Massachusetts RMV License Test & Permit Practice 2026

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Great! This is a passing score on the MA learner’s permit test. Do you want to try again?

New test – new questions

Sorry, this is not  a passing score on the MA learner’s permit test. Do you want to try again?

New test – new questions

#1. At this sign parking is NOT allowed:

From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m

A. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m

On weekdays only

B. On weekdays only

From 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

C. From 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

No parking allowed between posted hours (from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

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#2. If you operate a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, you will face a license suspension of at least:

One year

A. One year

60 days

B. 60 days

90 days

C. 90 days

The suspension period for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license is 60 days – one year. The reinstatement fee is $500.

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#3. Massachusetts law requires that you turn on headlights:

When you cannot clearly see a person on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead

A. When you cannot clearly see a person on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead

When you approach other vehicles from behind

B. When you approach other vehicles from behind

At all times between sunrise and sunset

C. At all times between sunrise and sunset

In Massachusetts, headlights must be used from one half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise, at any other time when persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet, and when the vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed.

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#4. If you are under 21 and try to buy alcohol, your license will be suspended for:

180 days

A. 180 days

90 days

B. 90 days

30 days

C. 30 days

If you are under 21 and you buy, or try to buy, alcohol, your license will be suspended for 180 days.

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#5. The most considerable risk with airbags is:

That they might explode

A. That they might explode

That they inflate too slowly

B. That they inflate too slowly

That you might be sitting too close

C. That you might be sitting too close

The biggest risk is being too close to the airbag. Move the front seat back. You should move the driver’s seat and front passenger seat as far back from the dashboard as you can. This is safer and makes it easier to drive.

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#6. If you see a crash and there are no police or emergency vehicles at the scene, you should:

Concentrate on your driving and keep moving

A. Concentrate on your driving and keep moving

Stop and park off the road

B. Stop and park off the road

Slow down to a crawl but avoid stopping

C. Slow down to a crawl but avoid stopping

If you see a crash and there are no police or emergency vehicles:

• Park your car off the road.
• Check to see if anyone is injured.
• Call the police.
• Warn other drivers.
• Give aid
• If possible, move all vehicles to the side of the road.
• Turn off the ignition of all vehicles.

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#7. What does a sign with this shape mean?

Yield

A. Yield

Do not enter

B. Do not enter

Warning

C. Warning

The upside-down triangle shape is exclusively used for yield signs. Slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians.

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#8. A driver is preparing to cross a sidewalk when a pedestrian is approaching. Who must yield?

The pedestrian must yield to the vehicle

A. The pedestrian must yield to the vehicle

The driver must yield to the pedestrian

B. The driver must yield to the pedestrian

A vehicle is never allowed to cross a sidewalk

C. A vehicle is never allowed to cross a sidewalk

Pedestrians must be given the right-of-way if using a sidewalk or crossing a driveway or an alley.

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#9. When you park headed uphill and there is a curb, you should turn your front wheels:

Away from the curb

A. Away from the curb

Parallel to, but not touching, the curb

B. Parallel to, but not touching, the curb

Into the curb

C. Into the curb

Headed uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb (toward the travel lane) and let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The curb will stop the car from rolling anywhere.

Remember, when you park on a hill, the general rule is to turn your wheels sharply toward the side of the road or curb. This way, if your vehicle starts to roll downhill, it will roll away from traffic. However, when headed uphill at a curb, you should turn the front wheels in the opposite direction, away from the curb and towards the road.

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#10. True or false? When passing a motorcycle, you must signal and change lanes, just like you would when passing a car.

False

A. False

True

B. True

Never move into the same lane space as a motorcycle, even if the lane is wide and the motorcyclist is riding to one side. Crowding into a lane with a motorcycle is illegal and very dangerous. Motorcyclists need to move within a lane for traffic maneuvers and to avoid road debris, potholes, or surface oil.

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#11. This sign tells you:

A road crosses the main highway ahead

A. A road crosses the main highway ahead

There will be fewer lanes ahead

B. There will be fewer lanes ahead

The bridge ahead is wide enough for only one vehicle at a time

C. The bridge ahead is wide enough for only one vehicle at a time

Reduction of lanes. There will be fewer lanes ahead. Traffic must merge left. Drivers in the left lane should allow others to merge smoothly. Right lane ends.

