Massachusetts Driver’s Manual – Core Concepts

Flashcards covering key laws, safety rules, licensing requirements, penalties, and defensive-driving principles from the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual, formatted as question-and-answer for exam preparation.

What does the Massachusetts “hands-free” law prohibit drivers from doing?

Holding or supporting any electronic device; only hands-free use is allowed, and teen drivers may not use devices at all.

Beginning May 7, 2025, what ID will you need to fly within the United States if you do not have a passport?

A REAL ID–compliant Massachusetts Driver’s License/ID (or another federally acceptable ID).

At what minimum age can you apply for a Class D or M learner’s permit in Massachusetts?

16 years old.

How long must a Junior Operator hold a learner’s permit in good standing before taking a road test?

At least six consecutive months.

For the first six months after receiving a JOL, when is a passenger under 18 allowed in the vehicle?

Only when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience who is seated beside the junior operator, unless the passenger is an immediate family member.

During what hours may a Junior Operator NOT drive unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian?

12:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.

What is the penalty for a first speeding offense by a Junior Operator?

90-day license suspension plus required fees and courses.

What two documents must every driver present when requested by police?

A valid driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration certificate.

How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

At least 10 feet.

When must headlights and taillights be used in Massachusetts?

From ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, or any time visibility is reduced enough that you cannot see people or vehicles 500 ft ahead, and whenever windshield wipers are in use.

What is the default speed limit in a thickly settled or business district unless posted otherwise?

30 mph (or 25 mph in cities/towns that have adopted that lower limit).

What is the minimum safe following distance rule under good conditions?

The three-second rule (count “one-one-thousand” to “three-one-thousand” after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object).

What distance must a driver leave when passing a vulnerable road user such as a bicyclist or pedestrian?

At least four feet of safe passing distance.

How close may you legally follow an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

No closer than 300 feet.

When are you allowed to turn right on red in Massachusetts?

After coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.

What is the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older?

0.08%.

What happens if a driver under 21 refuses a chemical test and has no prior OUIs?

License suspension of 3 years plus 180 days (which may be reduced to 180 days upon entry into an approved alcohol program).

How soon must a crash report be filed with the RMV and local police for a crash causing injury, death, or $1,000+ damage?

Within 5 days of the crash.

What should you do if your vehicle’s gas pedal sticks?

Shift to neutral, brake gently, attempt to free the pedal with your foot, and steer to a safe stop off the road.

What is the fine for not wearing a safety belt if you are 16 or older?

$25.

Until what height or age must children use a federally approved child restraint?

Until at least 8 years old or 57 inches tall.

What extra penalty applies to junior operators convicted of drag racing for the first time?

One-year license suspension and a $500 reinstatement fee plus Driver Attitudinal and SCARR courses.

How long is a standard Massachusetts driver’s license valid?

Up to five years, expiring on the licensee’s birthday.

What should you do when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway?

Slow down and, if safe, move over to leave a full lane clear between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle.

What is the minimum tread depth allowed for passenger-vehicle tires?

2/32 of an inch.

Define a ‘thickly settled district’.

An area where buildings are fewer than 200 ft apart for ¼ mile or more.

What must you do before changing lanes or turning?

Check mirrors, look over the shoulder for blind spots, signal, then move when safe.

What is the speed limit when driving near a school while children are arriving or leaving?

20 mph.

How far ahead should you dim high-beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle?

Within 500 feet.

List two documents you must provide to get a REAL ID Massachusetts license.

Proof of lawful presence, proof of Social Security number (or denial notice with passport/visa/I-94), two documents proving Massachusetts residency, plus identity document(s) as required.

What is the difference between a rotary and a roundabout in Massachusetts?

Rotaries are larger, designed for speeds up to 40 mph; roundabouts are smaller with speeds 25 mph or less and usually have yield lines and crosswalks.

When parking uphill with a curb, which way should you turn your wheels?

Away from the curb (toward the road).

What are the penalties for texting while driving for a driver 18 or older on first offense?

$100 fine; no insurance surcharge unless a crash occurs.

What vehicles may display a flashing PURPLE light in Massachusetts?

Vehicles owned by a funeral home or funeral director while leading a funeral procession.

How much can following distance change behind a motorcycle?

Increase to at least four seconds because motorcycles can stop more quickly.

Is it legal to drive in a highway breakdown lane in Massachusetts?

Only where and when posted signs or signals permit it; otherwise it is illegal.

What special restriction applies to all drivers under 18 regarding mobile devices?

They may not use any mobile electronic device for any reason while driving except to report an emergency.

What is the minimum time you must signal before turning on a highway?

At least 500 feet before the turn or lane change.

State the maximum height for a vehicle to enter most highway tunnels without special permit (posted).

It varies by tunnel; drivers must observe posted clearance signs (often about 13 ft 6 in).

What does a double solid yellow centerline mean?

Traffic flows in opposite directions and passing is prohibited in both directions.

Define ‘habitual traffic offender’ in Massachusetts.

A driver with three major moving violations or any combination of 12 major/minor moving violations within five years; penalty is a 4-year license suspension.

What should you do if your brakes fail and your vehicle has antilock brakes?

Downshift, apply parking brake gently, look for a safe place to slow/stop; do NOT pump the brake pedal.

What are shared lane markings (sharrows) for?

They guide bicyclists to proper lane position and remind motorists to expect bicycles.

When must you yield to a blind pedestrian?

Always; stop completely whenever a blind pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog is crossing or about to cross.

What extra distance does a fully loaded tractor-trailer need to stop compared to a passenger car?

It may need about twice the stopping distance, especially on wet or icy roads.

How far before a railroad crossing must you stop when warning lights are flashing?

At least 15 feet from the light post or gate.

What is the penalty for a first offense of leaving the scene of a crash causing property damage?

Fine up to $200 or imprisonment up to 2 ½ years (or both) and a 60-day to 1-year license suspension.

When is it legal to pass on the right in Massachusetts?

When the vehicle ahead is making a left turn, on a one-way street, or on a multi-lane road where traffic moves in the same direction.

What should drivers do at a four-way stop if two vehicles arrive simultaneously?

Yield to the vehicle on your right.

How long will your license be suspended for three speeding convictions within 12 months?

30 days.

What do green pavement markings in a bike lane indicate?

Areas of potential conflict where extra caution is needed because motor vehicles may cross the bike lane.

Describe the Dutch Reach method.

Open the driver’s door with the hand farthest from the door (right hand) so your body turns, letting you see approaching bicyclists before opening.

What is the fine for misusing a disability parking placard?

Minimum $500 fine for wrongful use; $300 for parking in an HP-DV space without authorization.

What two actions are required by the Driver Removal Law after a crash causing property damage only?

Drivers must move vehicles out of travel lanes if possible and exchange information/report the crash.

How should you perform a two-stage left turn on a bicycle at a busy intersection?

Ride straight across to the opposite corner into the bike box, turn the bike to face the desired direction, wait for green, then ride straight across again.

What is the minimum legal passing clearance when overtaking a bicyclist?

Four feet of safe distance, using adjacent lane or crossing centerline if safe.