MA Permit Practice Test

How to use this MA practice test

1. Take the 25 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 72 percent or better, book the real test.

MA practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable MA practice test with answer key

All 25 questions, MA exam length

Every question below comes from the Massachusetts question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. A Massachusetts police officer stops a driver whose BAC is above the legal limit, or who refuses a breathalyzer or blood test. What must the officer do with the license?

   1. Issue a warning and return it
   2. Hold it for 24 hours only
   3. Take the license away
   4. Mail it to the RMV for review
   Show answer

   Take the license away. Massachusetts pairs the breath test with an immediate, on the spot consequence. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. According to the Massachusetts manual, can you be ticketed for driving 40 mph in a heavy rainstorm on a highway posted at 50 mph?

   1. No, because you are under the posted limit
   2. Only if you are also following too closely
   3. Yes, for driving too fast for conditions
   4. Only on a divided highway
   Show answer

   Yes, for driving too fast for conditions. The posted number is not a guarantee of safety. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. Under Massachusetts law, may a driver under 18 use an electronic device in hands-free mode while driving?

   1. Yes, hands-free use is allowed at any age
   2. No, teen drivers may not use any electronic device, even hands-free
   3. Yes, but only for navigation
   4. Yes, if a parent is in the vehicle
   Show answer

   No, teen drivers may not use any electronic device, even hands-free. Adults get a hands-free exception; teens do not. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. What does a STOP sign always mean in Massachusetts, and to whom does it apply?

   1. Slow to a crawl, and only the first vehicle in line must stop
   2. Come to a complete halt, and it applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign
   3. Stop only if cross traffic is present
   4. Yield, unless the intersection is clear
   Show answer

   Come to a complete halt, and it applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign. A stop sign never softens into a yield. The manual says it always means come to a complete halt, and the duty applies to each vehicle that r Full explanation in Test 2

5. 5. What do broken white lines on a Massachusetts road separate?

   1. Traffic traveling in opposite directions
   2. Lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction
   3. The road from the shoulder
   4. A bicycle lane from the travel lane
   Show answer

   Lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. White lines separate traffic moving the same way, and the broken pattern tells you a lane change across them is allowed when it is safe. Full explanation in Test 2

6. 6. Unless posted otherwise, above what speed is driving not reasonable and proper in a Massachusetts school zone?

   1. 20 mph
   2. 15 mph
   3. 25 mph
   4. 30 mph
   Show answer

   20 mph. School zones sit at the bottom of the Massachusetts default list at 20 mph. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. A Massachusetts Junior Operator is convicted of reckless or negligent operation. What additional suspension applies for a first offense, beyond any other suspension required by law?

   1. 30 days
   2. 180 days
   3. One year
   4. No additional suspension
   Show answer

   180 days. Junior Operators carry an extra layer of consequences. Full explanation in Test 3

8. 8. When may a Massachusetts driver turn left on a red light?

   1. At any intersection after a complete stop
   2. Only when a green arrow appears
   3. Never
   4. When driving on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding
   Show answer

   When driving on a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding. Massachusetts allows a left on red in one narrow case: you are on a one-way street and you are turning left onto another one-way street. Full explanation in Test 3

9. 9. This yield sign is posted with a painted yield line before a crosswalk. If a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, where must you stop?

   1. In the crosswalk, so the pedestrian can see you
   2. Past the crosswalk, out of the pedestrian's way
   3. Behind the yield line and crosswalk lines
   4. You do not need to stop at a yield sign
   Show answer

   Behind the yield line and crosswalk lines. Yield lines and crosswalk lines are stop points when a pedestrian is using the crossing. Full explanation in Test 3

10. 10. This white sign with black words states a speed limit. According to the Massachusetts manual, how do SPEED LIMIT signs convey their message?

    1. They always use an image of a speedometer
    2. They use a red circle and slash
    3. They may include only words
    4. They are always yellow
    Show answer

    They may include only words. Massachusetts sorts signs by how they speak. Full explanation in Test 4

11. 11. 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?

    1. Only after coming to a complete stop
    2. After slowing to walking speed
    3. Immediately if no traffic is visible
    4. After flashing your headlights
    Show 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 enter the intersection. Full explanation in Test 4

12. 12. Unlike a gentle curve sign, this right-angle arrow warns of a sharp turn. According to the Massachusetts manual, where is a vehicle more likely to leave the road?

    1. On a straight highway
    2. In a parking lot
    3. At a curve
    4. At a railroad crossing
    Show answer

    At a curve. The manual states the risk plainly: a vehicle is more likely to leave the road at a curve, and the sharper the turn the smaller the margin. Full explanation in Test 4

13. 13. You are not sure whether the van ahead with flashing red lights is a school vehicle. How does the Massachusetts manual describe school pupil transport vehicles?

    1. They are always yellow buses
    2. They display orange triangles
    3. They have flashing red lights and SCHOOL BUS signs on top
    4. They use blue flashing lights
    Show answer

    They have flashing red lights and SCHOOL BUS signs on top. Not every school vehicle is a big yellow bus. Full explanation in Test 5

14. 14. What corrected vision may qualify a Massachusetts driver for a daylight only license?

