Speed & Space Management

Study questions with answers

12 sample Speed & Space Management questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. When you stop behind another vehicle in traffic, you should be able to see what?

   Correct answer: Where its rear tires meet the road

   Leave enough space that you can see where the rear tires of the vehicle ahead touch the pavement.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Following Distance, p. 27

2. 2. If you drive slower than the normal flow of traffic, where should you drive?

   Correct answer: In the right lane or close to the right edge, unless turning left

   Slower drivers must use the right lane or stay near the right edge, except when preparing to turn left.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Slow Drivers, p. 21

3. 3. What is the speed limit in a residential district unless posted otherwise?

   Correct answer: 25 mph

   In residential districts the limit is 25 mph unless another speed is posted; it also applies in public parks.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Speed Limits, p. 19

4. 4. What is considered a safe following distance in Oregon?

   Correct answer: 2 to 4 seconds

   A safe following distance is defined as 2 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Following Distance, p. 26

5. 5. In which situation should you increase your following distance?

   Correct answer: On wet or slippery roads

   Increase following distance on wet or slippery roads because you need more distance to stop your vehicle.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Following Distance, p. 27

6. 6. How does higher speed affect your stopping distance, even in ideal conditions?

   Correct answer: The faster you go, the greater the stopping distance

   The faster you drive, the greater your stopping distance, even under ideal conditions.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Stopping Distances, p. 29

7. 7. What speed limit applies to roads that meet no other definition, unless otherwise posted?

   Correct answer: 55 mph

   Roads not meeting any other definition carry a 55 mph limit unless otherwise posted.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Speed Limits, p. 19

8. 8. The set speed limit for driving in an alley is what?

   Correct answer: 15 mph

   A 15 mph limit applies when driving in alleys and narrow residential areas.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Speed Limits, p. 19

9. 9. Yellow 'advisory speed' variable signs display speeds that are what?

   Correct answer: Recommended speeds for conditions, enforceable through the basic rule

   Variable advisory speed signs recommend a speed for conditions; they are not limits, but police may enforce them through the basic rule.

   Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Variable Speed Signs, p. 20

10. 10. Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a business district?

    Correct answer: 20 mph

    The set speed limit in any business district is 20 mph unless a different speed is posted.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — Speed Limits, p. 19

11. 11. Oregon's basic rule law requires you to drive at what kind of speed?

    Correct answer: A speed that is reasonable and cautious for current conditions

    The basic rule requires driving at a reasonable and cautious speed for existing conditions; it applies on all roads at all times.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — The Basic Rule Law, p. 20

12. 12. Can you violate the basic rule while driving below the posted speed limit?

    Correct answer: Yes, if that speed is unsafe for the conditions

    You can break the basic rule even below the speed limit if your speed is unsafe for the existing conditions.

    Source: Oregon Driver Manual — The Basic Rule Law, p. 21