Free · 21 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Massachusetts Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Massachusetts Driver's Manual that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Massachusetts practice test.
21 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter 1: Obtaining Your LicenseLaws and paperwork
The learner's permit and permit exam
You can apply for a Class D learner's permit at 16 and must pass a 25 question exam. With a permit you must drive with a licensed operator at least 21 beside you.
10 key points · 12 numbers · Handbook pp. 2 to 32
- Lesson 2Chapter 1: Obtaining Your LicenseLaws and paperwork
The Junior Operator License (ages 16 1/2 to 18)
Drivers between 16 1/2 and 18 hold a Junior Operator License with strict requirements and restrictions. Breaking the passenger or night rules brings suspensions that grow with each offense.
10 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 9 to 11
- Lesson 3Chapter 1: Obtaining Your LicenseLaws and paperwork
The road test
You take the Class D road test with an RMV examiner and a qualified sponsor. Know who may ride with you, what the examiner checks, and how long you must wait after a failure.
10 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 20 to 32
- Lesson 4Chapter 2: Safety FirstLaws and paperwork
Hands free law and distracted driving
Massachusetts bans hand held phone use while driving; drivers 18 and older may use devices only in hands free mode. Drivers under 18 may not use any device at all except to report an emergency.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 39 to 40
- Lesson 5Chapter 2: Safety FirstSafe driving
Seat belts, child seats and safe following distance
Everyone in a passenger vehicle must wear a safety belt, and a driver can be fined $25 for each unbelted passenger aged 12 to 15. Keep at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and more space for motorcycles and heavy equipment.
10 key points · 9 numbers · Handbook pp. 34 to 43
- Lesson 6Chapter 2: Safety FirstSafe driving
Stopping distance, headlights, night and bad weather
At 60 mph you need about 292 feet to stop, so look far ahead. Use headlights when required, dim high beams at the right distances, and take extra care in rain, fog and freezing weather.
10 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 44 to 48
- Lesson 7Chapter 2: Safety FirstSafe driving
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles and mopeds
Massachusetts law requires at least four feet when passing a vulnerable road user such as a pedestrian or bicyclist. Never share a lane with a motorcycle, and always stop for a blind pedestrian.
9 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 43 to 54
- Lesson 8Chapter 3: Keeping Your LicenseLaws and paperwork
Citations, surchargeable events and suspensions
Civil traffic citations must be paid or disputed within 20 days. Too many speeding violations or surchargeable events bring retraining or suspensions, and getting your license back costs a reinstatement fee.
10 key points · 10 numbers · Handbook pp. 56 to 68
- Lesson 9Chapter 3: Keeping Your LicenseLaws and paperwork
Junior Operator suspensions
Junior Operators face mandatory suspensions for speeding, drag racing, passenger and night violations, and phone use. Serious offenses add another 180 days or 1 year on top of any other suspension required by law.
8 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 11 to 65
- Lesson 10Chapter 3: Keeping Your LicenseAlcohol and DUI
Operating under the influence and chemical tests
A BAC of 0.08 or higher is over the legal limit, and every licensed driver must agree to a breath or blood test in certain cases. If you test over the limit or refuse, the officer must take your license and the suspension starts immediately.
9 key points · 8 numbers · Handbook pp. 69 to 74
- Lesson 11Chapter 3: Keeping Your LicenseAlcohol and DUI
Zero tolerance and under 21 alcohol laws
Massachusetts has zero tolerance for drivers under 21: a BAC of 0.02 or higher brings penalties. Failing a test adds extra suspensions meant to get young drivers into alcohol education.
9 key points · 8 numbers · Handbook pp. 69 to 75
- Lesson 12Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadSpeed limits
Speed limits and the dangers of speeding
The fundamental speed law says you must never travel so fast that it is not safe. Unless posted otherwise, speeds over 20 mph in school zones, 30 in thickly settled areas, 40 outside them and 50 on highways outside them are not reasonable.
9 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 78 to 80
- Lesson 13Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadSignals and markings
Traffic signals and pedestrian signals
Know what every Massachusetts signal means, including turns on red, flashing lights and beacons for pedestrians. Pedestrians already in the crosswalk when the countdown ends have the right of way, and you must never pass a vehicle stopped or slowing for a pedestrian.
10 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 81 to 83
- Lesson 14Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadRoad signs
Traffic sign colors and types
Sign colors tell you the kind of message: red or white for regulatory signs, yellow for warnings, green for highway directions, blue for services and brown for recreation. Stop signs, yield signs and regulatory signs all carry legal duties.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook p. 86
- Lesson 15Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadRoad signs
Railroad crossings and work zones
A round warning sign comes before a railroad crossing, and the crossbuck marks the crossing itself. In work zones, slow down first, and always obey a traffic officer, even over signs and signals.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 48 to 89
- Lesson 16Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadSignals and markings
Pavement markings and special lanes
White lines separate traffic going the same way and yellow lines separate opposite directions. Solid lines limit crossing, and two solid yellow lines may be crossed only to turn left when it is safe.
10 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 89 to 92
- Lesson 17Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadSafe driving
Signaling, lane use and highway driving
Signal every move, check your mirrors and blind spot first, and use the right lane unless passing or turning left. On highways, yield when entering, never back up, and signal your exit well ahead.
10 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 93 to 96
- Lesson 18Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadRight of way
Turns, right of way and rotaries
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and know who yields at uncontrolled intersections, four way stops, left turns and driveways. In a rotary, traffic travels counterclockwise and you yield to vehicles already in it and to pedestrians.
10 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 97 to 107
- Lesson 19Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadEmergencies
Passing, school buses and the move over law
Never pass using a breakdown lane, shoulder or sidewalk, and return to the right lane before oncoming traffic comes within 200 feet. Stop for a school bus with flashing lights and a stop sign out from either direction unless a barrier divides the highway, and move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.
10 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 102 to 107
- Lesson 20Chapter 4: Rules of the RoadParking
Parking rules and hills
Massachusetts has clear rules for how close to the curb you park, which way to turn your wheels on a hill, and where you may never park. When you leave your vehicle, stop the motor, set the parking brake, take the key and lock the door.
9 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 109 to 111
- Lesson 21Chapter 5: Special Driving SituationsEmergencies
Emergency vehicles, skids, brake failure and breakdowns
When an emergency vehicle is coming, pull as far right as possible and stop until it passes, and never follow one within 300 feet. In a driving emergency, know the steps for skids, blowouts, brake failure, a stuck gas pedal and stalling on railroad tracks.
10 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 120 to 126
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Massachusetts practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Massachusetts cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Massachusetts Driver's Manual. Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.