2023 Oregon DMV Written Test Overview

This study guide provides answers and explanations to common questions found in the Oregon DMV written test. The test is designed to ensure drivers understand important safety protocols and laws while operating a vehicle.

General Rules and Regulations

• Speed Limits: Never exceed the posted speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the risk of accidents.
• Blind Spots: Always be aware of your vehicle's blind spots, as well as the blind spots of other vehicles.

Safety and Parking

• Passing Near Intersections: Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, tunnel, crosswalk, or underpass.
• Parking on Hills:
  • Facing uphill: Turn wheels away from the curb.
  • Facing downhill: Turn wheels towards the curb.
• Distance from Fire Hydrants: Park at least 10 feet away from a fire hydrant.
• Parking in Front of Mailboxes: Never park in front of mailboxes, even temporarily.

Vehicle Lighting and Seat Belts

• Lighting for Disabled Vehicles: If broken down, a vehicle must have visible lights visible from at least 500 feet.
• Seat Belt Responsibility: The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers wear seat belts.

Children Safety

• Car Seats and Booster Seats: Required for children under specified weight and age limits.
• Leaving Children Unattended: Never leave children unattended in a vehicle.

Right of Way and Traffic Signals

• Right of Way at Intersections: The vehicle on the right has the right-of-way when arriving simultaneously at an intersection.
• Funeral Processions: Always yield to funeral processions identified by headlights or hazard lights.
• Traffic Signals:
  • Red Light: Complete stop is required.
  • Flashing Red Light: Treat as a stop sign, proceed when safe.

Lane Usage and Road Conditions

• Lane Control Signals: A steady yellow X means prepare to leave the lane.
• White Pavement Markings: Indicate traffic moving in the same direction; dashed lines permit lane changes.
• Following Distance: Maintain adequate distance based on speed and conditions.
• Black Ice: Highly transparent ice that blends with the road, making it difficult to see.

Driving Techniques and Hazards

• Three-Second Rule: Helps maintain a safe following distance.
• Visual Lead: A 20-30 second view ahead to gather driving information.
• Hydroplaning: Occurs when water lifts tires off the road surface; regain contact by easing off the accelerator.

Emergency Situations

• Vehicle Fire: Exit the vehicle and do not attempt to extinguish with water.
• Headlight Failure: Use alternative lights to pull off the road safely.
• Vehicle in Water: Exit through the window, do not open doors immediately.
• Fatigue Signs: Yawning or eye rubbing indicates the need for rest.

Legal Responsibilities

• Driver Responsibility: The driver must ensure safe and legal operation of the vehicle.
• Careless Driving: Defined as driving in a way that could cause harm to people or property.

This guide provides a high-level overview of important safety measures and laws for driving in Oregon, helping to ensure that you are prepared for your DMV written test.