What is the best way to reduce the chance of hydroplaning on a rain-covered road?
Correct answer: Reduce speed so the tires have a better chance to maintain contact with the pavement.
Water can separate tires from the road. Lower speed is a basic precaution; sudden control changes and close following increase the danger.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 78, physical PDF page 86: Rain — hydroplaning. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
The car’s right wheels leave the pavement. What is the handbook’s initial recovery sequence?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly, reduce speed, check traffic and return gradually when safe.
A panicked immediate turn can send the car across the road. Stabilize the vehicle and reduce speed before gradually returning to the driving lane.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 75, physical PDF page 83: Driving Off the Road. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Water covers the road ahead, but it looks shallow. What is the safer decision?
Correct answer: Turn around and find another route rather than enter the flooded road.
Floodwater can cause you to lose control or stall the engine. Do not enter a flooded roadway just because the water looks shallow.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 78, physical PDF page 86: Rain — flooded areas. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Your car stalls on a railroad crossing and will not move. What is the immediate priority?
Correct answer: Get everyone out and away from the tracks, then contact emergency help and the railroad when safe.
People must clear the track area immediately. The posted railroad emergency number can alert dispatchers; do not delay evacuation to save the vehicle.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 64, physical PDF page 72: Railroad Crossings — stuck vehicle. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
The main pavement looks clear, but the temperature is near freezing. Why should you be cautious on bridges and shaded areas?
Correct answer: Bridges and shaded areas can be icy when the rest of the road is clear.
Bridges and shady spots freeze first and can remain icy after other pavement clears. Reduce speed and avoid abrupt steering or braking.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 78, physical PDF page 86: Snow and Ice — bridges and shade. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A tire blows out while you are moving. Which response follows Oregon's guidance?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, slow gradually and pull off the road.
Keep control of the steering and reduce speed gradually. Once you can do so safely, move off the road.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 84, physical PDF page 92: Vehicle Equipment Failures — Blowouts. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Fog seriously reduces your view of the road. Which headlight setting does the manual recommend?
Correct answer: Low beams.
Use low beams in fog and other poor weather. High beams can reflect back and make the view worse.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 77, physical PDF page 85: Fog, Dust and Smoke. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
After a minor collision with no injuries, both vehicles can be moved safely but are blocking traffic. What does the manual direct?
Correct answer: Move them off the road, then handle the required exchange and reporting.
For a minor noninjury crash, move safely out of traffic when the vehicles are movable. Moving them does not end the drivers' duties to exchange information and report as required.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 93, physical PDF page 101: Traffic Collisions — move vehicles. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
The accelerator sticks and the car keeps pulling forward. Which response does Oregon's manual recommend?
Correct answer: Shift to Neutral, steer smoothly, brake and pull off when safe.
Disconnect engine power by selecting Neutral, maintain steering and braking control, and move off the road safely.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 85, physical PDF page 93: Vehicle Equipment Failures — Accelerator Sticks. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Power steering stops assisting while you are driving. What should you do?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, slow down and ease onto the shoulder.
The steering becomes harder, so maintain a firm grip and reduce speed. Move out of traffic under control.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 85, physical PDF page 93: Vehicle Equipment Failures — Power Steering Fails. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
An oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane. Why should you avoid escaping into its original lane?
Correct answer: The other driver may suddenly correct back into that lane.
Oregon advises slowing, moving as far right as possible and warning the driver. Moving into the opposing lane can put you in the path of their recovery.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026–2027, Form 735-37 (1-26), printed page 75, physical PDF page 83: Oncoming Traffic. Current catalog-linked source reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
