Massachusetts Drivers Education – Lecture Review

Question-and-answer flashcards covering Massachusetts license ages, restrictions, fines, traffic laws, road signs, vehicle requirements, alcohol laws, and safety guidelines to help prepare for the driver’s education exam.

At what minimum age can you receive a Massachusetts driver’s license with Drivers Ed?

16 ½ years old

What insurance benefit do drivers receive for earning their license at 16 ½ with Driver’s Ed?

A 10 % discount on car insurance for the first three years (saving about $750–$1,100).

When should hand signals be used while driving?

Only when electronic turn signals are not working.

What is the fine for not wearing a seat belt in Massachusetts?

$25

By what percentages do seat belts reduce deaths and serious injuries?

Deaths by 45 % and serious injuries by 50 %.

What does “JOL” stand for in Massachusetts licensing?

Junior Operator License

How long must a JOL applicant have no accidents, violations, or drug/alcohol conditions before the road test?

6 months

For the first six months on a JOL, who may ride as passengers?

Immediate family or anyone if a licensed driver (21+, licensed 1 + year) is in the front seat.

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

12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.

What is the fee for a Massachusetts learner’s permit?

$30

How long is a Massachusetts learner’s permit valid?

2 years

What is “Restriction B” on a permit or license?

Must wear corrective lenses while driving.

How long is a Class D driver’s license valid?

5 years

What is the fee for a standard Class D license in Massachusetts?

$50

How early can you renew your Massachusetts driver’s license before expiration?

Up to 1 year in advance.

Under 18, what is the penalty for a first offense of using any electronic device while driving?

$100 fine and a 60-day license suspension.

Over 18, is hands-free calling allowed while driving?

Yes, but texting or emailing is still prohibited.

What driving behavior is the #1 cause of car crashes?

Speeding

What are the penalties for a first drag-racing offense on a JOL?

$250 fine, 1-year suspension, $500 reinstatement fee.

After buying a vehicle in a private sale, what two immediate steps must you take before driving?

Obtain auto insurance and pay the $75 registration fee at the RMV.

How soon after registration must a newly purchased vehicle be inspected?

Within 7 days

What color fluid represents engine oil on the pavement?

Brown

What is the minimum legal tire tread depth in Massachusetts?

1/16 inch

What is the legal window-tint percentage on Massachusetts vehicles?

35 %

What does a flashing red traffic signal indicate?

Come to a complete stop and proceed when safe (treat like a stop sign).

When is a left turn on red allowed in Massachusetts?

Only from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop and if no sign prohibits it.

What is the posted speed limit in a school zone?

20 mph

What is the Fundamental Speed Law?

You must drive at a speed reasonable for existing conditions such as weather, traffic, and pedestrians.

What road condition is considered most slippery during the first half-hour of rain?

Roads freshly wet by rain (oil rises to the surface).

What is hydroplaning and how can you prevent it?

A layer of water lifts tires off the road; prevent by reducing speed in rain.

Where must you stop at a stop sign if there is no white stop line?

Even with the stop sign itself.

Who has the right of way at a four-way stop when two vehicles arrive simultaneously?

The driver on the right.

Which dashboard gauge shows engine revolutions per minute?

Tachometer

State the five steps of the Smith System.

Aim high, keep your eyes moving, get the big picture, make sure others see you, leave yourself a way out.

What does the acronym SIPDE stand for?

Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute

Approximately how many feet does it take to stop from 50 mph on a dry road?

179–215 feet

What license class is required for large trucks?

Class A

How do you know a truck is tailgating you?

You cannot see the truck’s rear-view mirrors in your own mirrors.

What following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?

At least a 4-second gap.

What color signs are used for road-work or construction zones?

Orange

What shape and color is a ‘Yield’ sign?

Red inverted triangle

How many speeding tickets in one year will suspend a driver 18 + years old for 30 days?

3 speeding tickets

What is the license suspension period for leaving the scene of property damage?

60 days to 1 year

What blood-alcohol content defines legal intoxication for drivers 21 + in MA?

0.08 BAC

Under 18, how long is your license suspended for refusing a breath test (in addition to 1-year)?

3 years (total 4 years).

How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

10 feet

When are headlights legally required to be on?

From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise (and whenever wipers are on for bad weather).

What is the legal maximum distance you may drive in reverse?

50 feet

How far ahead must you signal before turning?

At least 100 feet

What is the minimum distance you must keep when following an emergency vehicle with lights/flashing siren?

300 feet

At what distance should you switch from high to low beams when approaching oncoming traffic?

500 feet

Describe how to park uphill with a curb.

Put vehicle in park, set the parking brake, and turn wheels left (away from the curb).

Describe how to park downhill without a curb.

Put vehicle in park, set parking brake, and turn wheels right (toward roadside).

What is the fine range for an open container of alcohol violation for drivers 21+?

$100 – $500

Equivalency: 12 oz of beer equals how much wine and liquor?

6 oz wine or 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor.

If a JOL holder receives a first speeding ticket, how long is the license suspended?

90 days

What is the stopping distance (vehicle length) a low-beam headlight provides at night?

About 100 feet

What shapes are used for railroad advance warning signs?

Round (circle) yellow and black

What is the color scheme for interstate highway shields?

Red, white, and blue

What is the only road type where intersections may be controlled by traffic lights: highway, expressway, or freeway?

Highway