The Massachusetts permit exam has 25 questions. How many must you answer correctly?

18. You must answer 18 of 25 correctly within 25 minutes.

You reach a rotary in Massachusetts. Who has the right-of-way?

Vehicles already in the rotary. Yield to vehicles already in the rotary and to pedestrians; traffic moves counter-clockwise.

With a Massachusetts Junior Operator License, during what hours can't you drive without a parent?

12:30 am to 5:00 am. JOL holders may not drive from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless with a parent or legal guardian.

With a Massachusetts JOL, during the first 6 months, may you carry friends under 18?

No, unless immediate family or an adult 21 or older is beside you. First 6 months: no passengers under 18 except immediate family, unless a qualified driver 21 or older sits beside you.

You're 17 in Massachusetts. May you use a hands-free phone while driving?

No, under 18 may not use any mobile device. Drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile electronic device while driving, except to report an emergency.

You're 20 in Massachusetts and test at 0.02% BAC. What happens?

You lose your license. Massachusetts zero-tolerance: under 21 with a BAC as low as 0.02, you lose your license.

In Massachusetts, when passing a cyclist or pedestrian (vulnerable road user), what is the minimum space?

4 feet. The Vulnerable Road Users Law requires a safe passing distance of at least four feet.

On a Massachusetts highway, how far ahead must you signal before a turn?

500 feet. Signal at least 100 feet before a turn; on a highway, at least 500 feet.

In Massachusetts, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?

10 feet. Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

In Massachusetts, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

100 feet. Signal at least 100 feet before turning, and 500 feet on a highway.

State guides · Massachusetts

Massachusetts DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in Massachusetts, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

Agency	Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), MassDOT
Official handbook	Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D) ↗
Questions	25
To pass	18 of 25 correct
Test in Spanish?	Yes

🗣️ 37 languages, including ASL. Mass RMV

25-minute time limit. Can be taken at an RMV Service Center or online (webcam proctored).

Massachusetts rules you need to know

Alcohol, 21 and over: In Massachusetts the legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
Alcohol, under 21: Under 21, a BAC as low as 0.02 means you lose your license. Official source ↗
Following distance: Keep at least a 3-second following distance, 4 or more behind a motorcycle. Official source ↗
High beams: Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and 200 feet of a vehicle ahead. Official source ↗
Turn signal: Signal at least 100 feet before turning, and 500 feet on a highway. Official source ↗
Fire hydrant: Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Official source ↗
School bus: Stop for a school bus from either direction unless it is across a divided highway with a barrier. Official source ↗
Right on red: Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. Official source ↗
Left on red: Left on red is allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a full stop. Official source ↗
Cell phone: Drivers 18+ may use phones only hands-free; drivers under 18 may not use any mobile device. Official source ↗
Move Over law: Slow down for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights and move over a lane when possible. Official source ↗
Permit age: You can get a Massachusetts learner's permit at age 16. Official source ↗

Massachusetts test FAQ

How many questions are on the Massachusetts written test?

The written test has 25 questions and you need 18 correct to pass.

Can I take the Massachusetts driver's test in Spanish?

Yes. Massachusetts offers the written test in Spanish.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Massachusetts?

You can get a Massachusetts learner's permit at age 16.

What documents do I need for a permit in Massachusetts?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), MassDOT before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

10 Massachusetts practice questions

1. The Massachusetts permit exam has 25 questions. How many must you answer correctly?
1. 21
2. 20
3. 15
4. 18
Show answer
Answer: 18
You must answer 18 of 25 correctly within 25 minutes.
Official source ↗
2. You reach a rotary in Massachusetts. Who has the right-of-way?
1. Vehicles already in the rotary
2. The larger vehicle
3. You, because you're entering
4. Whoever is on your right outside
Show answer
Answer: Vehicles already in the rotary
Yield to vehicles already in the rotary and to pedestrians; traffic moves counter-clockwise.
Official source ↗
3. With a Massachusetts Junior Operator License, during what hours can't you drive without a parent?
1. 12:30 am to 5:00 am
2. 1:00 am to 4:00 am
3. Midnight to 6:00 am
4. 11:00 pm to 5:00 am
Show answer
Answer: 12:30 am to 5:00 am
JOL holders may not drive from 12:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless with a parent or legal guardian.
Official source ↗
4. With a Massachusetts JOL, during the first 6 months, may you carry friends under 18?
1. Yes, up to 3
2. Yes, daytime only
3. Yes, if over 16
4. No, unless immediate family or an adult 21 or older is beside you
Show answer
Answer: No, unless immediate family or an adult 21 or older is beside you
First 6 months: no passengers under 18 except immediate family, unless a qualified driver 21 or older sits beside you.
Official source ↗
5. You're 17 in Massachusetts. May you use a hands-free phone while driving?
1. Yes, for short calls
2. Yes, at red lights
3. No, under 18 may not use any mobile device
4. Yes, if hands-free
Show answer
Answer: No, under 18 may not use any mobile device
Drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile electronic device while driving, except to report an emergency.
Official source ↗
6. You're 20 in Massachusetts and test at 0.02% BAC. What happens?
1. You lose your license
2. Nothing, the limit is 0.08%
3. A fine and you keep driving
4. Only a warning
Show answer
Answer: You lose your license
Massachusetts zero-tolerance: under 21 with a BAC as low as 0.02, you lose your license.
Official source ↗
7. In Massachusetts, when passing a cyclist or pedestrian (vulnerable road user), what is the minimum space?
1. 4 feet
2. 6 feet
3. 3 feet
4. 2 feet
Show answer
Answer: 4 feet
The Vulnerable Road Users Law requires a safe passing distance of at least four feet.
Official source ↗
8. On a Massachusetts highway, how far ahead must you signal before a turn?
1. 200 feet
2. 100 feet
3. 500 feet
4. 50 feet
Show answer
Answer: 500 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn; on a highway, at least 500 feet.
Official source ↗
9. In Massachusetts, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?
1. 5 feet
2. 20 feet
3. 25 feet
4. 10 feet
Show answer
Answer: 10 feet
Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
Official source ↗
10. In Massachusetts, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
1. 300 feet
2. 100 feet
3. 25 feet
4. 50 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before turning, and 500 feet on a highway.
Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.