Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual - Practice Flashcards

A set of practice Q&A flashcards drawn from the Massachusetts Driver's Manual to help you study for the permit, road test, and safe driving concepts.

What does Massachusetts' Hands-Free Electronics Law prohibit and who is affected?

Operators may not hold or support any electronic device while driving; devices may be used only in hands-free mode; teen drivers are prohibited from using any electronic devices, even hands-free; fines apply.

How are out-of-state violations treated for MA RMV records?

They count as if they occurred in Massachusetts; the RMV will act on these when learned of them, including pay/appearance requirements and potential suspensions.

What is REAL ID, and when does it become required for air travel?

Beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID or another federally acceptable ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities; Standard MA cards will not be acceptable for federal purposes after that date.

Which languages is the MA Driver's Manual available in online?

English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese (with potential future additions).

What is the purpose of the Sharing the Road manual?

Public ways are designed to be shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and motor vehicles; some roads are for high-speed motor vehicles, others for slower traffic; all users should be aware and follow rules.

Name the MA driver's license classes and what each generally covers.

Class A, B, C: CDLs for large vehicles; Class D: standard passenger vehicles; Class M: motorcycles.

Who needs a Massachusetts driver's license?

All Massachusetts residents must have a valid MA license to operate a vehicle; out-of-state or foreign licenses may be used temporarily, but moving to MA requires obtaining an MA license with no grace period.

At what age can you obtain a Class D or Class M learner's permit?

At least 16 years old.

What is the Junior Operator License (JOL) and its age range?

For ages 16 1/2 to 18; requires six months with a valid learner's permit, a clean driving record, RMV-approved driver education (30 hours classroom, 12 hours in-car, 6 hours observation), 40 hours supervised driving, parental instruction, and a final exam.

What are the basic steps to obtain a learner's permit?

Submit an application with ID, pay the fee, pass a vision test, pass the learner’s permit exam, have your photo and signature captured, and obtain parental consent if under 18.

How many questions are on the Class D/M learner's permit exam and what is the passing score?

25 questions; you must answer 18 correctly to pass.

How long is a learner's permit valid?

Up to two years.

What is WFMA and its effect on Standard Driver's Licenses?

Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) allows certain Standard Driver's Licenses (Class D/M) to be issued without proof of lawful presence; WFMA does not affect REAL ID, other license types, or eligibility rules.

What are the vision requirements for a Class D/M license?

Better eye vision of at least 20/40 with correction and at least 120 degrees of horizontal peripheral vision; corrected vision between 20/50 and 20/70 may qualify for a daylight-only license.

What is the difference between REAL ID and Standard Massachusetts Card after May 7, 2025?

REAL ID can be used for federal purposes (flying, federal facilities); Standard MA cards will not be accepted for those purposes after that date unless you also have another acceptable form of ID.

What is the maximum license length and renewal policy?

A MA driver's license is valid for up to five years; REAL ID may be shorter depending on lawful presence; vertical licenses (Under 21) become horizontal after 21; renewal can occur up to one year before expiration.

What common restrictions might appear on a MA license?

Restrictions are codes like B: corrective lenses; H: daylight only; I/J: junior operator related; others exist for medical devices, ignition interlock, etc.

What is the MA Move-Over law for emergency/maintenance vehicles?

When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you must move over a lane if safe and slow to a reasonable speed; if moving over isn't possible, slow down.

What is a surchargeable event and why is it important?

Moving violations or at-fault crashes that count toward possible license suspension; thresholds trigger Driver Retraining or suspensions (e.g., three events in two years; seven in three years).

What is the Driver Retraining Course and when must it be completed?

If you accumulate three or more surchargeable events in two years, you must complete the eight-hour Massachusetts Driver Retraining Course within 90 days; failure can lead to suspension.

What are some major Criminal Offenses and Suspensions related to driving?

Criminal offenses include actions like driving with a suspended license, OUI, and leaving the scene of a crash; these have associated suspension/reinstatement rules and potential fines.

What is the Ignition Interlock Device requirement?

If eligible after two or more OUI offenses for hardship/reinstatement, an Ignition Interlock Device must be installed and used during the hardship period and for two years after reinstatement.

What is the Vulnerable Road User law regarding passing distance?

When passing pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable users, leave at least four feet of clearance; may use part of the lane if safe and may cross center line if necessary.

What are some key bike-related rights and duties for bicyclists in MA?

Bicyclists have similar rights to use public ways; must generally ride in the same direction as traffic; can use full lane; must yield to pedestrians and follow traffic laws; helmet requirements for under 16.

What should you do at a railroad crossing with lights or gates?

Stop at least 15 feet from the lights/gates when they are activated; do not attempt to cross until the lights stop and gate rises.

What is a Bicycle Box and how is it used at intersections?

A green painted box at intersections allowing bicyclists turning left to stop and position safely before crossing; cyclists going straight or turning right stay to the right in the box.

What are common road-test failure reasons outlined in the manual?

Driving in a dangerous manner, violation of motor vehicle laws, lack of driving experience, failing to follow examiner’s instructions, or not knowing hand signals.