Oregon permit test: traffic signals
Steady and flashing lights and arrows, including the flashing yellow arrow. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key traffic signals rulesShow the rules
- Treat a flashing red light exactly like a stop sign. (p. 23)
- A steady red light means come to a stop and wait until the light changes. (p. 23)
- When a signal is dark, treat the intersection as if it had stop signs on every side. (p. 23)
- A steady yellow warns that red is coming; stop before the intersection unless you cannot stop safely. (p. 23)
- Unless a sign or officer says otherwise, you may turn right on red onto a two-way road after a full stop. (p. 23)
- On a green ball, right turns go only after yielding to pedestrians; left turns also yield to oncoming traffic. (p. 24)
- A steady green arrow means you may make that move and you have the right of way. (p. 24)
- A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn, but oncoming traffic has a green light, so give way first. (p. 24)
- A flashing yellow light means ease off your speed and go ahead carefully. (p. 24)
- A green light allows straight, left and right moves, except where a sign forbids a movement. (p. 24)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample traffic signals questions
1.What does a flashing yellow signal mean?
- AThe signal is about to turn red
- BSlow down and go with caution
- CStop and wait for green
- DOnly turning traffic may go
Show the answer
✓ B. Slow down and go with caution
A flashing yellow light means ease off your speed and go ahead carefully.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027 (Form 735-37) (2026 - 2027), page 24
2.What does a steady green arrow mean?
- AYield to oncoming traffic first
- BProceed with caution; the light will change
- CStop, then make the movement
- DYou have the right of way for that movement
Show the answer
✓ D. You have the right of way for that movement
A steady green arrow means you may make that move and you have the right of way.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027 (Form 735-37) (2026 - 2027), page 24
3.You reach an intersection where the traffic signal is completely dark during a power failure. What should you do?
- AYield only to cars coming from your right
- BStop as if there were stop signs in all directions
- CFollow whichever car went just before you
- DDrive through slowly if the road looks clear
Show the answer
✓ B. Stop as if there were stop signs in all directions
When a signal is dark, treat the intersection as if it had stop signs on every side.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027 (Form 735-37) (2026 - 2027), page 23
4.The signal shows a steady red light. What must you do?
- AStop and stay stopped until it changes
- BGo if you are already in the intersection
- CSlow down and yield to cross traffic
- DStop, then go if the road is clear
Show the answer
✓ A. Stop and stay stopped until it changes
A steady red light means come to a stop and wait until the light changes.
Source: Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027 (Form 735-37) (2026 - 2027), page 23