Oregon DMV Permit Test key terms

Oregon's requirement that you never drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Weather, traffic, visibility, and road surface can all require speeds below the maximum.

The maximum lawful speed shown on a sign for a road segment in good conditions. It is a ceiling, not a target, and the Basic Speed Rule still applies.

A default speed that applies by law when no sign is posted, such as 25 mph in residential districts and business districts and 55 mph on most rural highways unless otherwise marked.

A reduced speed, commonly 20 mph, required in marked school zones when children are present or when the zone is in effect. Fines are often increased for violations in these zones.

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or roadway space. It is something a driver yields or is granted, never something to be taken aggressively.

A downward-pointing triangle sign meaning you must slow or stop and give priority to traffic on the intersecting road and to pedestrians. Proceed only when the way is clearly safe.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. The first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right has priority.

An intersection with no signs or signals controlling it. You must slow down, look for cross traffic, and yield to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from your right.

In Oregon, you may turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street during a red light only after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it.

After coming to a complete stop, you may turn right at a red light if no sign forbids it, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic. A full stop is required first.

A signal meaning stop completely behind the limit line or crosswalk and remain stopped until the light turns green or a permitted turn is safely completed.

A signal that functions like a stop sign: stop fully, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe. It is not the same as a steady red that requires waiting for green.

A signal warning you to slow down and proceed with caution. It often appears at intersections where a crossroad has a flashing red or where hazards exist.

A signal warning that the light is about to turn red. You must stop if you can do so safely; speeding up to beat the light is unsafe and unlawful in practice.

A special signal used at some crosswalks that stays dark until activated, then flashes yellow, shows steady red to stop traffic, and displays a walk signal for pedestrians.

The portion of roadway set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked with painted lines or existing by law at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

A solid white line painted across a lane showing where vehicles must stop at a sign or signal. Stop behind it so crosswalks and intersections stay clear.

The act of joining moving traffic from an entrance ramp or lane. You must yield to traffic already on the roadway and adjust speed to fit into a safe gap.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle ahead, commonly measured with the three-second rule. Increase it in rain, at night, or when following large trucks or motorcycles.

A method of judging a safe following gap: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object and count three seconds before you reach it. Add more time in poor conditions.

Following another vehicle too closely, leaving no room to stop if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes and can be cited as aggressive driving.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check it by turning your head before changing lanes, and avoid lingering in other drivers' blind spots.

A quick look over your shoulder into the blind spot before changing lanes or merging. Mirrors alone can leave a vehicle hidden beside you.

Moving from one travel lane to another. Signal first, check mirrors and blind spots, and change only when there is a safe gap and no solid line prohibits it.

The normal way to overtake another vehicle: signal, check for traffic, move into the left lane, pass with room, and return only when you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror.

A stretch of road, often marked with a solid yellow line on your side or a sign, where passing is prohibited because of limited sight distance or other hazards.

Two solid yellow center lines meaning passing is prohibited in both directions. A broken yellow line on your side permits passing when it is safe to do so.

The line dividing traffic moving in opposite directions. Yellow lines mark opposing traffic; broken lines may be crossed to pass, solid lines generally may not.

A circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island. Entering drivers yield to traffic already in the circle and do not stop inside it.

A light showing your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn in Oregon and cancel it after completing the maneuver.

An arm signal used when vehicle signals fail or on bicycles: left arm straight out for a left turn, bent upward for a right turn, and angled downward for stopping.

Oregon law stating that by driving you agree to take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs when lawfully arrested for impaired driving. Refusal can lead to license suspension and other penalties.

The percentage of alcohol in your blood, used to measure impairment. In Oregon, a driver 21 or older is generally over the limit at 0.08 percent.

Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs, or while over the legal blood alcohol limit. It carries serious criminal and licensing consequences.

A policy that allows almost no alcohol for drivers under 21. In Oregon, a person under 21 can be over the limit at a very low blood alcohol concentration.

A restricted license issued to new drivers, typically those under 18, with limits on passengers, night driving, and cell phone use until full driving privileges are earned.

A learner's permit that lets a new driver practice behind the wheel while supervised by a licensed driver who meets Oregon's age and experience requirements.

The licensed adult required to ride with a driver who holds an instruction permit. Oregon requires this person to be at least 21 years old and seated beside the learner.

Oregon's requirement that drivers and passengers use seat belts and that children be secured in approved child seats. The driver is responsible for properly restraining young passengers.

A federally approved car seat or booster sized for a child's height and weight. Oregon requires appropriate child restraints for younger and smaller passengers.

Oregon's rule that drivers move to another lane, or slow down if a lane change is unsafe, when passing stopped emergency or roadside assistance vehicles with flashing lights.

A police, fire, ambulance, or other authorized vehicle using lights or siren. Pull to the right and stop until it passes, and never follow closely behind it.

Flashing lights used to warn others that your vehicle is stopped, disabled, or moving unusually slowly. They do not grant right-of-way or excuse illegal parking.

A marked lane reserved for bicycles. Drivers must not drive or park in it, and must check for cyclists before turning across it or opening a door.

The strip beside parked cars where an opening door could strike a cyclist. Drivers should look before opening doors, and cyclists should ride clear of it.

Any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving, such as texting or adjusting a device. Oregon law restricts hand-held phone use while driving.

Losing tire contact with the road because a layer of water lifts the tires. Ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and slow down in heavy rain.

Loss of tire grip that makes the vehicle slide. Steer where you want to go, ease off the gas, and avoid slamming the brakes, especially on wet or icy roads.

Where tracks cross a road. Slow down, look and listen, and never stop on the tracks; a lowered gate or flashing red lights mean stop and wait.