speed fall before leaving the road.

  14. 14. Fresh snow covers the road and earlier vehicles have left clear tracks. What line is usually best?

    Show answer

    Answer B: The existing tracks, where more of the tire can reach the surface

    Running in the cleared tracks puts more rubber on the road surface than ploughing through loose snow, provided the tracks have not turned to polished ice.

  15. 15. You have started to pass and you see the no-passing zone beginning ahead. What should you do?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Ease off, drop back and return to your own lane

    A pass must be completed before the no-passing zone starts. If it will not fit, abandon it and slot back in behind.

  16. 16. After turning right you see a sign showing that your lane ends a short way ahead. What should you do?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Signal and merge into the next lane while there is still room

    Merge early and smoothly while a gap is still available, rather than running out of pavement or forcing your way in at the last moment.

  17. 17. Where is a road work ahead sign placed?

    Show answer

    Answer B: In advance of the work space or detour, so drivers are warned before reaching it

    Advance warning signs are placed upstream of the work space or detour so that drivers have time to slow down and change lanes before reaching the activity.

  18. 18. Oregon's School Hours Speed Limit Sign requires the reduced 20 mph limit during which window on a day school is in session?

    Show answer

    Answer C: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The Oregon Driver Manual states the School Hours Speed Limit Sign applies the 20 mph limit between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a day school is in session.

  19. 19. You are turning left across tracks that run along the center of the street. What should you do before crossing them?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Look along the tracks in both directions and cross only when clear

    Rail vehicles running in the street can arrive from either direction and cannot stop quickly, so look along the tracks before you turn across them.

  20. 20. You must stop for a train at a highway-rail crossing. Where should you stop?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Behind the stop line, gate or signal and well clear of the nearest rail

    Stop behind the stop line, gate or flashing-light signal and well clear of the nearest rail, because a train overhangs its track by several feet on each side.

  21. 21. In Oregon, must traffic stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the roadway is separated only by a painted median or a turn lane?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Yes, all lanes of traffic must stop because a painted median does not create two separate roads

    Oregon treats a painted median strip or a turn lane as part of a single roadway, so all lanes must stop; only an unpaved median or barrier splits the road into two.

  22. 22. How should a turn at an intersection be taken on a wet road?

    Show answer

    Answer C: Slow earlier than usual and steer smoothly through the corner

    Wet pavement leaves less grip, so the speed must come off before the turn and the steering must be gentle enough not to break traction.

  23. 23. The car ahead drifts across the lane line and back again several times. What should you do?

    Show answer

    Answer C: Assume that the driver is distracted or impaired, and keep well back

    Drifting is a classic sign of a distracted, drowsy or impaired driver, and distance is your protection from all three.

  24. 24. How can you check that you are keeping a safe following distance?

    Show answer

    Answer A: Count at least three seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed object and your reaching it

    Pick a fixed roadside object, start counting when the vehicle ahead passes it and make sure at least three seconds elapse before you reach it, adding more time in poor conditions.

  25. 25. Which ability does alcohol usually affect first?

    Show answer

    Answer A: Judgment and self control

    Alcohol reduces judgment and inhibition before a drinker notices any clumsiness, which is why an impaired driver often feels perfectly capable while already driving worse.

  26. 26. Where is signing of this kind normally placed along a freeway?

    A green rectangle with white lettering
    Show answer

    Answer D: Ahead of the interchange and again at the exit, so a driver can reach the correct lane in time

    Guide information for an interchange is repeated on the approach and at the ramp, because a driver who learns about the exit only at the last moment has no room left for a safe lane change.

  27. 27. You want to pass on a two-lane road where several people are walking on the narrow shoulder ahead. What should you consider?

    Show answer

    Answer D: There is no escape room if the pass goes wrong, so wait for a better place

    A pass depends on having somewhere to go if it goes wrong, and a shoulder occupied by pedestrians removes that option for both vehicles.

  28. 28. A friend who has been drinking insists on driving home. What is the right thing to do?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Take the keys and arrange a sober ride, even if the friend objects

    An impaired driver is dangerous on any street at any speed, and coffee does not lower blood alcohol. Keeping the keys and finding another way home is the only safe choice.

  29. 29. You are approaching the entry of a modern roundabout. Who must you yield to?

    Show answer

    Answer C: Traffic already circulating in the roundabout, which approaches from your left

    Traffic in a United States roundabout circulates counterclockwise, so drivers entering must look left and yield to vehicles already in the circulating roadway.

  30. 30. A yellow pennant, an isosceles triangle with its long axis horizontal, is reserved for which message?

    Show answer

    Answer D: No passing zone

    The pennant shape is used only for the no passing zone sign, which marks the point where overtaking is no longer allowed.

  31. 31. What does Oregon law specifically prohibit regarding a fire department hose laid across a road during an emergency response?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Driving over an unprotected fire hose laid down on the road

    ORS 811.150 prohibits a driver from driving over an unprotected fire department hose laid down on a highway, private road, or driveway.

  32. 32. You want to turn right at a steady red light and no sign prohibits the turn. What is required?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Come to a complete stop, then yield to traffic and pedestrians before turning

    A right turn on a steady red is permitted only after a complete stop and only after yielding to cross traffic and to pedestrians, and a posted sign can prohibit it entirely.

  33. 33. You have passed a large truck and want to move back into its lane. What should you see first?

    Show answer

    Answer B: Both of its headlights in your rear-view mirror

    Seeing both headlights in your mirror means you are far enough ahead to be out of the truck's front no-zone before you move over.

  34. 34. Why is parking too close to a street corner prohibited?

    Show answer

    Answer D: Because it hides approaching traffic and pedestrians

    A vehicle parked at a corner blocks the view that both drivers and pedestrians need before entering the intersection.

  35. 35. What should a driver do first after passing this sign?

    A yellow diamond showing two black lanes merging into one around a central island
    Show answer

    Answer A: Move into the right-hand lane and stay there

    Traffic returns to two-way operation, so the driver keeps to the right of the centerline and stops treating the left side as available.