Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Another driver is waiting to pass you. What does Oregon law say about telling them to go?

   Correct answer: Do not use lights or gestures to tell them when to pass

   The law prohibits flashing your signals or otherwise signaling other drivers when it is safe to pass; that judgment is theirs.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Being Passed, p. 33

2. 2. Where does Oregon prohibit making a U-turn?

   Correct answer: At an intersection controlled by a traffic signal, unless a sign allows it

   U-turns are banned at signal-controlled intersections unless a sign permits them, along with other spots like railroad crossings and low-visibility locations.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — U-Turns, p. 41

3. 3. You are on a two-way street at a red light, wanting to turn left onto another two-way street. May you turn?

   Correct answer: No, a left turn onto a two-way road on red is not allowed

   Turning left onto a two-way road against a red light is illegal in Oregon; you must wait for a green light.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Turns (Left Turns), p. 39

4. 4. As you prepare a right turn where a bike lane runs along the curb, you should do what?

   Correct answer: Stay in the travel lane and turn across the bike lane, yielding to bicycles

   Do not move into a bike lane to set up a turn; turn across it from the travel lane after yielding to people riding bicycles.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Turns, p. 39

5. 5. Passing on the right is permitted in which of these situations?

   Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead has signaled a left turn and there is paved room

   You may pass on the right only when the vehicle ahead has signaled a left turn (with enough paved room, not in a bike lane) or on a road with two-plus same-direction lanes where that vehicle is in the left lane.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Passing on the Right, p. 33

6. 6. Playing a vehicle sound system loud enough to be heard from what distance is against the law?

   Correct answer: 50 feet away

   Playing your sound system loud enough to be heard from 50 feet away breaks the law, because you must be able to hear horns and sirens.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Distracted Driving, p. 80

7. 7. While already moving in traffic, how far ahead of a turn or lane change must you signal?

   Correct answer: At least 100 feet

   Oregon requires a driver moving in traffic to signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Turn Signals, p. 38

8. 8. What is the general rule for making a turn from one road onto another?

   Correct answer: Turn from the lane nearest your direction into the nearest lane going your way

   The basic turning rule is to turn from the closest lane in your direction into the closest lane heading the way you want to go, without swinging wide.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Turning Errors, p. 41

9. 9. What does Oregon law say about drivers under 18 using a mobile phone while driving?

   Correct answer: They may not use a phone or mobile device at all

   Anyone younger than 18 may not use a cell phone or any mobile electronic device while driving.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Distracted Driving, p. 80

10. 10. On a road with no center line where traffic moves both ways, how much of the road must you give oncoming drivers?

    Correct answer: At least half of the road

    When a road has no center line and carries opposite-direction traffic, drivers must give at least half of the road to oncoming traffic.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Lane Travel, p. 18

11. 11. On a two-lane road, on which side must you pass another vehicle?

    Correct answer: To its left

    When passing on a two-lane road, you may pass only to the left of the vehicle ahead.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Passing, p. 31

12. 12. Besides turning, in which additional situation must you use a turn signal?

    Correct answer: When pulling away from a curb or exiting a roundabout

    You must signal before turning, changing lanes, leaving a curb, or exiting a roundabout so others know your intentions.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Turn Signals, p. 38