MS Permit Practice Test

How to use this MS practice test

1. Take the full 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 Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

MS 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
10. Test 10

Printable MS practice test with answer key

40 sample questions from the MS bank

Every question below comes from the Mississippi 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. Your car stalls on Mississippi railroad tracks with a train coming. How does the manual say to run?

   1. Straight down the tracks away from the train
   2. Toward the rear of the car
   3. Stay inside and honk
   4. At a 45 degree angle away from the tracks toward the train, then dial 911
   Show answer

   At a 45 degree angle away from the tracks toward the train, then dial 911. If your vehicle is on the tracks and the crossing lights begin to flash, the manual says you may have only 20 seconds before the train reach Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. At a two-way stop, two vehicles arrive together after cross traffic has cleared. Who has priority?

   1. The vehicle intending to travel straight across
   2. The vehicle intending to turn across the traffic lane
   3. The vehicle closest to the stop sign, regardless of direction
   4. Neither vehicle until a police officer arrives
   Show answer

   The vehicle intending to travel straight across. When two vehicles arrive at a two-way stop together, the one intending to travel straight across has the right-of-way. Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. How close to a crosswalk at an intersection may a vehicle park in Mississippi?

   1. No closer than 20 feet
   2. No closer than 5 feet
   3. Right up to the crosswalk line
   4. No closer than 75 feet
   Show answer

   No closer than 20 feet. Parking is not allowed within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection in Mississippi, and parking on the crosswalk itself is also banned. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. A Mississippi teen receives a Learner's Permit at age 15 and a half. At what age does the teen become eligible for a Regular Driver's License?

   1. 16
   2. 16 and a half
   3. 17
   4. 18
   Show answer

   16 and a half. Because the Learner's Permit must be held for a full year, a permit issued at 15 and a half leads to eligibility at 16 and a half. Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. According to the Mississippi manual, if your reactions slow down only a half-second at 55 mph, how much farther will your vehicle travel before stopping?

   1. An extra 5 feet
   2. No extra distance
   3. An extra 200 feet
   4. An extra 44 feet
   Show answer

   An extra 44 feet. Mississippi's manual warns that alcohol slows reflexes and reaction time, and that even two beers can markedly decrease them. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. On a four-lane highway, what should a driver do when an emergency vehicle is parked on the roadside with lights or a siren activated?

   
   1. Move onto the shoulder beside the emergency vehicle
   2. Merge into the lane away from the emergency vehicle if safe
   3. Pass without changing position or reducing attention
   4. Stop in the lane next to the emergency vehicle
   Show answer

   Merge into the lane away from the emergency vehicle if safe. On a four-lane highway, the driver should merge into the lane away from the parked emergency vehicle when that movement is safe. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. How much better fuel economy does the Mississippi manual say most cars get at 50 mph than at 70 mph?

   1. About 28 percent more miles per gallon
   2. About 2 percent more
   3. No difference
   4. About 50 percent less
   Show answer

   About 28 percent more miles per gallon. Most automobiles get about 28 percent more miles per gallon on the highway at 50 mph than at 70 mph, and about 21 percent more at 55 mph tha Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. How may a Mississippi learner's permit be used?

   1. For unsupervised driving after midnight
   2. Only with a licensed driver
   3. Only on interstate highways
   4. For vehicle registration without driving
   Show answer

   Only with a licensed driver. A learner's permit may be used only when a licensed driver is present. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. When a broken yellow line is closest to your lane beside a solid yellow line, what may you do?

   
   1. Never cross the lines under any circumstance
   2. Pass at any time because the solid line applies only to trucks
   3. Pass with caution when the oncoming lane is clear and it is safe
   4. Cross only to park on the opposite shoulder
   Show answer

   Pass with caution when the oncoming lane is clear and it is safe. With a broken yellow line closest to the driver's lane, crossing to pass is permitted only with caution and only when the oncoming lane is c Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. At a flashing red light, what must happen before the driver proceeds?

