Ace Your Oregon Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
The Oregon DMV knowledge test is the first official step on your journey to getting behind the wheel. The test is designed to make sure you have a solid understanding of Oregon's traffic laws and safety rules before you start practicing on the road. The test consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly (an 80% score) to pass. [11, 37]
To help you feel confident and prepared, we've put together 15 practice questions that reflect the topics and format you'll find on the real test. Everything here is based on the official Oregon Driver Manual. Let's get started!
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. Under Oregon's GDL law, a 16-year-old with a provisional license cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first year, unless: a) They are driving to a friend's house. b) They are accompanied by any licensed driver over 18. c) They are driving to or from a school event and have no other transportation. d) They have had their license for 9 months.
Answer: c) They are driving to or from a school event and have no other transportation. Explanation: For the first year, teen drivers have a curfew between midnight and 5 a.m. Exceptions are made for driving to/from work or school events (when no other transport is available) or when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. [6, 17]
2. When parking your vehicle uphill against a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: c) Away from the curb. Explanation: This is a key safety maneuver. By turning your wheels away from the curb, if your vehicle were to roll backward, the front tire would catch the curb, stopping the car. Remember the phrase "Up, Up, and Away."
3. A flashing red light at an intersection means you should: a) Stop and wait for a green light. b) Slow down and proceed with caution. c) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe to do so. d) Yield to traffic on your right.
Answer: c) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe to do so. Explanation: A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, check for cross-traffic and pedestrians, and go only when the way is clear.
4. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the center line indicate? a) You are in a passing zone. b) The road is ending ahead. c) You are not allowed to pass. d) You may pass with extreme caution.
Answer: c) You are not allowed to pass. Explanation: A solid yellow line on your side of the road marks a "no-passing zone." You cannot cross it to pass another vehicle.
5. In Oregon, you must use your headlights when visibility is reduced to: a) 2,000 feet. b) 1,500 feet. c) 1,000 feet. d) 500 feet.
Answer: c) 1,000 feet. Explanation: The Oregon Driver Manual states that headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and at any other time when visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
6. For the first six months of having a provisional license, a teen driver cannot have any passengers under the age of 20, unless: a) They are driving to a party. b) The passengers are members of the driver's immediate family. c) A parent gives them permission. d) The passengers are all wearing seatbelts.
Answer: b) The passengers are members of the driver's immediate family. Explanation: This is a key GDL restriction designed to limit distractions for new drivers. After the first six months, the restriction changes to no more than three non-family passengers under 20. [6, 17]
7. This road sign (a yellow diamond with a black cross) means: a) Hospital ahead. b) Railroad crossing ahead. c) Crossroads or intersection ahead. d) No passing zone.
Answer: c) Crossroads or intersection ahead. Explanation: This warning sign alerts drivers that a four-way intersection is coming up. You should slow down and be prepared for vehicles entering from the left and right.
8. If you are over 18, how long must your Oregon driver's license be expired before you are required to retake the knowledge and drive tests? a) 6 months. b) 1 year. c) 2 years. d) 5 years.
Answer: c) 2 years. Explanation: You can renew your license up to two years after it expires. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must re-apply as a new driver and take all tests again. [3]
9. When approaching a vehicle stopped to let a pedestrian cross at a crosswalk, you must: a) Slow down and pass the vehicle carefully. b) Honk to alert the pedestrian of your presence. c) Not pass the stopped vehicle. d) Only stop if the pedestrian is on your side of the road.
Answer: c) Not pass the stopped vehicle. Explanation: The "Oregon Crosswalk Law" is very strict. You must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian until they have cleared your lane and the lane next to you. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, as a pedestrian may be hidden from your view.
10. To be eligible for a provisional license, a teen driver must hold their permit for at least: a) 3 months. b) 6 months. c) 9 months. d) 12 months.
Answer: b) 6 months. Explanation: A teen must hold their permit for at least six months and complete all supervised driving requirements before they can take the road test for their provisional license. [14, 23]
11. The "Basic Rule" for speed in Oregon states that you must drive at a speed that is: a) At least 5 mph below the speed limit. b) The same as all other traffic. c) Reasonable and prudent for the conditions. d) Exactly the posted speed limit.
Answer: c) Reasonable and prudent for the conditions. Explanation: The Basic Rule means that even if the posted speed limit is 65 mph, if it's foggy or icy, a safe speed might be much lower. You can be ticketed for driving too fast for the conditions, even if you are under the speed limit.
12. This sign (an orange diamond with a person holding a flag) indicates: a) Pedestrian crossing. b) School crossing guard ahead. c) Road construction and a flagger ahead. d) A survey crew at work.
Answer: c) Road construction and a flagger ahead. Explanation: Orange is the color for work zone signs. This symbol specifically warns of a flagger ahead who will be controlling traffic. You must slow down and be prepared to stop.
13. In Oregon, a teen driver under 18 must complete how many hours of supervised driving if they have NOT taken a state-approved driver education course? a) 30 hours. b) 50 hours. c) 75 hours. d) 100 hours.
Answer: d) 100 hours. Explanation: The standard requirement is 100 hours of supervised practice. This is reduced to 50 hours if the teen successfully completes an ODOT-approved driver ed course. [5, 14]
14. When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection from different streets at the same time, who must yield the right-of-way? a) The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. b) The vehicle on the right must yield to the vehicle on the a. c) The smaller vehicle must yield to the larger vehicle. d) The driver who is going straight.
Answer: a) The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Explanation: This is a fundamental right-of-way rule. At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left yields.
15. Bicyclists on the road: a) Should always ride on the sidewalk. b) Are considered vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. c) Must always yield to cars. d) Are not allowed on roads with speed limits over 35 mph.
Answer: b) Are considered vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Explanation: Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Motorists must treat them as another vehicle and give them the space and respect they are legally entitled to.
How to Study: Use these questions to test your knowledge, but the best way to prepare is to read the Oregon Driver Manual cover to cover. [19] Focus on areas you find tricky and consider taking the official online practice tests offered by the DMV. Good luck!
