20 questions from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the specific requirement for drivers regarding the lane usage of trucks and buses on multiple-lane highways?
Answer: Trucks and buses can only drive in the two right-hand lanes. The handbook specifies that large vehicles are restricted to the two right-hand lanes on multiple-lane highways.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 114: “On a multiple-lane highway, trucks and buses can only drive in the two right-hand lanes.”
2. What does a green arrow signal indicate to a driver making a turn?
Answer: You can make a protected turn in the direction of the arrow. The handbook defines the green arrow specifically as a signal allowing a protected turn in the indicated direction.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 90: “A green arrow means you can make a “protected” turn in the direction of the arrow.”
3. What is the correct procedure when preparing to change lanes or turn?
Answer: Check mirrors and blind spot, signal intent, then make the move. The handbook outlines a specific three-step order: check mirrors/blind spot, signal, then execute the maneuver.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 101: “Any time you want to turn, merge, join traffic from a stopped position, or change lanes, you must... 1. Check your mirrors for traffic behind you and check your blind spot on the side you are moving or turning toward. 2. Signal your intent to move. 3. Make your move.”
4. What is the correct procedure if your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching?
Answer: Get everyone out immediately and run in a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming. The handbook specifies exiting immediately and running at a specific angle away from the tracks toward the oncoming train to avoid debris.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 133: “Get everyone out of the vehicle IMMEDIATELY and move as far from the tracks as you can. • To avoid being hit by wreckage, run in a 45 degree angle away from the tracks in the direction that the train is coming”
5. Which of the following is required for a passenger vehicle according to the safety equipment list?
Answer: A working driver's side window that moves up and down. The list of required equipment includes a working driver's side window that moves up and down.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 42: “Each passenger vehicle must have all of the following: • A working, undamaged safety belt for the driver and all passengers • Mirrors • A horn • A lock for the engine’s ignition • Windshield wipers • An exhaust muffler • A foot brake and a parking brake • A working driver's side window that moves up and down”
6. What is the minimum distance you must maintain from a fire when driving by or parking?
Answer: 800 feet. The handbook specifies that it is illegal to drive by or park within 800 feet of a fire.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 129: “It is illegal to drive by or park within 800 feet of a fire.”
7. If you need assistance from a police officer who is already stopped, where should you position your vehicle?
Answer: In front of the police cruiser. The handbook instructs drivers to pull in front of the police cruiser when seeking help, advising against stopping behind it.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 128: “If you need help, pull in front of the police cruiser and ask for help. Never stop behind a police cruiser.”
8. How should you position your front wheels when parking uphill against a curb?
Answer: Turn your wheels outward, toward the travel lane. The guide instructs drivers to turn wheels outward toward the travel lane when parked uphill against a curb to prevent rolling into traffic if brakes fail.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 118: “Uphill Against a Curb — Turn your wheels outward, toward the travel lane.”
9. What is the approximate effect of consuming one standard drink (such as a 12-ounce beer) on an average person's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
Answer: It raises BAC by 0.02. The handbook specifies that one standard drink raises an average person's BAC by exactly 0.02.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 80: “Any one of these drinks can raise an average person’s BAC by 0.02.”
10. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a Class D or M learner's permit?
Answer: At least 16 years old. The handbook states that applicants must be at least 16 years old to obtain this specific type of permit.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 23: “You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Class D or M learner’s permit.”
11. What is the recommended method for opening a vehicle door to ensure safety for approaching bicyclists?
Answer: Open the door with your far hand (the hand farther from the door). The handbook describes the 'Dutch Reach' method, which involves using the far hand to open the door, forcing the body to turn and allowing better visibility of approaching cyclists.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 124: “Open the door with your far hand (the hand farther from the door). This is called the "Dutch Reach" method because it originated in the Netherlands.”
12. If you are driving as part of a funeral procession on a highway with a speed limit of 55 MPH or higher, what is the maximum speed you are allowed to drive?
Answer: 55 MPH. The handbook specifies that vehicles in a funeral procession must not exceed 55 MPH on highways where the speed limit is already 55 MPH or higher.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 116: “Not drive faster than 55 MPH on a highway with a speed limit of 55 MPH or higher.”
13. How much stopping distance might large trucks require compared to passenger vehicles?
Answer: Two times the stopping distance. The handbook states that large trucks may require two times the stopping distance of passenger vehicles.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 53: “Large trucks may require two times the stopping distance of passenger vehicles .”
14. What action should a driver take if they miss their exit while navigating a rotary?
Answer: Go around again if safe to do so. Drivers are instructed to circle around again rather than stopping or reversing when they miss an exit.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 110: “If it is safe to do so, go around again and position your vehicle to properly and safely exit the rotary.”
15. When signaled by a police officer to pull over, which side of the road should you move your vehicle to?
Answer: The right side of the road. The handbook directs drivers to move completely to the right side of the road and specifically instructs not to pull over to the left.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 129: “Carefully and slowly move your vehicle completely to the right side of the road. Do NOT pull over to the left.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the minimum speed requirement on the Massachusetts Turnpike?
Answer: 40 mph. The handbook states that the minimum speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike is 40 mph.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 87: “There is a minimum speed of 40 mph on the Massachusetts Turnpike.”
17. Which vehicle is permitted to drive between vehicles in a funeral procession?
Answer: An emergency vehicle with siren and flashing lights turned on. The handbook allows driving between procession vehicles only if directed by law enforcement or if operating an emergency vehicle with active sirens and lights.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 116: “You may not drive between procession vehicles unless directed by law enforcement or you are operating an emergency vehicle with siren and flashing lights turned on.”
18. How does increasing vehicle speed affect the likelihood of serious injury or death for pedestrians?
Answer: The percentage of seriously injured or killed pedestrians increases as speed increases. The handbook provides specific statistics showing that the percentage of injured or killed pedestrians rises significantly as vehicle speed goes from 20 mph to 40 mph.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 86: “At a speed of 20 mph, 13% of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed in a crash. At 30 mph, that increases to 40% and at 40 mph it increases to 73%.”
19. What is the minimum width of clear roadway that must be left for traffic when parking?
Answer: At least 12 feet. The handbook mandates a minimum clearance of 12 feet to ensure safe passage for other vehicles.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 117: “You must always make sure that you leave at least a 12-foot wide, clear roadway for traffic to pass.”
20. What color flashing light may a vehicle owned by a funeral home display during a funeral procession?
Answer: Purple. The handbook states that funeral home vehicles may display a flashing purple light, excluding other colors.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 116: “A vehicle owned by a funeral home or a funeral home director may display a flashing purple light (but no other color) when operated by the owner or an employee or contractor of the funeral home during a funeral procession .”