MA permit test

Regulatory Signs

Signs that show laws you must follow (e.g., STOP, YIELD, speed limits).

Warning Signs

Yellow/diamond-shaped signs that warn of hazards ahead.

Guide Signs

Green/blue/brown signs that give directions or info.

Flashing Red Light

Stop completely; proceed when safe (like a STOP sign).

Flashing Yellow Light

Slow down; proceed with caution.

Steady Yellow Light

Light is changing to red; stop if safe to do so.

Steady Green Light

Go if safe; yield to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection.

Green Arrow

Protected turn in direction of arrow.

Red Arrow

No turning in direction of arrow.

Broken White Line

Separates lanes moving in same direction; you may change lanes.

Solid White Line

Discourages lane changes; only allowed when safe/necessary.

Double Solid Yellow Line

No passing in either direction.

Broken Yellow Line

Passing allowed when clear.

One Solid + One Broken Yellow Line

Passing allowed only on side with solid line broken on your side.

Crosswalk

You must yield to pedestrians.

Right of Way

Rules that determine who goes first.

Yield

Slow or stop to give another driver/pedestrian the right of way.

Four-Way Stop Rule

First to stop is first to go; if tied, yield to the right.

Roundabout Yield Rule

Yield to traffic already in the circle.

School Bus (Red Lights Flashing)

You must stop from either direction.

Move Over Law

Change lanes or slow for stopped emergency vehicles.

Following Distance

Use the 3-second rule minimum.

Blind Spot

Area not visible in mirrors; check by turning your head.

Hydroplaning

Tires ride on water; slow down, don't brake hard.

Skid

Steer in the direction of the skid; don't slam brakes.

ABS Brakes

Press brakes firmly; don't pump them.

Thickly Settled / Business District

30 mph

Highway Outside Thickly Settled Areas

50 mph

Mass Turnpike (Inside City)

50 mph

Mass Turnpike (Outside City)

65 mph

School Zone

20 mph (posted)

Permit Holder Rules

Must be accompanied by licensed driver 21+ with 1+ year of experience.

JOL Passenger Restriction

First 6 months: No passengers under 18 unless immediate family or supervised by 21+ licensed driver.

JOL Night Restriction

No driving 12:30am-5:00am unless with parent/guardian.

Permit Validation Period

Expires after 2 years.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

Alcohol percent in body.

Legal BAC Limit (21+)

0.08%

Zero Tolerance (Under 21)

Any measurable alcohol = penalties.

Implied Consent Law

By driving, you agree to take breathalyzer; refusal = suspension.

Open Container Law

No open alcohol in vehicle (driver or passenger).

DUI Consequences

Fines, jail, license suspension, insurance increases.

Speeding (JOL)

90-day suspension first offense.

Drag Racing (JOL)

1-year suspension first offense.

3 Speeding Violations (Any Age)

30-day suspension.

3 Surchargeable Events in 2 Years

Mandatory driver retraining.

Operating To Endanger

Harsh penalties; possible jail + license suspension.

Hands-Free Law

No phone in hand; must use hands-free device.

Under 18

No phone use at all, even hands-free.

Texting While Driving

Strict fines + insurance surcharge.

Pedestrians

Always yield at crosswalks.

School Buses

Stop when red lights flash (both directions).

Emergency Vehicles

Pull over to right and stop.

Trucks

Give extra space; they have large blind spots ('No-Zones').

Motorcycles

Never share a lane; give full lane distance.

Bicycles

Treat as vehicles; must give safe passing distance.

Fog

Use low beams, not high beams.

Rain

Use headlights + wipers; reduce speed.

Snow/Ice

Increase following distance; slow turns.

Night Driving

Use high beams when no one ahead; dim for oncoming traffic.

Headlight Use

Required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Tire Tread Minimum

2/32 inch.

Seat Belts

Required for driver and passengers.

Turn Signals

Use 100 feet before turning.

Fender-Bender

Stop, move vehicle if safe, exchange info.

Hit and Run

Illegal; severe penalties.

If Vehicle Fails

Pull off road; put on hazard lights.

Brake Failure

Pump brakes, downshift, use parking brake.

Tire Blowout

Hold wheel tight; ease off gas; don't brake hard.