    1. Stop completely, then proceed cautiously while following intersection yielding rules
    2. Slow only if another vehicle is approaching
    3. Continue without stopping when the cross street is empty
    4. Turn left immediately before the signal changes
    Show answer

    Stop completely, then proceed cautiously while following intersection yielding rules. A flashing red signal requires a complete stop, followed by cautious movement under the ordinary right-of-way rules for an intersection. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. A yellow flashing arrow appears for your turn. What must you do?

    1. Turn immediately because the arrow gives a protected movement
    2. Turn in the arrow's direction only from the proper lane and yield to oncoming traffic
    3. Stop and wait until a solid green arrow appears
    4. Accelerate and claim priority over approaching vehicles
    Show answer

    Turn in the arrow's direction only from the proper lane and yield to oncoming traffic. A yellow flashing arrow permits a turn in the arrow's direction from the proper lane, but it does not create a protected movement. Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. What does a ONE WAY arrow sign tell drivers?

    
    1. They must use the center lane for passing
    2. They may turn either way at the next signal
    3. They may travel only in the direction of the arrow
    4. They may reverse direction when traffic is light
    Show answer

    They may travel only in the direction of the arrow. The one-way display restricts travel to the direction shown by its arrow. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. What minimum speed does Mississippi list for passenger cars on interstates and four-lane state and U.S. highways?

    1. 30 mph
    2. 45 mph
    3. 55 mph
    4. 40 mph
    Show answer

    40 mph. The passenger automobile table lists a 40 mph minimum for interstates (maximum 70) and for four-lane state and U.S. highways (maximum 65). Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. How close to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing may a Mississippi driver park?

    1. No closer than 50 feet
    2. No closer than 5 feet
    3. No closer than 100 feet
    4. No closer than 15 feet
    Show answer

    No closer than 15 feet. Mississippi prohibits parking within 15 feet of the nearest rail of any railroad crossing. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. After moving to Mississippi, how soon must a resident obtain a Mississippi license plate?

    1. Within 60 days
    2. Within 10 days
    3. Within 30 days
    4. By the next annual vehicle inspection
    Show answer

    Within 30 days. A person who moves to Mississippi must obtain a Mississippi license plate within 30 days. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. When should a Mississippi driver reduce speed because of visibility or weather?

    1. When traffic is light and the roadway is straight
    2. Only when the road is dry and visibility is clear
    3. Only after reaching the posted maximum speed
    4. When the weather or visibility is poor
    Show answer

    When the weather or visibility is poor. Mississippi instructs drivers to slow down when weather or visibility is poor. Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. A school bus carrying a child, a vehicle for hire carrying passengers, or a vehicle hauling explosives approaches a railroad crossing. How far from the outer rail must it stop?

    1. Within 5 to 10 feet
    2. At least 100 feet away
    3. Within 50 to 100 feet
    4. Within 10 to 50 feet
    Show answer

    Within 10 to 50 feet. A school bus carrying even one child, a passenger vehicle for hire, or a vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop within 5 Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. What should a driver expect at a pedestrian crossing warning sign?

    
    1. Pedestrians may be crossing and have the right-of-way at intersections
    2. Pedestrians are prohibited from entering any marked crosswalk
    3. Only school buses may stop near the crossing
    4. The sidewalk is closed and vehicles may use it
    Show answer

    Pedestrians may be crossing and have the right-of-way at intersections. The pedestrian crossing warning means people may be crossing, and the manual reminds drivers that pedestrians have the right-of-way at inter Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. What is the fine for littering on Mississippi roads?

    1. $10
    2. Up to $5,000
    3. A warning only
    4. Not less than $50 and not more than $250
    Show answer

    Not less than $50 and not more than $250. Any person found guilty of littering on Mississippi's roads, highways, interstates or within their rights of way shall be fined not less tha Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. What jail term does Mississippi list for a second DUI offense within five years?

    1. Up to 48 hours
    2. Not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years
    3. No jail, only a fine
    4. Not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months
    Show answer

    Not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months. A second DUI within five years is still a misdemeanor, but the jail range rises to not less than 5 days and not more than 6 months, with a $ Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. Why can the opening minutes of rain make the roadway especially dangerous?

