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Oregon DMV Permit Test study materials
Oregon DMV Permit Test study resources

Oregon DMV Permit Test practice questions

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Question 1Traffic signs and signals

A red octagonal sign always means the driver must do what?

  1. Come to a complete stop Correct answer.
  2. Turn right only
  3. Merge with traffic
  4. Slow down and yield

Explanation

The octagon shape is used exclusively for STOP signs, and red reinforces the requirement to halt. A full stop is required before proceeding, even when no traffic is visible.

Question 2Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond-shaped sign is used to convey which type of information?

  1. Regulatory requirements
  2. Services available ahead
  3. Warning of road conditions Correct answer.
  4. Route identification

Explanation

Yellow diamonds are warning signs that alert drivers to upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions. The diamond shape is reserved for warnings so drivers can recognize them quickly.

Question 3Traffic signs and signals

A solid yellow line on your side of the road means what about passing?

  1. Passing is prohibited Correct answer.
  2. Passing is allowed only at night
  3. Passing is allowed only for trucks
  4. Passing is permitted when clear

Explanation

A solid yellow line next to your lane marks the left edge of your travel direction and forbids crossing it to pass. Passing is only allowed when the line on your side is broken.

Question 4Traffic signs and signals

What does a flashing red traffic signal require a driver to do?

  1. Stop, then proceed when safe Correct answer.
  2. Proceed without slowing
  3. Yield only to pedestrians
  4. Speed up to clear the intersection

Explanation

A flashing red signal operates like a stop sign: come to a full stop, then proceed only when it is safe. Yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians is part of proceeding safely.

Question 5Traffic signs and signals

A flashing yellow traffic signal means a driver should do what?

  1. Proceed with caution Correct answer.
  2. Stop completely before entering
  3. Treat it as a green arrow
  4. Wait for a green light

Explanation

A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully through the intersection. It does not require a stop but does require heightened attention.

Question 6Traffic signs and signals

An orange diamond-shaped sign is most likely to communicate what?

  1. A school crossing
  2. A rest area
  3. A hospital zone
  4. A construction or work zone Correct answer.

Explanation

Orange diamonds mark construction and maintenance zones where workers or altered conditions may be present. Drivers should slow down and be prepared for changes.

Question 7Traffic signs and signals

A pentagon-shaped sign with a yellow-green background indicates what?

  1. A railroad crossing
  2. A no-passing zone
  3. A construction zone
  4. A school zone or crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

The five-sided yellow-green sign warns of a school zone or school crossing. Drivers must slow down and watch for children.

Question 8Traffic signs and signals

A round yellow sign with a black X and two R letters warns of what?

  1. A reduced-speed zone
  2. A railroad crossing ahead Correct answer.
  3. An intersection ahead
  4. A roundabout ahead

Explanation

The round yellow sign with an X and R markings is the advance warning for a railroad crossing. Drivers should slow down and be ready to stop for trains.

Question 9Traffic signs and signals

You approach an intersection where a traffic officer's hand signal conflicts with a green light. Whom should you obey?

  1. The pedestrian signal
  2. The green light
  3. The officer's signal Correct answer.
  4. The vehicle ahead of you

Explanation

Directions from a police officer or authorized flagger override traffic signals and signs. When signals conflict, follow the officer's instructions.

Question 10Traffic signs and signals

A steady green arrow pointing left means a driver turning left may do what?

  1. Turn only if a sign permits
  2. Turn without yielding to oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  3. Turn after yielding to oncoming traffic
  4. Not turn until the arrow flashes

Explanation

A green left arrow gives a protected turn, meaning oncoming traffic is stopped and the turn may be made without yielding to it. Pedestrians in the crosswalk must still be respected.

Question 11Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign reading 'ONE WAY' with an arrow indicates what?