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#12. Always stop before railroad tracks when:

Flashing red lights are activated

A. Flashing red lights are activated

A flagger signals you to stop

B. A flagger signals you to stop

Both A. and B.

C. Both A. and B.

A railroad crossing may have red flashing lights, a bell, and a red-and-white striped gate that lowers across the roadway when a train is passing. If the lights begin to flash, you must stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate. You must then remain stopped until the gate raises, and the lights stop flashing.

Failure to stop is a violation that has a heavy fine. Even if you do not see a train coming, never drive around a lowered gate or ignore the flashing lights.

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#13. Before you reach the exit ramp on an expressway, you should signal your exit for:

Approximately 50 feet

A. Approximately 50 feet

At least 500 feet

B. At least 500 feet

200 feet or more

C. 200 feet or more

Be sure to signal your exit at least 500 feet before you reach the exit ramp.

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#14. Whenever you drive, you should adjust your speed based on:

Visibility

A. Visibility

Traffic conditions

B. Traffic conditions

Both A. and B.

C. Both A. and B.

Posted speed limits do not tell you at what speed to drive. You must never travel so fast that it is not safe. That is the fundamental speed law. Even if the speed limit is higher, your speed must be based on the following.

• Traffic conditions – the number of vehicles on the road and their speed
• Road conditions – is the road surface rough or smooth, how much water, ice, or snow is on the road surface, and how wide is the roadway
• Weather conditions and visibility – situations that make it hard to see, including rain, snow, ice, dust, and wind
• Pedestrians or bicyclists – people who are traveling along or across the road

You must lower your speed if there are poor driving conditions or hazards.

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#15. When a traffic signal is showing a flashing red circle, you must:

Proceed as normal, crossing traffic must always stop

A. Proceed as normal, crossing traffic must always stop

Stop completely, only proceed when you can do so safely

B. Stop completely, only proceed when you can do so safely

Stop completely and remain stopped until a green signal appears

C. Stop completely and remain stopped until a green signal appears

A flashing red circle means the same as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop. Obey the right-of-way laws and proceed when it is safe. You must stop before the line if there is a white stop line or crosswalk line.

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#16. To apply for a Class D or M driver's license when you are between 16 1/2 and 18 years old, you must:

Show proof of insurance

A. Show proof of insurance

Complete 60 hours of supervised driving

B. Complete 60 hours of supervised driving

Complete a driver's education program

C. Complete a driver's education program

To apply for a Class D or M driver’s license when you are between 16 1/2 and 18 years old, you must complete a driver’s education program, pass a final exam, and have a driver’s education certificate electronically on file with the RMV from a licensed driver school or a high school program that is approved by the Registrar.

You must also complete 40 hours of supervised driving (30 hours if you completed a driver skills development program), and your parent or guardian must participate in two hours of the driver’s education curriculum.

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#17. If your car starts to skid on a wet road, you should:

Accelerate to get past the slippery section more quickly

A. Accelerate to get past the slippery section more quickly

Slow down by pumping the brakes quickly and firmly

B. Slow down by pumping the brakes quickly and firmly

Ease your foot off the accelerator (gas) pedal

C. Ease your foot off the accelerator (gas) pedal

You should handle a skid the same for front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles:

• Slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal and shift into neutral.
• Do not hit the brakes. You will make the skid worse.
• Turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If your rear tires are skidding to the left, turn your steering wheel left. If they are sliding right, steer right.
• You may need to steer left and right a few times until you get your car completely under control.

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#18. Which method helps you determine a minimum following distance?

Flashing your headlights

A. Flashing your headlights

Using a three-car-length rule

B. Using a three-car-length rule

Using a two-second rule

C. Using a two-second rule

Always maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. The three-second rule is a minimum safe distance for good road conditions and moderate traffic. Count more for added safety and when traffic allows.

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#19. You should cross a solid white line between lanes only:

To avoid danger

A. To avoid danger

To make a left turn

B. To make a left turn

To pass slower vehicles

C. To pass slower vehicles

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes of traffic going the same direction. You can go in the same direction on both sides of this line, but you should not cross it unless you need to avoid danger.

