Massachusetts · Learner data
Massachusetts Most-Missed Permit Questions
From anonymous first-attempt answers on this site: the Massachusetts questions learners get wrong most, with the correct answer and the handbook lesson for each. Answer counts as of 2026-11-06.
Each question below was answered at least 50 times in its current version. The percentage is the share of learners whose first attempt was correct, so a lower number means a harder question. Answers are counted anonymously in aggregate; no individual learner is tracked.
How many surchargeable events within three years lead to an automatic 60-day suspension in Massachusetts?
Correct answer: Seven
Seven surchargeable events within a three-year period bring an automatic 60-day suspension.
59% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 85 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Citations, surchargeable events and suspensions
Massachusetts adds a surcharge to every speeding fine that goes entirely to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund. How much is it?
Correct answer: $50
By law, all Massachusetts speeding fines include a $50 surcharge, and the entire surcharge goes to the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, because speeding often plays a part in crashes that cause serious head injuries.
66% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 79 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Citations, surchargeable events and suspensions
A Massachusetts Junior Operator violates the passenger restriction or the night restriction. What suspension applies for a first offense?
Correct answer: 60 days
The JOL restrictions come with an escalating ladder of suspensions.
69% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 59 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Junior Operator suspensions
A center lane on a two-way Massachusetts road is marked as a common left-turn lane. What may you not do in it?
Correct answer: Travel in the center turning lane
A two-way left-turn lane is shared by both directions for one purpose: setting up left turns.
74% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 58 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Turns, right of way and rotaries
This TWO-WAY TRAFFIC sign warns that opposing traffic shares the roadway ahead. Which pavement marking separates opposite lanes of traffic in Massachusetts?
Correct answer: Yellow lines, such as one solid and one broken yellow line
Yellow is the color that says oncoming.
76% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 68 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Pavement markings and special lanes
Railroad crossing lights in Massachusetts begin to flash. Where must you stop?
Correct answer: At least 15 feet before the light post or gate
When the lights begin to flash, you must stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate and stay stopped until the gate rises and the lights stop.
77% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 74 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Railroad crossings and work zones
What do blue signs list on Massachusetts roads?
Correct answer: Motorist services like gas, food, and lodging
Blue guide signs list motorist services: gas, food, lodging and evacuation routes.
83% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 58 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Traffic sign colors and types
During which hours may a Massachusetts JOL holder not drive unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian?
Correct answer: Between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The Junior Operator night restriction runs from 12:30 a.
83% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 60 answers · Study the handbook lesson: The Junior Operator License (ages 16 1/2 to 18)
Who must use an Ignition Interlock Device to get a hardship license or reinstatement in Massachusetts?
Correct answer: A driver with two or more OUI offenses
A driver who has had two or more operating under the influence offenses and qualifies for a hardship license or reinstatement must have an Ignition Interlock Device installed at the driver's own expense.
84% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 70 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Operating under the influence and chemical tests
During the first six months after receiving a Massachusetts JOL, when may the holder drive with a passenger under 18 who is not an immediate family member?
Correct answer: Only when accompanied by a person at least 21 with at least one year of driving experience and a valid license, seated beside the driver
The passenger restriction is the heart of the Junior Operator law.
87% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 61 answers · Study the handbook lesson: The Junior Operator License (ages 16 1/2 to 18)
A funeral procession is moving through an intersection in Massachusetts. Which vehicles must it yield to?
Correct answer: Emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens, or as directed by law enforcement
A funeral procession keeps the right of way at intersections so it can stay together, and other drivers may not cut between its vehicles.
88% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 56 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Turns, right of way and rotaries
When a Massachusetts officer takes a driver's license for a BAC above the limit or a test refusal, when does the notice of suspension take effect?
Correct answer: Immediately
The suspension paperwork handed over at the roadside is not a warning of something to come; the notice of suspension is effective immediately.
88% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 67 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Operating under the influence and chemical tests
What does a solid green turn arrow mean for a Massachusetts driver?
Correct answer: You can make a protected turn in the direction of the arrow
The green arrow is the protected phase.
92% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 96 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Traffic signals and pedestrian signals
A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on the opposite side of a Massachusetts road that has only a painted center line. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop, because the exception applies only to a divided highway with a barrier
Traffic in both directions stops for a school bus unless a barrier physically separates the two roadways.
92% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 85 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Passing, school buses and the move over law
You approach a STOP sign where a white stop line is painted on the road. Where must a Massachusetts driver stop?
Correct answer: Before the line
A painted stop line tells you exactly where the stop belongs: before the line, not on it or past it.
93% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 60 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Traffic sign colors and types
At a Massachusetts four-way stop, several vehicles arrive at slightly different times. Who has the right of way?
Correct answer: The first vehicle in the intersection or at the four-way stop
Arrival order settles most four-way stops: the first vehicle to reach the intersection has the right of way once it has stopped, and the others follow in turn.
94% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 82 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Traffic sign colors and types
After an emergency vehicle passes you on a Massachusetts road, what should you check before pulling back into traffic?
Correct answer: That no other emergency vehicles are approaching
After an emergency vehicle has passed, the manual says to use your left turn signal, make sure the lane is clear, and be sure there are no other emergency vehicles approaching before you merge back into traffic.
95% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 56 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Emergency vehicles, skids, brake failure and breakdowns
This STOP AHEAD sign warns of a stop sign you cannot yet see. Once you reach that stop sign, when may you enter the intersection?
Correct answer: Only after coming to a complete stop
The warning sign buys you braking distance; the stop sign itself still demands a complete halt before you go on.
98% of learners answered correctly on their first attempt · 63 answers · Study the handbook lesson: Traffic sign colors and types
Questions are written from the official Massachusetts Driver's Manual with a handbook page citation on every answer. Practice the full Massachusetts test free.