Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) Practice Test 2026 - Free OAR Practice Questions and Study Guide

To determine the required average speed for the return trip, it is essential to first calculate the total time taken for both the outgoing and return journeys. The driver covers 120 miles at an average speed of 30 mph for the trip to the destination.

The time taken for this segment of the journey can be calculated using the formula:

Time = Distance / Speed

For the outgoing trip:

Time = 120 miles / 30 mph = 4 hours

Now, if the driver wishes to achieve an average speed of 40 mph for the entire journey, we need to calculate the total time allowed for the round trip, which consists of two legs of 120 miles each, totaling 240 miles.

Total time to achieve 40 mph for 240 miles is calculated as:

Total Time = Total Distance / Average Speed

Total Time = 240 miles / 40 mph = 6 hours

This means the total time for both trips (to and from) must be 6 hours. Since the outgoing trip took 4 hours, we can find the time left for the return trip:

Time for return trip = Total Time - Time for outgoing trip

Time for return trip = 6 hours - 4 hours = 2 hours

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