    1. Rain removes all oil from the roadway before traffic arrives
    2. Rain immediately dries the pavement and reduces tire grip
    3. The first drops make brakes work more strongly than usual
    4. Water loosens dirt and grease, forming a dangerously slick film
    Show answer

    Water loosens dirt and grease, forming a dangerously slick film. At the beginning of a rain or drizzle, water mixes with accumulated dirt and grease on the pavement. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. What does the speed limit sign indicate?

    
    1. A suggested speed that may be exceeded when traffic is light
    2. A minimum speed required in every weather condition
    3. The maximum speed allowed under ideal driving conditions
    4. The maximum speed permitted only for commercial vehicles
    Show answer

    The maximum speed allowed under ideal driving conditions. The manual describes the speed limit sign as the maximum speed allowed under ideal driving conditions. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. How can bad weather, a slick road, tiredness, or intoxication affect stopping distance?

    1. The distance is unchanged if the driver uses high beams
    2. The distance becomes exactly half the chart value
    3. The distance can be drastically different from the ideal-condition chart
    4. The distance disappears once the driver pumps the brakes
    Show answer

    The distance can be drastically different from the ideal-condition chart. The manual warns that bad weather, a slick road, tiredness, or intoxication can make stopping distances drastically different from the chart Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. Which of these can lead Mississippi's Commissioner of Public Safety to suspend a license without a preliminary hearing?

    1. Failing to pay child support
    2. Changing jobs
    3. Buying a new car
    4. Moving to a new county
    Show answer

    Failing to pay child support. The manual lists reasons the Commissioner may suspend a license without a preliminary hearing, and failing to pay child support is one of th Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. How can a Mississippi driver reach the Highway Patrol from a cell phone to report a traffic emergency?

    1. Dial the operator
    2. Dial 311
    3. Text 511
    4. Dial *HP, which is *47, toll free
    Show answer

    Dial *HP, which is *47, toll free. To report an emergency traffic situation on an interstate or highway in Mississippi, dial *HP, which is *47, on a cellular phone to be conne Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What is the only permitted use of a center lane marked TURN LANE ONLY?

    1. Passing slower traffic
    2. Preparing to turn left or right across opposing lanes
    3. Normal travel for several blocks
    4. Parking while waiting to turn
    Show answer

    Preparing to turn left or right across opposing lanes. A center lane marked TURN LANE ONLY may be used only while preparing to turn left or right across the opposite lanes. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. Who is liable when an adult signs a Mississippi minor's license application?

    1. The signer is liable for the minor's negligence or willful misconduct, and the signature must be notarized
    2. Only the minor
    3. No one, the signature is a formality
    4. The state
    Show answer

    The signer is liable for the minor's negligence or willful misconduct, and the signature must be notarized. Whoever signs a minor's application will be liable for the minor's negligence or willful misconduct and must have their signature notarized. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. What does the yellow plus-shaped warning sign announce?

    
    1. A hospital entrance on the left
    2. An intersection or crossroads ahead
    3. A section where all turning is forbidden
    4. A divided highway that has just ended
    Show answer

    An intersection or crossroads ahead. The plus-shaped yellow sign identifies an intersection or crossroads ahead. Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. A school bus is stopped on a divided highway with four or more lanes, and you are traveling opposite the bus. What may you do?

    
    1. Continue on your side without stopping when the divided-highway exception applies
    2. Stop at least ten feet away until the bus resumes motion
    3. Turn around and approach the bus from the same direction
    4. Stop only if the bus driver waves traffic down
    Show answer

    Continue on your side without stopping when the divided-highway exception applies. Mississippi makes opposite-direction traffic an exception when the stopped bus is on a divided highway with at least four lanes and opposing Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. What does Mississippi require of the windshield regarding stickers?

