10 Critical Errors That Will Automatically Fail Your Oregon Driving Test

Passing the Oregon DMV drive test is the final, practical step to earning your license. The test is scored out of 100 points, and while you can lose points for small mistakes, some errors are considered so dangerous they result in an immediate, automatic failure. [23] Knowing these "critical errors" is essential for your preparation.

To help you succeed, here are 10 of the most common mistakes that will automatically fail your Oregon driving test, and how to avoid them.

1. Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal

This is the most fundamental and non-negotiable rule. The examiner must see that you respect traffic control devices.

• The Mistake: Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign or a red light. A "rolling stop" where your wheels never cease moving is an instant fail. [23] This also includes ignoring a yield sign or a "Do Not Enter" sign.
• How to Avoid It: At a stop sign, bring the car to a full stop behind the white line. Make a conscious effort to feel the vehicle settle. For red lights, stop smoothly and wait for the light to turn green.

2. Dangerous Action or Causing a Collision

Any action you take that forces another driver or a pedestrian to take evasive action to avoid a crash is an automatic fail.

• The Mistake: Pulling out in front of an oncoming car, causing them to brake hard or swerve. Merging unsafely. If your actions cause any kind of collision, even a minor one like bumping a curb, the test ends. [23]
• How to Avoid It: Be patient and defensive. Double and triple-check for traffic before pulling out. Never assume another driver will slow down for you. Always yield when you don't have the clear right-of-way.

3. Speeding

Driving over the speed limit shows the examiner that you are not in control and are willing to break a primary safety law.

• The Mistake: Exceeding the posted speed limit at any time during the test. Examiners are especially vigilant in school and residential zones.
• How to Avoid It: Constantly scan for speed limit signs and frequently glance at your speedometer. If no sign is posted, know the statutory limits (e.g., 20 mph in a school zone, 25 in a residential district).

4. Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian

Oregon's crosswalk laws are among the strictest in the nation, and examiners watch this very closely.

• The Mistake: Not stopping for a pedestrian who is in a crosswalk (marked or unmarked) on your side of the road. You must remain stopped until they have cleared your lane and the lane next to you.
• How to Avoid It: Actively look for pedestrians at every intersection and crosswalk. If a car in the lane next to you is stopped, assume they are stopped for a pedestrian and do not pass them.

5. Unsafe Lane Change

Changing lanes is a common maneuver that must be done with precision and observation.

• The Mistake: Changing lanes without signaling, not checking your blind spot, or cutting another driver off.
• How to Avoid It: Religiously use the "SMOG" method for every lane change: Signal, check your Mirrors (rearview and side), look Over your shoulder to check your blind spot, and then Go when it is safe.

6. Examiner Intervention

If the examiner has to physically grab the wheel or verbally shout a command like "STOP!" to prevent a dangerous situation, it is an automatic failure.

• The Mistake: Drifting toward a parked car or failing to see a stopped vehicle ahead, forcing the examiner to intervene.
• How to Avoid It: Stay alert and focused. This type of failure is usually the result of one of the other errors on this list. A defensive and aware driver will not put the examiner in a position where they need to take control.

7. Driving with a Lack of Control

The examiner must feel safe in the vehicle with you behind the wheel.

• The Mistake: Consistently jerky braking or acceleration, taking turns too wide and entering the oncoming lane, or appearing generally unable to keep the car in its proper lane position.
• How to Avoid It: Practice in the vehicle you will use for the test. Get a feel for its acceleration, braking, and turning radius until your movements are smooth and confident.

8. Turning from the Incorrect Lane

You must be in the proper lane before you begin a turn.

• The Mistake: Making a right turn from the middle lane of a three-lane road, or starting a left turn from the far right lane.
• How to Avoid It: Plan ahead. As you approach an intersection where you know you will be turning, get into the correct lane well in advance. Pay attention to road markings that indicate turn-only lanes.

9. Refusing to Perform a Maneuver

The examiner will give you a series of instructions. You must attempt to perform them.

• The Mistake: If the examiner asks you to make a three-point turn or back up, and you say "I can't do that" or refuse to try, you will fail the test. [23]
• How to Avoid It: Practice all the core driving maneuvers listed in the Oregon Driver Manual. Even if you perform a maneuver imperfectly (losing some points), it is far better than refusing to do it at all.

10. Violation of Any Traffic Law

This is a catch-all category. Any illegal action can result in a failure.

• The Mistake: Following too closely, making an illegal U-turn, failing to use your headlights when required, or using your cell phone.
• How to Avoid It: Turn your phone completely off and put it away. Know the Oregon Driver Manual inside and out so that obeying the law is second nature.

By being mindful of these critical errors, you can drive with the confidence and safety that will earn you a passing score. Good luck!