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#20. During a traffic stop by a law enforcement officer, you may cause unnecessary anxiety for the officer if you:

Limit your movements

A. Limit your movements

Keep your hands on the steering wheel

B. Keep your hands on the steering wheel

Exit your vehicle

C. Exit your vehicle

Stay in the vehicle (both you and your passengers). Only get out if you are instructed to by the officer.

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#21. When should you consider a three-point turn to turn around and go in the opposite direction?

When there is no other option

A. When there is no other option

When you need to turn around quickly

B. When you need to turn around quickly

Anytime a road is too narrow for a U-turn

C. Anytime a road is too narrow for a U-turn

When there is not enough room for a U-turn, you may consider a three-point turn. This will put you in the opposite direction. This turn should only be used when all of the following conditions are met:

• The street is narrow
• There is good visibility
• There are no public driveways to turn into
• The traffic is light
• The turn is legal
• There is no other option

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#22. Which of the following freeze first when wet?

Tunnels

A. Tunnels

Open expressways

B. Open expressways

Bridges

C. Bridges

Because the earth does not insulate them, bridges and highway overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road and can be very slippery.

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#23. What does this sign mean?

Winding road

A. Winding road

Slippery when wet

B. Slippery when wet

Loose gravel

C. Loose gravel

Slippery when wet. In wet weather, drive slowly. Do not speed up or brake quickly. Make sharp turns at a slow speed.

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#24. Which road sign color indicates stop or a prohibition?

Red

A. Red

Brown

B. Brown

Blue

C. Blue

All red signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. They indicate stop or prohibition and include signs like stop, yield, do not enter and wrong way.

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#25. Why should you check over your shoulder after passing a bicyclist and returning to your position?

To make sure your mirrors are adjusted

A. To make sure your mirrors are adjusted

To make sure your blind spot is clear

B. To make sure your blind spot is clear

To check distance to roadside

C. To check distance to roadside

Watch for bicycles on your right. Check your mirror and your blind spot.

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Facts about Your Massachusetts RMV Knowledge Test

This Massachusetts (MA) Practice Test

Each practice test for the Massachusetts driver’s license or instruction permit on this website has 25 random questions from an extensive database.

The database has more than 1,000 questions, and answers are available for you – at no cost! You don’t need an account or sign up to get all the test answers.

Our unlimited tests will help you cover all essential RMV Driver’s Manual areas and learn much faster. It is a proven way of passing the MA RMV knowledge exam with a small effort.

Before you do anything else, you should get the latest version of the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual . Everything you need to know for your written test is in this manual. Make sure you read it.

Keeping the driver’s manual handy when you take these practice tests is also a good idea. Look up more facts as you go along.

Take Practice Tests after Studying the Manual

Start with the practice tests only after studying all chapters in the manual.

After each practice question, you will see the correct answer. If you miss a question, there will also be a short explanation. Use this information to learn more or look up the corresponding information in the manual.

When you need more clarification about an answer, you should always use the manual as a cross-reference.

You can take as many practice tests as you want and need to prepare. There is no limit, and each set of questions will differ from the previous one.

You can find some more tips on how to study here: Study Tactics .

Aim for a High Score on the Practice Tests

The passing score in Massachusetts is 72 percent, which is lower than many other states . But it doesn’t mean that the test is easy.

You’ll need to answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted 25 minutes. The allotted time is usually more than enough to pass the examination.

If you have a cognitive or physical disability that prevents you from finishing a test within 25 minutes, you may request an alternative test with extended time.

There may also be an opportunity to ask for a paper or person-to-person oral exam.

When you practice with these sample tests, it is a good idea to aim higher than 18 correct answers, and it is best if you stay at it until you reach a score of 100 percent on each test.

That way, you can feel confident that you will pass the examination.

What is on the Massachusetts RMV Test?

Topics covered on the real permit exam include effects of alcohol and drugs, license suspensions, and JOL restrictions and violations .

You must also know common rules of the roads, traffic lights , pavement markings , and road signs. Make sure you fully understand these topics.

Who Must Take the MA Written Knowledge Test?

  All first-time applicants.

When you apply for your first license, you must always start with a MA learner’s permit, regardless of age.

  If you have a license that has been suspended/revoked for more than two years.