    1. Stickers are allowed anywhere below the mirror
    2. It must be free of any signs or unofficial stickers
    3. Only the passenger side may carry stickers
    4. Any sticker under 6 inches is allowed
    Show answer

    It must be free of any signs or unofficial stickers. Your windshield must be free of any signs or unofficial stickers. Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. How does the manual characterize yielding to a funeral procession?

    1. It is common courtesy, although the manual says it is not required by law
    2. It is required only when the procession uses flashing blue lights
    3. It is prohibited because processions must yield to every car
    4. It applies only inside a marked school zone
    Show answer

    It is common courtesy, although the manual says it is not required by law. The manual distinguishes courtesy from a legal command by saying drivers should yield to funeral processions as common courtesy, although it Full explanation in Test 1

32. 32. A Mississippi driver is convicted of a first offense DUI and had also refused the breath test. What happens to the penalty?

    1. The refusal cancels the DUI charge
    2. Nothing extra; the DUI penalty covers it
    3. The fine is cut in half
    4. A 90 day license suspension is added
    Show answer

    A 90 day license suspension is added. The manual gives this as an example of additional penalties: with a first offense DUI or first offense Zero Tolerance DUI conviction and a r Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. What roadway activity does an orange traffic sign warn about?

    1. A pedestrian crossing ahead
    2. Public recreation and scenic travel
    3. Construction or maintenance work
    4. A required stop at an intersection
    Show answer

    Construction or maintenance work. Orange is the manual's color for construction or maintenance warnings, so it alerts drivers to temporary work activity or related conditions Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. How many reckless driving charges within 12 months require a one year license revocation in Mississippi?

    1. Two
    2. Five
    3. Three
    4. One
    Show answer

    Three. Three reckless driving charges within a twelve month period are on Mississippi's list of offenses that require a one year revocation. Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. What examination is required if an out-of-state license has been expired for more than thirty days?

    1. No examination under any circumstance
    2. Only a motorcycle skills examination
    3. Only a vision screening
    4. A computerized examination
    Show answer

    A computerized examination. When an out-of-state license has been expired for more than thirty days, the applicant must take the Computerized Exam. Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. Before changing lanes, which checks does the Mississippi manual require?

    
    1. A glance at the vehicle ahead without signaling
    2. The rearview mirror only
    3. The speedometer and fuel gauge only
    4. Rearview and side mirrors plus the blind spot
    Show answer

    Rearview and side mirrors plus the blind spot. A safe lane change requires checking the rearview mirror, side mirrors, and blind spot, followed by a clear signal and a move only when safe Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. Who may apply directly for a Mississippi Regular Driver's License without a previous permit or license?

    1. A person who is fourteen and enrolled in driver education
    2. A person who is at least seventeen years old
    3. Any person who has passed a vision screening
    4. Only a person who has held a permit for two years
    Show answer

    A person who is at least seventeen years old. The Class R eligibility section allows an applicant aged seventeen or older to apply directly for a Regular Driver's License, regardless of Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. Which mirror rule applies when a truck body blocks the driver's view behind?

    1. A rear-view mirror is forbidden
    2. Two inside rear-view mirrors are required
    3. An outside rear-view mirror is required
    4. No mirror is permitted on a truck
    Show answer

    An outside rear-view mirror is required. Mississippi recommends a rear view mirror but does not require one for an ordinary vehicle. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. When entering a public road from a driveway or other entrance without a stop sign, what must the driver do?

    1. Accelerate into the roadway because entering traffic has priority
    2. Stop and yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding when safe
    3. Yield only to vehicles approaching from the left
    4. Proceed without stopping whenever the entrance is private
    Show answer

    Stop and yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding when safe. A driveway or other entrance does not grant a vehicle priority over traffic already using the street or highway. Full explanation in Test 9

40. 40. At a two-way stop, which traffic has the right-of-way?

    1. Cross traffic without stop signs
    2. The vehicle that reaches the stop sign last
    3. A vehicle turning across the traffic lane
    4. Only vehicles signaling a left turn
    Show answer

    Cross traffic without stop signs. At a two-way stop, cross traffic without stop signs has the right-of-way. Full explanation in Test 10