OR Permit Practice Test 3

All 20 questions in test 3

Every question below comes from the Oregon question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. Your car stalls on railroad tracks and you see a train approaching. After getting out, which way should you move?

   1. Along the tracks, running away from the train
   2. Straight across to the far side of the tracks and wait there
   3. Back into the car with your seat belt fastened
   4. Away from the tracks at a 45 degree angle, toward the approaching train
   Show answer

   Away from the tracks at a 45 degree angle, toward the approaching train. Oregon's steps are to get out of the vehicle, get away from the tracks even if no train is visible, and, if safe, use the Emergency Notification System sign posted at the crossing to alert the railroad. If a train approaches, move away at a 45 degree angle in the direction of the train so you are not hit with debris. Running along the tracks keeps you in the debris path, standing just across the tracks is too close, and staying in the car risks your life.

   Study this in the handbook: School Buses and Railroad Crossings

2. 2. A bus from a place of worship stops ahead of you and turns on flashing red lights. How should you respond?

   1. Ignore them, because only school buses require a stop
   2. Treat the lights the same as you would a school bus
   3. Slow to 20 mph and pass carefully
   4. Stop only if you can see children getting off
   Show answer

   Treat the lights the same as you would a school bus. Oregon permits places of worship and worker transport buses to use flashing amber and red lights. When such a bus turns them on, drivers must respond exactly as they would for a school bus, so flashing red means stopping as the school bus rules require. Ignoring the lights is wrong, and slowing to 20 mph to pass applies nowhere in this rule. Whether you can see passengers does not change the duty, because the rule is triggered by the lights themselves.

   Study this in the handbook: Motorcycles, Large Vehicles and Other Road Users

3. 3. How far may a load on an Oregon passenger vehicle extend beyond the right fenders?

   1. No more than 12 inches
   2. No more than 6 inches
   3. No more than 4 feet
   4. Not at all, the same as on the left side
   Show answer

   No more than 6 inches. Passenger vehicles may carry a load that sticks out no more than 6 inches beyond the right fenders. The left side is stricter: loads must not extend beyond the left fenders at all, so treating the right side the same way misstates the rule. Four feet is the limit for how far a load may extend in front of any vehicle, and 12 inches is the minimum size of the red flag for a rear overhang. Check both sides before driving off with a wide load.

   Study this in the handbook: Motorcycles, Large Vehicles and Other Road Users

4. 4. The red slash crosses a U-shaped arrow in the image. Which movement is barred?

   
   1. Changing from the right lane to the left lane
   2. Turning right at the next intersection
   3. Passing a slow vehicle on a straight roadway
   4. Reversing direction in a U-turn
   Show answer

   Reversing direction in a U-turn. A red circle and slash over a movement symbol means the pictured action is prohibited. Here the curved U-shaped arrow represents reversing direction, so the driver may not make a U-turn at that location. The choice “Turning right at the next intersection” names a right turn, which would use a right-turn symbol rather than the U-shaped arrow. Keep traveling in the authorized direction and use a legal route to turn around when one is available. Check nearby signs for additional intersection restrictions before changing course.

   Study this in the handbook: Regulatory Signs

5. 5. What speed limit does Oregon law set on an ocean shore where vehicles are permitted, when no other speed is posted?

   1. 15 mph
   2. 20 mph
   3. 25 mph
   4. 35 mph
   Show answer

   25 mph. Oregon's statutory 25 mph limit covers residential districts, public parks, and ocean shores where vehicles are allowed. It applies whether or not a sign is posted, unless a different speed is posted. Fifteen mph is for alleys and narrow residential areas, and 20 mph is for business districts and school speed zones. There is no statutory 35 mph category on the list. Beach driving still falls under the basic rule, so soft sand, people walking, and poor visibility can require a speed well below 25.

   Study this in the handbook: Oregon Speed Limits

6. 6. What hazard does the round yellow RXR warning sign announce?

   
   1. A railroad crossing ahead where a stop may be necessary
   2. A circular intersection with traffic entering from the left
   3. A bicycle route that crosses the roadway
   4. A reduced speed zone ending immediately
   Show answer

   A railroad crossing ahead where a stop may be necessary. The round yellow RXR symbol is an advance warning for railroad tracks ahead. It gives the driver time to reduce speed, look for trains, and prepare to stop if the crossing controls or train require it. The choice “A circular intersection with traffic entering from the left” confuses the round shape with a roundabout, but the RXR letters identify rail service. Begin scanning before reaching the tracks, and avoid stopping on them or entering when the roadway beyond cannot hold the vehicle.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

7. 7. What does the regulatory SPEED LIMIT sign in the image establish?