  1. Parking is allowed in one direction
  2. The lane ends ahead
  3. Traffic on that road moves only in the arrow direction Correct answer.
  4. The road becomes two-way ahead

Explanation

The ONE WAY sign tells drivers that all traffic on that roadway travels in the direction of the arrow. Entering against the arrow is prohibited.

Question 12Traffic signs and signals

A broken white line separating two lanes traveling in the same direction means what?

  1. Lane changes are permitted when safe Correct answer.
  2. Traffic moves in opposite directions
  3. The lane is for buses only
  4. Lane changes are prohibited

Explanation

Broken white lines separate lanes moving in the same direction and may be crossed when it is safe to change lanes. Solid white lines discourage or prohibit lane changes.

Question 13Traffic signs and signals

A sign showing a black arrow curving to the right inside a yellow diamond warns of what?

  1. A right lane ends ahead
  2. A right turn is required
  3. A curve to the right ahead Correct answer.
  4. A right-side rest area

Explanation

The curved-arrow diamond is a warning sign for a curve in the direction shown. Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve.

Question 14Traffic signs and signals

A red circle with a diagonal slash over a symbol means what?

  1. The symbol marks a hazard
  2. The action is recommended
  3. The symbol marks a detour
  4. The action or item is prohibited Correct answer.

Explanation

A red circle with a slash is the universal prohibition symbol, meaning the depicted action or item is not allowed. The sign applies as a regulatory restriction.

Question 15Traffic signs and signals

You are in a lane marked with a white diamond symbol. What does this indicate?

  1. A high-occupancy vehicle lane Correct answer.
  2. A truck climbing lane
  3. A pedestrian-only path
  4. A lane closed ahead

Explanation

The white diamond marks a high-occupancy vehicle (carpool) lane, reserved for vehicles meeting occupancy or eligibility rules. Drivers who do not qualify may not use it.

Question 16Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond sign showing a pedestrian symbol means what?

  1. Pedestrians are prohibited
  2. A school bus stop is ahead
  3. A sidewalk ends ahead
  4. A pedestrian crossing is ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

The pedestrian warning sign alerts drivers that people may be crossing ahead. Drivers should slow down and be ready to stop.

Question 17Traffic signs and signals

At a four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same moment from different directions. Who goes first?

  1. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  2. The vehicle turning left
  3. The larger vehicle
  4. The vehicle on the left

Explanation

When vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If one vehicle is turning left across the other's path, the left-turning driver yields.

Question 18Traffic signs and signals

A steady red arrow pointing left means a driver in that lane may do what?

  1. Not turn left until the arrow changes Correct answer.
  2. Turn left after stopping and yielding
  3. Turn right instead
  4. Turn left without stopping

Explanation

A red arrow prohibits movement in the direction it points. The driver must wait until the arrow turns green or another signal permits the turn.

Question 19Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign with black text reading 'SPEED LIMIT 55' is what type of sign?

  1. Guide
  2. Service
  3. Warning
  4. Regulatory Correct answer.

Explanation

Speed limit signs are regulatory because they set a legal requirement drivers must obey. Warning signs are yellow diamonds, while guide and service signs are typically green or blue.

Question 20Traffic signs and signals

A sign reading 'YIELD' requires a driver to do what?

  1. Slow or stop to let others go first Correct answer.
  2. Stop fully in all cases
  3. Honk before proceeding
  4. Merge without checking

Explanation

A yield sign requires the driver to slow down and, if necessary, stop to let cross traffic and pedestrians proceed first. A full stop is required only when traffic demands it.

Question 21Traffic signs and signals

A sign with a black railroad crossing symbol and the number '2' below it means what?

  1. Two lanes end at the crossing
  2. The crossing is two miles ahead
  3. Two trains may not pass
  4. Two tracks cross the road ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

The number below the railroad crossbuck or advance sign indicates how many tracks cross the roadway. Drivers should watch for a train on any of those tracks.

Question 22Traffic signs and signals

You see a solid white line on the right edge of the roadway that turns into a wider paved area. What does this generally indicate?

