Start Free Practice

Massachusetts DMV Test Questions and Answers

These are the questions about Massachusetts's own rules: permit, license, fines, speed and parking. Signs and rules shared by all states are on separate pages.

Take a practice test 29 questions · How we check questions

License rules

  1. How many questions are on the Massachusetts written permit test, and how many must you answer correctly?

    1. 20 questions, 14 correct
    2. 25 questions, 18 correct
    3. 25 questions, 20 correct
    4. 25 questions, 22 correct

    Answer: B. Massachusetts: 25 questions; you need 18 correct to pass.

    Source: https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-drivers-manual/download

  2. In Massachusetts, what is the minimum age to get a learner's permit?

    1. 15½ years old
    2. 16 years old
    3. 16½ years old
    4. 17 years old

    Answer: B. Massachusetts: you can apply for a learner's permit at 16 years old.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Class D or M learner's permit.

  3. In Massachusetts, a teen must hold a learner's permit for at least how long before taking the road test?

    1. 3 months
    2. 6 months
    3. 9 months
    4. 12 months

    Answer: B. Massachusetts: hold the permit at least 6 months before the road test.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1have had your permit in good standing for six consecutive months

  4. In Massachusetts, a standard adult driver's license must usually be renewed every:

    1. 3 years
    2. 4 years
    3. 5 years
    4. 6 years

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: a standard license is usually valid for 5 years.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1valid for a maximum of five years

  5. In Massachusetts, how many hours of supervised driving practice must a teen complete before the road test?

    1. 20 hours
    2. 30 hours
    3. 40 hours
    4. 50 hours

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: at least 40 hours of supervised driving are required.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1Complete at least an additional 40 hours of supervised

  6. In Massachusetts, the licensed driver supervising a permit holder must be at least:

    1. 18 years old
    2. 19 years old
    3. 21 years old
    4. 25 years old

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: the supervising driver must be at least 21 years old.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1is at least 21 years old, holds a valid driver's license

  7. In Massachusetts, during the first 6 months with a Junior Operator License (JOL), you may not drive with:

    1. Any passenger under 18 (except immediate family), unless a qualifying adult is with you
    2. Any adult passenger
    3. More than 5 passengers
    4. Pets in the car

    Answer: A. First 6 months: no passengers under 18 other than immediate family, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ with a year of experience.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1within the first six months after receiving your JOL while any person under age 18 is in the vehicle

  8. In Massachusetts, a junior operator may not drive without a parent or legal guardian between:

    1. 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
    2. 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    3. 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
    4. 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

    Answer: C. Junior operators may not drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless you are accompanied by one of your parents.

  9. In Massachusetts, a first violation of Junior Operator License restrictions leads to a suspension of:

    1. 10 days
    2. 60 days
    3. 1 year
    4. 3 years

    Answer: B. JOL restriction violations: 60 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 160 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense.

  10. In Massachusetts, how much time do you have to answer the learner's permit exam?

    1. 10 minutes
    2. 60 minutes
    3. No time limit
    4. 25 minutes

    Answer: D. 25 questions, 18 correct needed, within 25 minutes.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1you must answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted time of 25 minutes.

  11. In Massachusetts, after failing a road test you must wait at least how long before retesting?

    1. 14 days
    2. 1 day
    3. 6 months
    4. 1 year

    Answer: A. Wait at least 14 days before another road test; no more than six road tests in 12 months.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Road Testyou must wait at least 14 days before taking another test.

Rules of the road

  1. In Massachusetts, children must ride in a child passenger restraint (car seat or booster) until they are at least 57 inches tall or reach what age?

    1. 6 years old
    2. 7 years old
    3. 8 years old
    4. 9 years old

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: children at least 8 years old or at least 57 inches tall must wear safety belts.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Child Passenger RestraintsChildren at least eight years old or at least fifty-seven inches tall must wear safety belts.

  2. In Massachusetts, the recommended minimum following distance in good conditions is at least:

    1. 1 second
    2. 2 seconds
    3. 3 seconds
    4. 4 seconds

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: keep at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead; add more in bad weather.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Safe Distances Around Your CarThe three-second rule is a minimum safe distance for good road conditions and moderate traffic.

  3. In Massachusetts, from what time in the evening must your headlights be on?

    1. At sunset
    2. 15 minutes after sunset
    3. 30 minutes after sunset
    4. 60 minutes after sunset

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Using Your Horn, Headlights, and Emergency SignalsFrom one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.

  4. In Massachusetts, you must turn on your headlights whenever you cannot clearly see people or vehicles within:

    1. 300 feet
    2. 350 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 1,000 feet

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: headlights are required when visibility is less than 500 feet.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Using Your Horn, Headlights, and Emergency SignalsWhen you cannot clearly see people or vehicles 500 feet ahead.