   
   1. The maximum speed in miles per hour for the signed condition
   2. A recommended speed that may be exceeded whenever traffic is light
   3. A minimum speed required in every lane of the roadway
   4. A truck-only speed that does not apply to passenger vehicles
   Show answer

   The maximum speed in miles per hour for the signed condition. A posted speed limit gives the maximum speed in miles per hour for that roadway condition. It is a regulatory requirement, not a casual recommendation that can be ignored when the road looks empty. The choice “A recommended speed that may be exceeded whenever traffic is light” would turn a legal maximum into an advisory value. Drivers still need to reduce speed below the posted number when weather, traffic, visibility, or another hazard makes that necessary. Read the number, then match speed to the actual conditions ahead rather than treating the sign as a target.

   Study this in the handbook: Regulatory Signs

8. 8. What does a solid yellow line on your side of a double center line indicate?

   
   1. The broken line permits passing in both directions
   2. Passing is allowed only for vehicles behind you
   3. Passing is not allowed on your side
   4. The center line may be crossed whenever the road is dry
   Show answer

   Passing is not allowed on your side. A solid yellow line on your side of a double center line marks a no-passing restriction for your direction. The broken-line rule applies to the side with the broken marking, not automatically to both directions. Dry pavement does not cancel a solid-line restriction, and the line does not grant a special privilege to vehicles behind you. Check the marking nearest your lane before considering an overtake. If it is solid yellow, remain behind the slower vehicle until the center marking changes or another legal passing opportunity appears.

   Study this in the handbook: Passing and Freeway Driving

9. 9. You see a Chevron warning sign on a rural road. Where is the sharp curve or change in road direction it warns about?

   1. At the next intersection past the sign
   2. Farther ahead, after a warning distance
   3. Wherever an advisory speed plate is posted
   4. At the sign itself
   Show answer

   At the sign itself. Oregon describes the Chevron sign as marking a sharp curve or change in the direction of the road at the sign. That is different from the Curve and Sharp Turn signs, which warn that a curve or turn is coming up ahead. When chevrons appear, you should already have slowed down, because the bend begins right where they are posted. Treat them as a guide to the path of the road through the curve, and keep your speed low enough to stay in your lane while you follow them.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

10. 10. Before backing up, what does Oregon say is the best way to see as much as possible behind your vehicle?

    1. Turn your body and head to the right and look out the rear window
    2. Watch the inside rearview mirror, because it shows the whole area behind
    3. Lower the side window and look back along the driver's side only
    4. Rely on both side mirrors, then back up at a steady normal speed
    Show answer

    Turn your body and head to the right and look out the rear window. Oregon notes that a common backing mistake is failing to look both ways behind the vehicle. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Then check for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing to either side, and back up slowly. Relying on the inside mirror or the side mirrors alone leaves areas behind you that you cannot see, and looking back along one side misses the rest of your path.

    Study this in the handbook: Space Cushion and Following Distance

11. 11. What does a steady green arrow indicate?

    1. You have the right of way and may make the movement shown by the arrow
    2. You must stop before making the movement shown
    3. You may turn only after yielding to every vehicle behind you
    4. The movement shown is prohibited until the next signal cycle
    Show answer

    You have the right of way and may make the movement shown by the arrow. A steady green arrow gives the driver the right of way to make the movement indicated by the arrow. It is more specific than a circular green because the arrow identifies the permitted direction. The stop choice treats the signal like a red or yellow indication, while the prohibition choice says the opposite of what the arrow communicates. Even with an arrow, scan the intended path for people or hazards and follow lane markings. Use the arrow as permission for that movement, not as a reason to ignore safe vehicle control or road users.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic Signals

12. 12. At two-way stop signs across from each other, who should yield when turning left?

    1. The driver who arrived first must always turn left
    2. The driver going straight yields in every case
    3. The driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic going straight
    4. Neither driver needs to check the other direction
    Show answer

    The driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic going straight. When opposing approaches are controlled by stop signs, the left-turning driver must yield to approaching or oncoming traffic traveling straight. The straight-through driver does not automatically give up priority, and arriving first does not remove the need to stop and check. Both vehicles should confirm that the intersection is clear before moving. The useful cue is the crossing path created by the left turn: wait for the oncoming vehicle to pass, then complete the turn smoothly while staying in the proper lane.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of Way at Intersections

13. 13. If your accelerator sticks, what should you do?

    1. Keep pressing the accelerator until it releases
    2. Shift to neutral, steer smoothly while braking, and pull off when safe
    3. Shift directly into reverse while moving forward
    4. Let go of the steering wheel so the vehicle can slow itself
    Show answer

    Shift to neutral, steer smoothly while braking, and pull off when safe. A stuck accelerator requires the driver to regain control of the vehicle's power and direction. Oregon's sequence is to search for an escape path, shift to neutral with an open palm, steer smoothly while braking, and leave the road when safe. Continuing to press the pedal increases speed. Reverse is not a normal emergency stopping gear and can create a second loss of control. Releasing the wheel abandons steering precisely when an escape path is needed. The cue is neutral first, then controlled braking and a safe pull-off.

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding Collisions and Equipment Failures

14. 14. A painted median has double solid yellow lines on both sides and no diagonal stripes. May you cross it to turn left?

