Massachusetts Permit Test — Terms & Definitions

Learner’s Permit

Authorization to practice driving under the required supervision and restrictions.

Junior Operator License (JOL)

A driver's license issued to eligible drivers under age 18, subject to additional restrictions.

Supervising Driver

A qualified licensed driver who accompanies a permit holder as required by law.

Driving Without a Qualified Accompanying Driver

Driving without the required supervising driver; subject to penalties.

Passenger Restrictions

Rules limiting which passengers a junior operator may carry during the restricted period.

Nighttime Driving Restrictions

Limits on when junior operators may drive.

License Suspension

The temporary loss of driving privileges.

License Revocation

The cancellation of driving privileges, requiring further steps to regain them.

Solid Yellow Line

Separates traffic moving in opposite directions; crossing restrictions depend on the marking and situation.

Broken Yellow Line

Separates opposing traffic and generally permits passing when safe.

Double Solid Yellow Lines

Separate opposing traffic; passing across them is prohibited.

Solid White Line

Separates lanes moving in the same direction and discourages or restricts lane changes depending on location.

Broken White Line

Separates lanes moving in the same direction; lane changes are permitted when safe.

Stop Line

A painted line indicating where a vehicle must stop.

Crosswalk

A marked or legally recognized area where pedestrians cross a roadway.

Center Line

A line separating traffic moving in opposite directions.

Lane Markings

Painted roadway lines that guide traffic and indicate where vehicles may travel.

Uphill Parking

Parking on an uphill grade; wheel direction depends on whether a curb is present.

Downhill Parking

Parking on a downhill grade; wheels are generally turned toward the curb when one is present.

Parking Distance Requirements

Legally required distances between a parked vehicle and features such as fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections.

Accessible Parking

Designated parking spaces reserved for eligible people with disabilities and valid authorization.

Parking Violation

Parking in a prohibited location or violating a parking rule.

Curb

The raised edge separating a roadway from a sidewalk or roadside area.

Parallel Parking

Parking parallel to the curb, usually between two vehicles.

Steering Wheel Hand Position

The recommended placement of hands on the steering wheel for control and safety.

Turn Signal

A device that indicates the driver's intention to turn or change lanes.

Brake Pedal

The control used to slow or stop the vehicle.

Accelerator

The control used to increase engine power and vehicle speed.

Gear Selector

The control used to select a transmission setting, such as Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive.

Automatic Transmission

A transmission that changes gears automatically as the vehicle moves.

Manual Transmission

A transmission that requires the driver to change gears manually.

Headlights

Lights used to illuminate the road and help other drivers see the vehicle.

Horn

A warning device used to alert other road users when necessary.

Vehicle Communication

Using signals, lights, the horn when appropriate, and positioning to communicate intentions to other road users.

Passing on the Right

Overtaking another vehicle on its right only in situations permitted by law and when safe.

Following Distance

The space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Blind Spot

An area around a vehicle that cannot be seen clearly in mirrors.

Right-of-Way

The legal priority to proceed in a particular traffic situation.

Driving to Endanger

Operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers people or property.

Speed Limit

The maximum lawful speed under specified conditions; drivers may need to travel slower when conditions require.

School Bus Law

Rules requiring drivers to stop for school buses displaying stop signals, subject to applicable roadway rules and exceptions.

Move Over Law

A law requiring drivers to take specified precautions when approaching certain stopped emergency, service, or other protected vehicles.

Intersection

The area where two or more roads meet or cross.

Rotary

A circular intersection where traffic travels around a central island.

Roundabout

A circular intersection designed to manage traffic flow; drivers generally yield to circulating traffic.