Massachusetts's permit knowledge test is 25 questions, and you need 18 correct (about 72%) to pass.
Pick an answer on each question to see whether you got it right, with an explanation.
This is a short sample — DriveDrill has 200+ Massachusetts questions
and full-length mock exams in the app.
Q1. In Massachusetts, when following a motorcycle, you should use a following distance of at least:
A Three seconds, the same as for other vehiclesB Four seconds, compared to three seconds for other vehiclesC Six seconds, compared to four seconds for other vehiclesD Two seconds, compared to three seconds for other vehicles
Massachusetts recommends a four-second following distance behind a motorcycle, more than the three-second rule used for other motor vehicles.
Q2. In Massachusetts, when passing a vulnerable road user such as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or person using a wheelchair, you must leave a passing distance of at least:
A One footB Two feetC Six inchesD Four feet
Massachusetts law requires drivers to leave a safe passing distance of at least four feet between their vehicle and a vulnerable road user.
Q3. You may not pass another vehicle within a certain distance of the crest of a hill because:
A The road surface is differentB Passing is only legal on flat roadsC Your engine loses powerD You cannot see oncoming traffic in time
A blind crest hides an oncoming vehicle until it is far too late to abort the pass.
Q4. In Massachusetts, if an adult in the front seat is not wearing a seat belt:
A Seat belts are recommended but not required for adultsB The rule applies only on interstate highwaysC An officer may stop you for the seat belt violation aloneD An officer may ticket you only after stopping you for something else
This is a secondary enforcement state, so the belt alone is not grounds for the stop. That is a rule about enforcement, not about safety -- the crash risk is the same, and the ticket still follows any other stop.
Q5. Children must ride in a child restraint or booster:
A Until they meet their state's age, height or weight requirementB Only in the front seatC Until they are 5 years old everywhereD Only on highways
Requirements differ by state, and the back seat is safest for younger children. A belt that crosses the neck or belly means the child still needs a booster.
Q6. The only thing that reduces blood alcohol concentration is:
A CoffeeB ExerciseC A cold showerD Time
The liver processes alcohol at a fixed rate. Nothing speeds it up, so the only plan that works is not driving.
Q7. The basic speed law means:
A Speed limits are only advisoryB You may exceed the limit while passingC You must never drive faster than is safe for the conditions, even below the limitD You may always drive the posted limit
The posted limit is the maximum for perfect conditions. In rain, fog, traffic or at night, the legal safe speed is lower.
Q8. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to follow closer than what distance behind an emergency vehicle that is responding to an alarm with its lights and siren on:
A 50 feetB 100 feetC 300 feetD 1,000 feet
Massachusetts law makes it illegal to follow closer than 300 feet behind a responding emergency vehicle.
Q9. You must never pass another vehicle when:
A There is a broken yellow line on your sideB The vehicle ahead is under the speed limitC You are approaching a hill, curve or intersection where your view is blockedD You are on a four-lane road
You need to see far enough ahead to complete the pass and return safely. Hills, curves, intersections and railroad crossings take that view away.
Q10. Driving far below the speed limit when conditions are good:
A Is always safestB Can be dangerous and may be a violationC Is required of new driversD Is allowed in any lane
Traffic that moves at very different speeds causes crashes. If you must go slow, stay right and let others pass.
DriveDrill is an independent study app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or
connected to any state motor vehicle agency. These practice questions are written in
the style of Massachusetts's knowledge test and are not official test questions.