The road test

Key points

1. Your road test sponsor must be at least 21 with at least 1 year of driving experience.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Is at least 21 years old • Has had at least one year of driving experience”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

2. You may not attempt more than 6 Class D road tests in 12 months.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “For a Class D license, you are not allowed to attempt more than six road tests in a 12-month period.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

3. If you fail or miss a road test, you must wait at least 14 days to retest.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “If you fail a road test or do not appear for your scheduled test, you must wait at least 14 days before taking another test.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

4. There is no additional fee if you cancel or reschedule with more than 72 hours notice.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “There is no additional fee if you cancel or reschedule with more than 72 hours notice.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 20

5. The parking brake is tested by revving the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPM in the lowest gear.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “requires that parking brakes be tested by accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with the vehicle in the lowest gear.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

6. On the road test you will be asked to back the vehicle about 50 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 25

7. Only you, the examiner and your sponsor may be in the vehicle during the test.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Only you, the examiner, and your sponsor are allowed in the vehicle during the test.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 25

8. If you pass, have prepaid for your license and have no outstanding obligations, your permit becomes a temporary license valid up to 60 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “If you pass the road test, have prepaid for your license, and have no outstanding obligations, the examiner will validate your learner's permit and it will become a temporary license, valid up to 60 days”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

9. You must carry your license on your person or within easy reach whenever you drive.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “the law requires you to carry a valid driver’s license on your person or within easy reach inside your vehicle.”
   Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

10. The road test fee is $35.00.

    Source: Handbook p. 32

    “Road test fee - $35.00 The RMV charges a flat fee for any license application. This fee covers the cost of processing your application and scheduling a road test.”
    Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Massachusetts practice test

1. 1. How does Massachusetts require parking brakes to be tested for a road test vehicle?

   1. They are not tested
   2. By rolling downhill
   3. By pulling the lever while parked on flat ground
   4. By accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPM with the vehicle in the lowest gear
   Show answer

   By accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPM with the vehicle in the lowest gear. Massachusetts regulation 540 CMR 4.04(4) requires that parking brakes be tested by accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with the vehicle in the lowest gear, and the examiner tests the brake before the road test. The examiner will not let the test proceed if the parking brake does not work as the law requires. The brake must also be accessible so the examiner can make an emergency stop, which is why the manual recommends a centrally located parking brake, and a vehicle registered out of state must show insurance equal to the Massachusetts minimum limits.

2. 2. What does Massachusetts charge for the learner's permit exam and the road test?

   1. Both are free
   2. $30 for the permit exam and $35 for the road test
   3. $100 each
   4. $10 for both together
   Show answer

   $30 for the permit exam and $35 for the road test. The learner's permit exam fee is $30, covering application processing and the exam, and it is charged again if you fail or the permit expires. The road test fee is $35, a flat fee for any license application, and the Class D or Class M license issue or renewal fee is $50. A duplicate or amended license costs $25, and all fees are subject to change.

3. 3. What are Massachusetts' minimum insurance limits?

   1. $15,000, $30,000 and $5,000
   2. $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $30,000 for property damage
   3. $50,000, $100,000 and $25,000
   4. $10,000 combined
   Show answer

   $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $30,000 for property damage. Massachusetts minimum limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage, and a road test vehicle registered out of state must show the examiner proof of coverage equal to those limits. A policy or a certificate that lists the coverage limits serves as that proof. If the road test vehicle is rented, the driver must also show the rental agreement and a letter from the rental company authorizing its use for the test.

Source: the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, Chapter 1: Obtaining Your License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.