  1. A bike lane reserved for cyclists
  2. A shoulder or parking area Correct answer.
  3. A lane for oncoming traffic
  4. A passing lane

Explanation

The right edge line marks the boundary of the travel lane, and the wider paved area beyond it is typically a shoulder. Shoulders may be used for emergencies or parking where permitted, not for normal travel.

Question 23Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond sign shows a black arrow bending to the right with a smaller arrow beneath it pointing straight. What does this warn of?

  1. A right lane merge or added lane Correct answer.
  2. A right curve with a passing lane
  3. A right turn only
  4. A divided highway begins

Explanation

The combination of a through arrow and a merging arrow warns that a lane is being added or that traffic will merge. Drivers should be ready to adjust speed and lane position.

Question 24Traffic signs and signals

A green arrow pointing down over a lane indicates what?

  1. The lane is for turning only
  2. The lane is open for travel Correct answer.
  3. The lane is an exit lane
  4. The lane is closed ahead

Explanation

A downward green arrow over a lane means the lane is open in the direction of travel. A red X over a lane means it is closed.

Question 25Traffic signs and signals

A sign reading 'DO NOT PASS' with a left-curving arrow is placed where the road has a solid yellow line. What is the combined restriction?

  1. Passing is prohibited in the marked zone Correct answer.
  2. Passing is allowed if the road is clear
  3. Passing is allowed at night
  4. Passing is allowed for slow vehicles

Explanation

The sign and the solid yellow line together prohibit passing in the marked area, typically because of limited sight distance. Drivers must remain behind slower vehicles until the restriction ends.

Question 26Traffic signs and signals

A flashing red traffic signal at an intersection means a driver must do what?

  1. Continue at the posted speed limit
  2. Stop completely, then proceed when safe Correct answer.
  3. Yield only to vehicles on the right
  4. Slow down and proceed with caution

Explanation

A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign: you must come to a complete stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe.

Question 27Traffic signs and signals

A steady yellow traffic light indicates that a driver should do what?

  1. Stop if it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  2. Proceed only after yielding to cross traffic
  3. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop
  4. Speed up to clear the intersection before red

Explanation

A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. You must stop if you can do so safely; if you are too close to stop safely, proceed through the intersection.

Question 28Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol of a car skidding is warning of what?

  1. A merging lane from the right
  2. A sharp curve to the left
  3. A steep hill ahead
  4. A slippery when wet road surface Correct answer.

Explanation

The skidding-car symbol on a yellow diamond is the standard warning for a slippery road surface, often when wet. Drivers should reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Question 29Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign with black text reading 'KEEP RIGHT' is an example of what type of sign?

  1. A guide sign
  2. A warning sign
  3. A construction sign
  4. A regulatory sign Correct answer.

Explanation

White rectangular signs with black text or symbols are regulatory signs that inform drivers of traffic laws and regulations. 'KEEP RIGHT' directs traffic to stay to the right of a median or obstacle.

Question 30Traffic signs and signals

A solid yellow line on your side of the road means what?

  1. You may cross to make a left turn into a driveway
  2. You must not cross the line to pass Correct answer.
  3. Passing is permitted when safe
  4. The lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles

Explanation

A solid yellow line on your side indicates that passing is prohibited in that direction. You may cross it only to make a left turn into a driveway or side road, if safe.

Question 31Traffic signs and signals

A pentagon-shaped sign is used exclusively to warn drivers of what?

  1. Construction zones
  2. Hospital zones
  3. Railroad crossings
  4. School zones and school crossings Correct answer.

Explanation

The five-sided pentagon shape is reserved for school advance warning signs and school crossing signs. It alerts drivers to children and school activity ahead.

Question 32Traffic signs and signals

A traffic signal displaying a steady red light means a driver must do what?