If your suspension period is two years or more, you must take a complete exam (learner’s permit exam and road test) to reinstate your suspended/revoked learner’s permit or driver’s license.

  If you have a license that has been suspended/revoked for less than two years.

Even if your suspension period is less than two years, an RMV hearings officer may decide that you must take both the knowledge exam and the road test again.

  If you have an expired license from Massachusetts or another state.

If you let your license expire for more than a year, RMV will ask you to retake all tests.

  If you have an expired license from Canada, Mexico, or the US Territories.

You must take all tests if you hold an expired license from Canada, Mexico, or the US Territories and that license expired more than a year ago.

Suppose the license is valid or expired less than a year ago. In that case, you must provide a certified driving record (30 days old or less) from the country or territory. You must also have a valid immigration status for at least 12 months. In such a case, RMV waives the knowledge and road tests.

  If you have a license from another foreign country.

If you have a valid license from another country, RMV will require you to take all tests.

Exceptions exist for licenses from France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan. Read more: Information for converting certain foreign driver’s licenses

When is the Knowledge Test Waived?

Applicants with a valid license from any other state, District of Columbia, U.S. territory, Canada, or Mexico can transfer their driver’s license to a Massachusetts license without taking the test.

Their license must be valid or expired less than a year ago.

More about the MA Knowledge Test

All RMV branches offer computer-based testing stations.

Learner’s permit exams can also be taken online at Mass.Gov/RMV after
visiting a service center.

The automated tests are available in the following languages:

Audio support is also available.

You change your language setting when you start the test.

You can skip questions during the test if unsure about the answer. You can skip up to 7 questions. If you don’t reach the passing score (18 correct answers), the skipped questions will return at the end of the test. If you already have a passing score, the skipped questions will not return.

Suppose you have any disability that may prevent you from taking the exam through an automated testing station or from your home. In that case, you may request an alternative extended time, paper, or person-to-person oral exam. Person-to-person oral exams are currently only available in English and may only be available at some centers.

Test questions usually have four choices; read all of them carefully.

Unlike the actual test, these practice tests typically have three options.

How to Apply for the MA Learner’s Permit

When applying for your first permit, you must start the application online .

RMV will then inform you to bring required documents and completed application to a RMV Service Center .

If you aren’t a US citizen, you must show proof of your legal presence with a green card or VISA documents.

Please ensure you have all the necessary documents to avoid additional hassle at the service center.

What Happens if You Fail the Test?

If you fail the online test at home, you will get instructions on paying for it and taking a new test online at the end of the exam.

If you fail the test at a service center, you can also re-test the same day, but these tests may be subject to availability.

If you want to visit the service center, you should make an appointment. You can make it online if you like.

Is the MA Knowledge Exam Timed?

As mentioned, online tests and tests at a service center have a time limit. You have 25 minutes to complete the test. If you feel that 25 minutes isn’t enough, you can rest assured that 25 minutes is usually more than enough. Most test takers finish the test in less than 15 minutes.

WARNING: Don’t Cheat on Your Exam

Remember, if an examiner catches you cheating on an exam, you must wait for 60 days before you can take a re-test. In severe cases of cheating, you may be subject to further investigation and denied a driver’s license or learner’s permit.

Manuals or other reference materials are not allowed in the testing area at a service center or when taking the test at home.

Focus on learning everything you need to pass the exam. It is easy; you will feel better and be a safer driver.

Even if the passing score on the MA test is among the lowest in the country, the test is challenging, so you must prepare well.

What should I do to pass my permit test in Massachusetts?

Let’s start by reading the MA Driver’s Manual. You will find everything you need to learn in this manual.

An active learning strategy with practice tests, driver education classes, and sharing experiences with others will also help you.

After Passing the Knowledge Test

If you pass the knowledge test, your score is valid for six months, and you must complete your road test within these six months.

With the learner’s permit, you can start practicing driving. When you practice driving, you must always carry your learner’s permit.

You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 when you are behind the wheel. Your supervising driver must also have at least one year of driving experience and sit beside you.

If you are under 18, you may only drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. if the supervising driver is your parent or legal guardian.

After six months and at least 40 hours of supervised driving (30 hours if you completed a driver skills development program), you are ready for your intermediate license, the Massachusetts Junior Operator License (JOL)