Free Massachusetts Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official Massachusetts driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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What this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Licensing & Permits — 6
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Safe Driving — 3
- Vehicle Equipment — 3
- Points & Penalties — 2
- Signaling & Communication — 2
- Sharing the Road — 1
Heaviest on Licensing & Permits (6 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are Massachusetts-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. In Massachusetts you must use headlights at night and:
- Only in cities
- Only on highways
- Whenever wipers are in use
- Never in rain
Show answer
Answer: Whenever wipers are in use
Use headlights at night and whenever your wipers are in use.
2. A Massachusetts motorized scooter operator must wear:
- Sunglasses
- Gloves only
- Nothing
- A DOT-standard helmet
Show answer
Answer: A DOT-standard helmet
You must wear a helmet that meets or exceeds the US DOT standard.
3. Keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead helps you:
- React safely to sudden stops
- Look important
- Save fuel only
- Drive faster
Show answer
Answer: React safely to sudden stops
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
4. Massachusetts' Move Over law requires that, for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you:
- Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
- Stop in the lane
- Speed up
- Honk
Show answer
Answer: Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
Move over a lane if safe, otherwise slow down.
5. In Massachusetts, a lap belt should fit:
- Low, tight, and flat over the hips
- Loose and high
- Across the neck
- Under the arm
Show answer
Answer: Low, tight, and flat over the hips
A lap belt should fit low, tight, and flat over the hips.
6. An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
- Stop
- Left turn
- Right turn
- Slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
7. If you are involved in a crash in Massachusetts, you must:
- Call later only
- Leave
- Stop and give information
- Drive on if minor
Show answer
Answer: Stop and give information
Stop and exchange information at any crash.
8. A Massachusetts JOL holder faces stricter mandatory suspensions than adults for violations such as:
- Parking
- Registration
- Speeding and other moving violations
- Late fees
Show answer
Answer: Speeding and other moving violations
Junior operators face stricter mandatory suspensions for moving violations.
9. If your turn signals fail in Massachusetts, you should:
- Not signal
- Turn without warning
- Use hand signals
- Use the horn
Show answer
Answer: Use hand signals
Use hand signals if your turn signals fail.
10. For the first 6 months, a Massachusetts JOL holder may not carry passengers under 18 unless:
- It's daytime
- They are immediate family or a licensed driver 21+ is present
- On weekends only
- Anyone rides
Show answer
Answer: They are immediate family or a licensed driver 21+ is present
First 6 months: no passengers under 18 except immediate family, unless a licensed driver 21+ (1+ yr experience) is present.
11. Under Massachusetts implied consent, refusing a chemical test brings:
- A reward
- Nothing
- A license suspension
- A discount
Show answer
Answer: A license suspension
Refusing a chemical test triggers a license suspension.
12. Massachusetts has a zero-tolerance law; a driver under 21 faces administrative sanctions at a BAC as low as:
Show answer
Answer: .02
Under-21 drivers face sanctions at a BAC as low as 0.02.
13. Before a Massachusetts JOL, you must complete supervised behind-the-wheel driving of at least:
- 40 hours (30 with a driver skills program)
- 20 hours
- 30 hours
- 60 hours
Show answer
Answer: 40 hours (30 with a driver skills program)
You need 40 hours of supervised driving (30 if you complete a driver skills development program).
14. A Massachusetts JOL holder may not operate a vehicle between:
- 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. (unless accompanied)
- Midnight and 6 a.m.
- 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. (unless accompanied)
No driving 12:30 a.m.–5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.
15. A safe following distance in Massachusetts gives you:
- A better view only
- More speed
- Time to react and avoid a crash
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Time to react and avoid a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
16. If you plan to drink in Massachusetts, the safest choice is to:
- Wait 15 minutes
- Drive slowly
- Eat first
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
17. In Massachusetts, the minimum age to apply for a Class D learner's permit is:
Show answer
Answer: 16
You must be at least 16 for a Class D learner's permit.
18. On Massachusetts snow or ice, you should:
- Brake hard
- Slow down and increase following distance
- Drive normally
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Slow down and increase following distance
Reduce speed and leave more room on snow and ice.
19. To be licensed in Massachusetts you must pass a:
- Swim test
- Fitness test
- Hearing test
- Vision test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required for licensing.
20. For a Massachusetts JOL, a parent or guardian must participate in:
- A written test
- A road test
- Two hours of training
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Two hours of training
A parent/guardian must participate in two hours of training.
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