  1. Slow down and yield to cross traffic
  2. Stop, then proceed if no traffic is coming
  3. Stop and remain stopped until the light turns green Correct answer.
  4. Stop only if pedestrians are present

Explanation

A steady red light requires a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk. You must remain stopped until the signal turns green or a permitted turn is made.

Question 33Traffic signs and signals

A green traffic light means a driver may do what?

  1. Proceed straight or turn unless prohibited by signs or signals Correct answer.
  2. Proceed only if the intersection is clear of pedestrians
  3. Turn left only after the light turns yellow
  4. Proceed only after yielding to all cross traffic

Explanation

A steady green light permits you to go straight or turn, unless a sign or lane marking prohibits that movement. You must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.

Question 34Traffic signs and signals

You are approaching an intersection and the traffic light turns yellow. You are too close to stop safely. What should you do?

  1. Reverse to the previous intersection
  2. Stop abruptly to avoid entering on red
  3. Sound your horn and continue at the same speed
  4. Proceed through the intersection with caution Correct answer.

Explanation

If you cannot stop safely before the intersection when the light turns yellow, you should proceed through it carefully. Sudden braking could cause a rear-end collision.

Question 35Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign with black text reading 'NO LEFT TURN' is an example of what type of sign?

  1. A regulatory sign Correct answer.
  2. A warning sign
  3. A recreational sign
  4. A guide sign

Explanation

White rectangular signs with black text or symbols are regulatory signs that prohibit or require certain actions. 'NO LEFT TURN' prohibits a left turn at that location.

Question 36Traffic signs and signals

You are driving and approach a flashing yellow traffic signal at an intersection. What should you do?

  1. Yield to traffic on your right only
  2. Slow down and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  3. Stop completely before proceeding
  4. Maintain your speed and proceed

Explanation

A flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution. You should slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, but a full stop is not required unless traffic conditions demand it.

Question 37Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond sign showing a black symbol of a traffic signal ahead warns of what?

  1. A railroad crossing with signals
  2. A pedestrian crossing with a signal
  3. A traffic signal that is not working
  4. A traffic signal ahead that may require you to stop Correct answer.

Explanation

The traffic signal ahead sign warns that a signalized intersection is ahead. Drivers should be prepared to stop if the signal is red or turns yellow.

Question 38Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign with black text reading 'YIELD HERE TO PEDESTRIANS' is placed at a crosswalk. What does it require drivers to do?

  1. Sound the horn to warn pedestrians
  2. Slow down and yield to pedestrians in or approaching the crosswalk Correct answer.
  3. Proceed if no pedestrians are within 10 feet
  4. Stop only if pedestrians are already in the crosswalk

Explanation

This sign requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk or who are approaching it closely enough to be in danger. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop.

Question 39Traffic signs and signals

A solid white line on the right side of the road that curves to the left indicates what?

  1. A right turn lane is beginning
  2. The edge of the roadway is curving left Correct answer.
  3. The road is narrowing and you should merge left
  4. A bicycle lane is ending

Explanation

A solid white line on the right edge of the roadway marks the right edge of the travel lane. If it curves left, the road edge is curving left, so you should follow the curve.

Question 40Traffic signs and signals

You are driving and see a steady green arrow pointing right. What does it mean?

  1. You may turn right only if the light is also green
  2. You must stop before turning right
  3. You may turn right after yielding to oncoming traffic
  4. You may turn right; the arrow gives you a protected right of way Correct answer.

Explanation

A steady green arrow gives a protected right of way in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed with the turn without yielding to oncoming traffic, but must still yield to pedestrians.

Question 41Traffic signs and signals

A red circle with a diagonal slash over a black left-turn arrow means what?

  1. Left turns are prohibited Correct answer.
  2. Left turns are permitted only on green
  3. Left turns are allowed after stopping
  4. Left turns are allowed only for buses

Explanation

The red circle with a diagonal slash is a universal prohibition symbol. When placed over a left-turn arrow, it means left turns are not allowed at that location.