    1. Yes, and you may drive along it while waiting to turn
    2. No, double solid yellow lines prohibit every left turn
    3. Yes, after oncoming traffic clears, but do not use it as a turn lane
    4. Only if you stop within the median before finishing the turn
    Show answer

    Yes, after oncoming traffic clears, but do not use it as a turn lane. You may turn left across this painted median after waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. You may not use the median as a turn lane or travel along it. Crossing the area to complete a turn is different from entering it to wait or drive toward your turn. Pay attention to additional markings: yellow diagonal stripes identify areas where driving or turning across the stripes is illegal. The question excludes those stripes because they change what is permitted.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement Markings

15. 15. What should you expect when you see the SLOW MOVING VEHICLE emblem on farm equipment?

    1. The equipment can travel at freeway speed
    2. You should slow down or adjust your position
    3. The equipment must leave the highway immediately
    4. You may pass without checking for traffic
    Show answer

    You should slow down or adjust your position. Farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles use a reflective red-and-orange emblem on a public highway. Seeing that emblem is a warning to reduce speed or adjust your position because the vehicle ahead may move much more slowly than surrounding traffic. The emblem does not grant permission to pass without checking, and it does not mean the equipment must leave the road. Spot the bright triangular marking early, ease off the accelerator, and wait for a safe passing opportunity with a clear view.

    Study this in the handbook: Motorcycles, Large Vehicles and Other Road Users

16. 16. After stopping at a red light, when may you turn left onto a one-way road?

    1. Only after the signal turns green
    2. After stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians
    3. Whenever the cross street has no parked vehicles
    4. Only when a police officer waves you through
    Show answer

    After stopping and yielding to traffic and pedestrians. Oregon permits a left turn on red onto a one-way road from either a one-way or a two-way road, after stopping and yielding, unless a sign or police officer prohibits it. A left turn onto a two-way road against a red light remains illegal. An empty curb does not replace the required checks for traffic and pedestrians. Stop completely, confirm the turn is permitted and the way is clear, then turn into the proper lane.

    Study this in the handbook: Turns, U-Turns and Roundabouts

17. 17. What does an Oregon deer warning sign tell a driver to do?

    1. Sound the horn continuously
    2. Stop and wait for deer to cross
    3. Be alert and slow down if you see deer or other wildlife
    4. Speed up to clear the area
    Show answer

    Be alert and slow down if you see deer or other wildlife. The deer crossing sign means deer often cross the road in that area. The manual's instruction for this sign is to be alert and to slow down if you see deer or other wildlife. The sign warns about the area rather than about one animal, so stay alert through the whole stretch even when no deer is visible yet. Speeding up to clear the area works against the instruction to slow down, and the sign does not tell you to sound the horn or to stop and wait for deer.

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, Guide and Service Signs

18. 18. After an Oregon collision, when must a driver remain at the scene until police arrive?

    1. Whenever vehicle damage is over $2,500
    2. In every collision, however minor
    3. Only when the other driver has no insurance
    4. When a person is killed or unconscious
    Show answer

    When a person is killed or unconscious. Oregon requires drivers to stay at the scene until police arrive if someone has been killed or is unconscious. In other crashes, the manual tells drivers to move vehicles out of travel lanes when no one is hurt and they can be moved safely, then exchange information away from the scene, so waiting for police in every minor crash is not required. The $2,500 figure decides whether a DMV report is due, not whether you must wait. Insurance status of the other driver does not change the duty.

    Study this in the handbook: Insurance, Collisions and Reports

19. 19. When may you carry a dog in the bed of your pickup truck in Oregon?

    1. Only when a framework, carrier, or other device keeps it from falling
    2. Any time, because the external passenger rule covers only people
    3. Only on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less
    4. Never, because dogs must always ride inside the cab
    Show answer

    Only when a framework, carrier, or other device keeps it from falling. The external passenger rule reaches animals too. A dog may not ride on an external part of the vehicle, including the pickup bed, unless it is protected by a framework, carrier, or other device that keeps it from falling out. That means an unsecured dog in the bed is not allowed, and no speed limit makes it acceptable. Riding in the bed is not banned outright either, so the claim that dogs must always ride in the cab goes too far. Inside the vehicle, the manual adds that you should not hold an animal in your lap while driving.

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding Collisions and Equipment Failures

20. 20. What does Oregon say about speed limits on interstate highways?

    1. Every interstate has the same fixed limit
    2. Only weather determines the interstate limit
    3. Interstates have no maximum limit
    4. Interstate limits vary by highway and posting
    Show answer

    Interstate limits vary by highway and posting. The manual states that speed limits vary on interstate highways. A driver must therefore read the applicable posting instead of assuming one statewide interstate number. Interstates still have maximum limits, so the no-limit choice is incorrect, and weather alone does not establish the posted figure. The statement that every interstate shares one fixed limit is also too broad. Once the sign is identified, the basic rule remains relevant: poor visibility, traffic, or a slick surface can require a speed below that posted maximum.

    Study this in the handbook: Oregon Speed Limits