Massachusetts Practice Permit Test 2

4.7 out of 5 (1138 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
The Massachusetts learner’s permit exam is a short test, but it expects real preparation. The official Class D permit exam from the RMV gives you 25 questions in 25 minutes, and you need 18 correct answers to pass. That is a 72% score, which sounds forgiving until you remember that seven wrong answers is the entire margin. After that, you are retesting. This Massachusetts practice permit test gives you 20 focused questions to help you work through the material before you sit for the real exam. It is built around the same kind of knowledge covered in the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual: state motor vehicle laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving habits, impaired-driving penalties, sharing the road with bicyclists, and the hands-free driving law. A few questions may feel straightforward. Fine. They should. But the useful part is seeing which details you answer quickly and which ones make you slow down, reread, and quietly admit that maybe the manual had a point. Use this MA permit practice test as a serious review tool, not just a quick confidence boost. The questions are meant to keep the focus on practical driving knowledge — seat belt use, legal responsibilities, traffic signs, common road situations, and the choices Massachusetts expects new drivers to make without guessing. It is the kind of practice that helps sort out what you actually know from what merely sounds familiar, which, honestly, is where a lot of permit-test mistakes begin. The same 25-question Class D learner’s permit exam applies to teen and adult applicants. Drivers under 18 may apply at age 16 with written parent or guardian consent, then must follow Junior Operator License requirements after receiving a permit. Applicants 18 and older still need to pass the knowledge test before taking the Class D road test, although adult applicants are not required to complete a Massachusetts driver education program first. Most applicants begin the process online, then go to an RMV Service Center or participating AAA location for identity document review, a vision screening, and a photo. After that, the exam may be taken online using RMV credentials or in person during the permit appointment. A Massachusetts learner’s permit is valid for 2 years. If it expires, the RMV does not simply renew it; you apply again and take the exam again. Better to know that now than later, frankly.
FREE DMV Practice Test App
Study for your Massachusetts permit test or driver’s license with the NextDoorDriving app. 700+ DMV questions and answers, 100% free!
Download on the App Store

Sample Massachusetts Permit Test Questions

Question 1

Before moving left to pass another vehicle, you should:

Before passing another vehicle you should:
  1. A Flash your headlights instead of checking the lane
  2. B Activate your hazard lights
  3. C Check that the lane is clear and signal the lane change
  4. D Sound the horn continuously

Correct answer: C – Check that the lane is clear and signal the lane change

Before passing, check that there is enough clear roadway and that the passing lane is free of traffic. Use the appropriate turn signal before moving into that lane. After passing and becoming safely clear of the other vehicle, signal again before returning to your original lane.

Source: Massachusetts Driver’s Manual — Ch. 4, “Passing”

Question 2

On a Massachusetts two-lane road, another driver gives a visible signal and lawfully begins passing you on the left. What must you do?

  1. A Increase speed to shorten the passing time
  2. B Give way to the right and do not increase speed until passed
  3. C Remain near the centerline
  4. D Move left to prevent the vehicle from passing

Correct answer: B – Give way to the right and do not increase speed until passed

When a left-side pass is permitted, the driver being overtaken must give way to the right upon a visible signal and must not increase speed until completely passed. The passing driver remains responsible for maintaining a safe distance and returning to the right only when safely clear.

Source: M.G.L. c. 89, § 2 – Passing vehicle traveling in same direction

Question 3

A painted curb appears beside an official NO STOPPING sign. What does the restriction require?

  1. A Do not stop, stand, or park in the designated area
  2. B Park there only while loading commercial goods
  3. C Use the area only with a disability parking placard

Correct answer: A – Do not stop, stand, or park in the designated area

In Massachusetts, curb paint may serve as a supplementary warning of a parking restriction and, on certain regulated parkways, is not sufficient by itself for enforcement. Drivers must follow the accompanying official sign or marking. A designated no-stopping area does not permit stopping, standing, or parking.

Source: 700 CMR 5.501 — Definitions, 700 CMR 7.09(4), Table 10 — Traffic, Operation, and Safety

Question 4

How does a large truck’s stopping distance generally compare with that of a passenger car?

  1. A The truck usually needs substantially more distance to stop
  2. B Air brakes let every truck stop more quickly
  3. C The truck stops in about the same distance
  4. D The truck’s larger mirrors eliminate stopping hazards

Correct answer: A – The truck usually needs substantially more distance to stop

Large trucks are heavier and require more room to stop than passenger vehicles, especially on wet or icy roads. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may need about twice the stopping distance of a passenger vehicle. Avoid entering the safety space directly in front of a large truck and then slowing suddenly.

Source: Massachusetts Driver’s Manual — Ch. 4, “Trucks and Other Large Vehicles”

Question 5

Your signal turns green, but traffic is still blocking the intersection. What should you do?

  1. A Enter and wait inside the intersection
  2. B Drive around the stopped vehicles
  3. C Remain outside until there is room to pass completely through
  4. D Enter because the green signal gives you priority

Correct answer: C – Remain outside until there is room to pass completely through

Massachusetts law prohibits entering an intersection when you cannot continue through without stopping and blocking traffic. A green light is specifically not a defense for blocking the intersection. Wait for enough space to clear the intersection, even if another signal cycle is necessary. A violation is punishable by a fine of up to $150.

Source: M.G.L. c. 89, § 9 — Designation of Highways as Through Ways; Traffic Control Signs and Devices

Question 6

A driver is following your vehicle too closely. Which response helps reduce the chance of a collision?

  1. A Apply the brakes sharply
  2. B Accelerate to increase the gap behind you
  3. C Create more space ahead and let the driver pass when safe
  4. D Flash your brake lights repeatedly

Correct answer: C – Create more space ahead and let the driver pass when safe

More space ahead allows you to slow gradually instead of braking suddenly and also gives the following driver more opportunity to pass. Avoid quick changes and do not speed up. The Class D manual also advises changing lanes or pulling safely to the side when possible to let a tailgater go by.

Source: Massachusetts Driver’s Manual — Ch. 3, “Safe Distances Around Your Car”, Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 2.7.2, “Dealing with Tailgaters Safely”

More Massachusetts Practice Permit Tests