Question 42Traffic signs and signals

You are approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights and the gate is down. What should you do?

  1. Proceed around the gate if no train is visible
  2. Stop, then proceed if you can cross before the train arrives
  3. Slow down and cross if the gate is only partially down
  4. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the gate is raised Correct answer.

Explanation

Flashing red lights and a lowered gate mean a train is approaching. You must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the gate is fully raised.

Question 43Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond sign with a black symbol of a bicycle warns of what?

  1. Bicycles crossing or sharing the road ahead Correct answer.
  2. A bicycle race in progress
  3. A no-bicycles zone ahead
  4. A bicycle lane ending ahead

Explanation

The bicycle warning sign alerts drivers that bicyclists may be crossing or sharing the roadway ahead. Drivers should watch for bicycles and share the road safely.

Question 44Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign with black text reading 'LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN' means what?

  1. You have a protected left turn on green
  2. You may turn left only on a yellow light
  3. You may turn left on green after yielding to oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  4. You must wait for a green arrow to turn left

Explanation

This sign indicates that a left turn on a green light is permitted, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning. The turn is not protected.

Question 45Traffic signs and signals

A yellow diamond sign with a black symbol of a truck on a downgrade warns of what?

  1. A weigh station ahead
  2. A steep hill ahead where trucks may be slow Correct answer.
  3. A truck crossing ahead
  4. A truck route ahead

Explanation

The truck on a downgrade sign warns of a steep descent ahead, often with slow-moving trucks. Drivers should be prepared to adjust speed and pass safely if allowed.

Question 46Traffic signs and signals

A broken yellow line on your side of the road means what?

  1. The lane is for buses only
  2. Passing is permitted when safe Correct answer.
  3. You may cross only to turn left
  4. Passing is prohibited

Explanation

A broken yellow line on your side indicates that passing is permitted when it is safe to do so. You must still ensure the oncoming lane is clear before passing.

Question 47Traffic signs and signals

You are driving and approach an intersection where the traffic signal is dark because of a power outage. What should you do?

  1. Treat the intersection as a four-way stop Correct answer.
  2. Proceed without stopping if you have the right of way
  3. Yield only to traffic on your right
  4. Wait for a police officer to direct traffic

Explanation

When a traffic signal is not working, the intersection becomes an all-way stop. Drivers must stop and follow right-of-way rules, yielding to the first vehicle to arrive or to the right if simultaneous.

Question 48Traffic signs and signals

You are driving and see a yellow diamond sign with a black arrow curving right and a smaller arrow pointing straight beneath it. What does this indicate?

  1. A right turn lane is ending
  2. The road curves right, but a side road continues straight Correct answer.
  3. A right turn only lane is ahead
  4. A sharp right turn followed by a straight section

Explanation

The large curved arrow shows the main road curving right, while the smaller straight arrow indicates a side road or continuation straight ahead. Drivers should choose the correct lane for their intended route.

Question 49Traffic signs and signals

You are at an intersection with a green light, but the intersection is blocked by traffic. What should you do?

  1. Wait at the stop line until you can clear the intersection Correct answer.
  2. Enter the intersection and wait for traffic to clear
  3. Sound your horn until traffic moves
  4. Proceed and force your way through

Explanation

Even with a green light, you should not enter an intersection if you cannot clear it. Blocking the intersection is illegal and can cause gridlock; wait behind the stop line until there is space.

Question 50Traffic signs and signals

A white rectangular sign with black text reading 'CENTER LANE ONLY' with a left-turn arrow is placed above a lane. What does it mean?

  1. The lane is for buses only
  2. The lane is reserved for left turns from the direction shown Correct answer.
  3. The lane is for left turns from either direction
  4. The lane is for through traffic only

Explanation

This sign indicates that the center lane is reserved for left turns from the direction indicated by the arrow. It is not a through lane or a two-way left-turn lane unless marked otherwise.