  5. In Massachusetts, may an adult driver hold a cell phone to talk while driving?

    1. Yes, if traffic is light
    2. Yes, at red lights only
    3. No, only hands-free use is allowed
    4. Yes, outside cities

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: drivers may not hold a phone while driving; use a hands-free device.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Distracted Driving Law/Hands-Free Mobile (Cell) Phone UseIf you are 18 or older, you can use one earplug for use with a cell phone.

  6. In Massachusetts, drivers younger than what age may not use a cell phone at all while driving, even hands-free?

    1. 17 years old
    2. 17½ years old
    3. 18 years old
    4. 19 years old

    Answer: C. Massachusetts: drivers under 18 years old may not use any wireless device while driving.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), ch. 1Drivers under 18 may not use any mobile electronic device for any reason

  7. In Massachusetts, a first offense for using a hand-held device while driving carries a fine of:

    1. $25
    2. $100
    3. $250
    4. $500

    Answer: B. Fines: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 third and later.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Distracted Driving Law1st offense - $100 fine

  8. In Massachusetts, a driver not wearing a seat belt can be fined:

    1. $25
    2. $100
    3. $250
    4. Nothing

    Answer: A. $25 for an unbelted driver (and $25 for each unbelted passenger).

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Safety/Seat Belt LawAny driver who is not wearing a safety belt can be fined $25.

  9. In Massachusetts, the fine for tailgating (following too closely) can be as high as:

    1. $10
    2. $50
    3. $100
    4. $1,000

    Answer: C. The fine for tailgating can be up to $100.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Safe Distances Around Your CarThe fine for tailgating can be as high as $100.

  10. In Massachusetts' manual, total stopping distance at 50 mph is about:

    1. 50 feet
    2. 104 feet
    3. 215 feet
    4. 500 feet

    Answer: C. At 50 mph: about 55 feet of reaction plus 160 feet of braking — about 215 feet. At 30 mph about 104 feet; at 60 mph about 292 feet.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Braking and StoppingYour total stopping distance is about 215 feet (55 feet + 160 feet)

  11. In Massachusetts, children under what age may not ride in the bed of a pickup truck?

    1. 12
    2. 8
    3. 16
    4. 5

    Answer: A. Children under 12 may not ride in pickup truck beds; others never at more than 5 mph.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Safety/Seat Belt LawChildren under 12 years old are not allowed to ride in the beds of pickup trucks.

  12. In Massachusetts, side and rear windows may be tinted to let in no less than:

    1. 5% of light
    2. 10% of light
    3. 70% of light
    4. 35% of light

    Answer: D. You can darken side and rear windows up to 35 percent.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Checking Your Vehicle's ConditionYou can darken your side and rear windows up to 35 percent.

  13. In Massachusetts, a passenger vehicle must be inspected for safety and emissions:

    1. Every 2 years
    2. Every year
    3. Every 5 years
    4. Only when sold

    Answer: B. Safety and emissions inspection is required every year.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Checking Your Vehicle's ConditionYour passenger vehicle or motorcycle must be inspected for safety and emissions every year.

  14. In Massachusetts, your license plate number must be visible at night from:

    1. 10 feet
    2. 30 feet
    3. 60 feet
    4. 500 feet

    Answer: C. Your plate number must be visible from 60 feet at night.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Using Your Horn, Headlights, and Emergency SignalsYour plate number must be visible from 60 feet at night.

  15. In Massachusetts, the minimum tire tread depth is:

    1. 1/32 inch
    2. 4/32 inch
    3. 6/32 inch
    4. 2/32 inch

    Answer: D. Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Checking Your Vehicle's ConditionTires must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth in the proper grooves.

  16. According to the Massachusetts manual, most crashes happen:

    1. On highways far from home
    2. Less than 25 miles from home
    3. Only at night
    4. Only in snow

    Answer: B. Most crashes happen less than 25 miles from home; eight in ten at 40 mph or less.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Driving DefensivelyMost motor vehicle crashes happen less than 25 miles from home.

Sharing the road

  1. In Massachusetts, how much space should you keep behind a motorcycle?

    1. At least 1 second
    2. At least 2 seconds
    3. At least 3 seconds
    4. At least 4 seconds

    Answer: D. Keep at least four seconds behind a motorcycle (three for other vehicles).

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Safe Distances Around Your CarKeep more space (at least four seconds) behind a motorcycle.

  2. In Massachusetts, how much space should you keep between your vehicle and heavy equipment?

    1. At least 3 seconds
    2. At least 10 seconds
    3. At least 1 second
    4. No extra space

    Answer: B. Keep at least ten seconds from heavy equipment.

    Source: Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), Safe Distances Around Your CarKeep more space (at least ten seconds) between your vehicle and heavy equipment.

Take a practice test Road signs with answers Rules of the road with answers

Questions & answers: States

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming