Permito

Massachusetts permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Massachusetts, based on the Massachusetts driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

You are 25 with a motorcycle license and plan a short ride on a quiet road. Must you wear a helmet?

  1. Yes, all riders wear head gear
  2. No, if the road is quiet
  3. No, if you ride under 25 mph
  4. No, only riders under 18 need one
Show answer

Answer: A. Yes, all riders wear head gear

Every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear head gear in Massachusetts, whatever their age, speed or the type of road. A quiet street is no exception.

Sources: M.G.L. c.90, s.7; Driver handbook, Chapter 1: Driving With Your Permit

Question 2

During which hours must a junior operator have a parent or guardian along?

  1. 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night
  2. Midnight to 4 a.m. every night
  3. 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night
  4. 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Show answer

Answer: D. 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.

A junior operator may not drive from 12:30 to 5 in the morning unless a parent or legal guardian is in the vehicle.

Sources: M.G.L. c.90, s.8; Driver handbook, Chapter 1: The Junior Operator License Law

Question 3

A truck's mirrors are out of your sight. What does this tell you?

  1. You are in a safe position
  2. You are far back enough to pass
  3. The driver sees you in the side mirror
  4. You are tailgating and unseen
Show answer

Answer: D. You are tailgating and unseen

When a truck's mirrors are out of your view, you ride too close and the driver cannot see you. A big truck can need twice a car's stopping distance.

Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Road Respect and Sharing the Road

Question 4

You drive a four-lane highway and see a police car stopped ahead, lights flashing. What should you do?

  1. Brake hard and stop in your lane
  2. Stay in the lane next to it at full speed
  3. Slow down and change lanes if safe
  4. Honk to warn the officer
Show answer

Answer: C. Slow down and change lanes if safe

With four lanes or more and two going your way, slow down and shift away from the stopped vehicle when you safely can.

Sources: M.G.L. c.89, s.7C; Driver handbook, Chapter 5: Special Driving Situations

Question 5

Which statement about sharing a lane with a motorcycle is correct?

  1. A driver may share at low speeds
  2. A driver may share if the lane is wide
  3. A driver may never share a lane with a motorcycle
  4. A driver may share if the motorcycle is on one side
Show answer

Answer: C. A driver may never share a lane with a motorcycle

A motorcycle is entitled to the whole lane, just like a car. Squeezing in beside one is illegal and risky for the rider.

Sources: M.G.L. c.89, s.4A; Driver handbook, Chapter 2: Safety First

Question 7

In a built-up area, what speed is presumed too fast?

  1. Over 40 mph
  2. Over 20 mph
  3. Over 30 mph
  4. Over 25 mph
Show answer

Answer: C. Over 30 mph

In a built-up area, going over 30 mph is presumed too fast unless a sign allows more. Slow down for children and walkers.

Sources: M.G.L. c.90, s.17; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Speed Limits

Question 8

You and another driver stop at a four-way stop at the same moment. You are on the left of the other car. Who goes first?

  1. Whoever honks first
  2. You, because you are on the left
  3. The other driver, who is on your right
  4. Whoever drives the bigger vehicle
Show answer

Answer: C. The other driver, who is on your right

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first. If two arrive together and it is unclear, give way to the driver on the right.

Sources: Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Right-of-Way Rules

Question 9

What is the least property damage coverage since July 2025?

  1. $5,000 per accident
  2. $100,000 per accident
  3. $30,000 per accident
  4. $10,000 per accident
Show answer

Answer: C. $30,000 per accident

Policies issued or renewed from July 1, 2025 need at least $30,000 of coverage for each crash. Older policies carried a much lower amount.

Sources: M.G.L. c.90, s.34O

Question 10

You reach a rotary near a harbor, and a car is already circling inside it. What must you do?

  1. Enter ahead of it, as entering traffic goes first
  2. Stop and wait until the rotary is empty
  3. Turn left and circle clockwise
  4. Yield to the car already in the rotary
Show answer

Answer: D. Yield to the car already in the rotary

Traffic in a rotary moves counterclockwise. Give way to vehicles already inside, then enter when there is a gap.

Sources: M.G.L. c.89, s.8; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Right-of-Way Rules

More Massachusetts practice

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