20 questions from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the correct procedure if you decide you do not want to complete a turn after starting it?
Answer: Drive to the next intersection and work your way back. Drivers should complete the current maneuver and correct their path at the next opportunity rather than stopping or reversing mid-turn.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 106: “If you decide you do not want to make the turn, simply drive to the next intersection and work your way back.”
2. When making a left turn from a two-way road, which lane should you start your turn from?
Answer: The lane closest to the center lane. The handbook instructs drivers to initiate left turns from the lane nearest to the center line to ensure proper lane alignment.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 106: “For a left turn, turn from the lane closest to the center lane.”
3. If electrical wires have fallen on a vehicle involved in a crash, what should the occupants do?
Answer: Remain inside until emergency personnel arrive. The instructions state that occupants should stay inside the vehicle until help arrives if electrical wires are on the car.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 139: “If electrical wires have landed on a vehicle, tell the people inside to remain inside until emergency personnel arrive.”
4. What must a driver with a foreign license that is not printed in English carry while driving in Massachusetts?
Answer: Both the foreign license and an English translation. The rules require that if a translation is needed, the driver must have both the original foreign license and the English translation available while driving.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 10: “Whether you have a U.S. or foreign driver’s license, you must have your valid out-of-state or out-of-country driver's license in your possession when driving in Massachusetts. If an English translation of a foreign license is required, you should also have that available with the foreign license.”
5. When must a driver use their headlights and taillights according to the provided rules?
Answer: From one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. The handbook specifies that headlights and taillights are required from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 53: “You must use your headlights and taillights: • From one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise”
6. What is the only exception to the requirement that drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing lights?
Answer: When the bus is on a divided highway with a barrier between travel directions. Drivers are exempt from stopping only when the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 113: “The only exception to this law is if a school bus has stopped on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier between travel directions. In this case, you do not have to stop.”
7. Where should you stand if a police officer is already dealing with another stopped motorist?
Answer: Next to your vehicle on the shoulder. Drivers should remain next to their own vehicle on the shoulder rather than approaching the officer or stopping behind the cruiser.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 129: “Stand next to your vehicle on the shoulder until the police officer is finished.”
8. What is the correct procedure for a pedestrian who is already in the crosswalk when the countdown timer reaches zero?
Answer: They have the right-of-way and should finish crossing. The handbook clarifies that pedestrians already within the crosswalk when the timer expires retain their right-of-way to complete their crossing.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 90: “Pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk when the countdown reaches zero have the right-of-way.”
9. When encountering green pavement at an intersection with a red light, what should a driver do?
Answer: Stop before the green pavement. The rule specifies that drivers should not stop on the green pavement itself, implying they should stop before entering that zone.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 99: “At a red light, you should not stop on green pavement.”
10. Where must a driver stop in relation to a bicycle box at an intersection?
Answer: Behind the bicycle box. The handbook specifies that drivers are required to stop behind the bicycle box, regardless of whether the box is occupied.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 124: “Drivers must stop behind the bicycle box (even when it's empty) and wait for a green light.”
11. What is the primary risk associated with inhaling substances like solvents or glue vapors?
Answer: It can leave you unable to operate a motor vehicle properly. The handbook notes that inhaling these substances is a health risk that can impair the ability to operate a vehicle properly.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 83: “Inhaling substances like solvents or glue vapors is a serious health risk. It can leave you unable to operate a motor vehicle properly.”
12. Under Massachusetts Implied Consent Law, what is a licensed driver required to do if a police officer believes they are operating under the influence?
Answer: Consent to a breathalyzer or blood test. The handbook states that licensed drivers must agree to consent to these tests, making refusal or waiting incorrect based on the provided rules.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 80: “Every licensed driver in the state must agree to consent to a breathalyzer or blood test in certain cases.”
13. What action must a driver take immediately after completing a lane change or turn?
Answer: Turn the signal off. The handbook instructs drivers to turn their signal off once the maneuver is complete.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 101: “Once you have completed your move, you must turn your signal off.”
14. Under what condition can a driver receive a fine for not wearing a safety belt?
Answer: When stopped for a traffic violation. The handbook specifies that fines for safety belt violations are issued only when the driver is stopped for a traffic violation.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 43: “You can only get a fine for the safety belt law when you are stopped for a traffic violation.”
15. Under what condition are drivers aged 18 and older permitted to use hand-held mobile electronic devices while driving?
Answer: When the vehicle is stationary and not located in a public travel lane. The handbook states handheld use is only allowed when stationary and not in a public travel lane, excluding stops at red lights or stop signs.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 47: “Handheld device use is only allowed if the vehicle is stationary and is not located in a public travel lane. It is not allowed at red lights or stop signs.”
16. When driving on an expressway with three or more lanes in your direction, which lane is designated for passing?
Answer: The far left lane. The handbook specifies that on multi-lane expressways, the far left lane is reserved specifically for passing other vehicles.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 103: “On an expressway with three or more lanes in your direction, use the far right lane for slower driving, the middle lane for faster driving, and the far left lane for passing.”
17. When a driver is turning across a bike lane, what specific action must they take regarding bicyclists?
Answer: Check for oncoming bicyclists by looking to the side and behind the vehicle. The handbook mandates that drivers check for oncoming bicyclists when turning across a bike lane, noting this may require looking to the side and behind.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 125: “Drivers must always check for oncoming bicyclists when turning across a bike lane. This may require looking to the side and behind the vehicle.”
18. What is the general rule for driving over or parking on a channelizing island?
Answer: You cannot drive over or park upon it, unless directed to do so by a police officer. The handbook states that driving over or parking on these islands is prohibited except when a police officer gives specific direction.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 100: “You cannot drive over or park a motor vehicle upon any channelizing island, unless directed to do so by a police officer.”
19. What is the minimum recommended fuel level for your vehicle during winter driving?
Answer: Keep your gas tank at least half full. The handbook advises keeping the tank half full to prevent freezing of the gas line.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 56: “Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the gas line from freezing.”
20. What is the maximum validity period for a learner's permit?
Answer: Two years. The handbook states that the learner's permit remains valid for a period of up to two years.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 23: “A permit is valid up to two years.”