    1. 20/40 or better
    2. Between 20/50 and 20/70 in the better eye
    3. Worse than 20/100
    4. Any vision with glasses
    Show answer

    Between 20/50 and 20/70 in the better eye. If your corrected vision is between 20/50 and 20/70 in the better eye, you may be eligible for a daylight only license, while 20/40 is the s Full explanation in Test 5

15. 15. An emergency vehicle is approaching you from behind with lights and siren. According to the Massachusetts manual, what should you do?

    1. Stop immediately where you are, even in the travel lane
    2. Speed up to stay ahead of it
    3. Check your mirrors and find a safe place to pull over to the right
    4. Move to the left lane to leave the right lane open
    Show answer

    Check your mirrors and find a safe place to pull over to the right. The manual's instruction is to check your mirrors and find a safe place to pull over to the right, then stop and let the emergency vehicle p Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. A Massachusetts driver has a green arrow for a turn. What should be true of pedestrians and oncoming vehicles at that moment?

    1. They have the right of way and you must wait
    2. They may proceed at the same time
    3. Only pedestrians may cross
    4. They should be stopped for red lights
    Show answer

    They should be stopped for red lights. A green arrow is the protected turn. While it shows, the signal holds pedestrians and oncoming vehicles on red so the turn can be made witho Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. 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 expire Full explanation in Test 6

18. 18. Your tire blows out on a Massachusetts road. What does the manual tell you to do first?

    1. Brake as hard as you can
    2. Grip the steering wheel tightly and slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal
    3. Turn sharply toward the shoulder
    4. Shift into park
    Show answer

    Grip the steering wheel tightly and slowly remove your foot from the gas pedal. A blowout pulls the car toward the failed tire, so the first job is to hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas rather than brake. Full explanation in Test 6

19. 19. A Massachusetts driver approaches a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights. Besides slowing, what basic attitude does the move-over law require?

    1. Pass as quickly as possible
    2. Stop and offer assistance
    3. Use the shoulder to get by
    4. Proceed with caution
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution. The law pairs a slower speed with caution: proceed carefully, ready to stop, moving to a farther lane when it is safe to do so. Full explanation in Test 7

20. 20. What total stopping distance does the Massachusetts manual give at 60 mph on dry, level road?

    1. About 100 feet
    2. About 292 feet, almost a whole football field
    3. About 30 feet
    4. About 1,000 feet
    Show answer

    About 292 feet, almost a whole football field. If your brakes and tires are working and the road is dry and level, at 60 mph it takes about 292 feet to react to a hazard, step on the brak Full explanation in Test 7

21. 21. According to the Massachusetts manual, should a driver assume they automatically have the right of way?

    1. Yes, on any road with a posted speed limit
    2. No, the driver must always give the right of way to an animal being led, ridden, or driven, among others
    3. Yes, when driving the larger vehicle
    4. Yes, when traveling straight
    Show answer

    No, the driver must always give the right of way to an animal being led, ridden, or driven, among others. Right of way is something you give, not something you take, and the manual lists situations where you must yield even when you might expect Full explanation in Test 8

22. 22. If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks in Massachusetts, no train is coming, and you cannot move the vehicle off the tracks, what does the manual say to do?

    1. Wait in the vehicle for the train to stop
    2. Push the vehicle along the tracks
    3. Flash the headlights at the train
    4. Call the toll free Emergency Notification System number on the crossbuck or the metal box near the crossing
    Show answer

    Call the toll free Emergency Notification System number on the crossbuck or the metal box near the crossing. A vehicle stuck on the tracks is a train emergency, and the number to call is printed on the crossbuck or on a metal box at the crossing. Full explanation in Test 8

23. 23. Massachusetts asks you to allow extra following space in which of these situations?

    1. Only on sunny days
    2. Rain, snow, ice, or other poor weather or road conditions
    3. Only when you are late
    4. Only on one-way streets
    Show answer

    Rain, snow, ice, or other poor weather or road conditions. The three second rule is the minimum for good conditions, and the manual lists when to add more: poor weather or road surfaces such as rain, Full explanation in Test 8

24. 24. What suspension does a Massachusetts driver under 18 face for a chemical test showing 0.02 or higher?

    1. 30 days only
    2. Six months
    3. Until age 21
    4. 30 days plus an additional one year
    Show answer

    30 days plus an additional one year. Massachusetts has a zero tolerance law for drivers under 21, who face administrative sanctions at a BAC as low as 0.02. Full explanation in Test 9

25. 25. You are on a two-lane Massachusetts road and reach an intersection with a divided highway. Who yields?

    1. The divided highway traffic must yield to you
    2. The vehicle on the right yields
    3. No one yields
    4. You must yield the right of way to traffic on the multi-lane road
    Show answer

    You must yield the right of way to traffic on the multi-lane road. Massachusetts gives priority to the larger road: a driver on a single or two-lane road who comes to a divided highway or a roadway with thre Full explanation in Test 9