14 questions from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When entering a multi-lane rotary without specific signs, which lane should you enter from if you intend to make a quarter-turn or continue straight ahead?
Answer: The right lane. The handbook specifies that drivers intending to go straight or make a quarter-turn must enter from the right lane.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 109: “For a quarter-turn, or to continue straight ahead, enter the rotary from the right lane.”
2. What is required to renew a license if there is an outstanding court warrant?
Answer: A recall notice from the court. The handbook specifies that a recall notice from the court is the specific document required to resolve an outstanding court warrant for license renewal.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 84: “For an outstanding court warrant, a recall notice from the court is required. No other documents will be accepted by the RMV.”
3. Under what condition is a bicycle operator exempt from making a continuous hand signal when stopping or turning?
Answer: When both hands are needed for the bicycle’s safe operation. The rule allows for an exception to signaling requirements specifically when the rider needs both hands to safely operate the bicycle.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 121: “However, the signal does not have to be continuous or be made at all if both hands are needed for the bicycle’s safe operation.”
4. Who must accompany a driver holding a learner's permit while they are practicing driving skills?
Answer: A licensed operator at least 21 years old. The handbook specifies that the accompanying person must be a licensed operator who is at least 21 years old.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 23: “A learner’s permit gives you permission to drive (accompanied by a licensed operator at least 21 years old) while you practice your driving skills and prepare for your road test.”
5. According to the handbook, when are you permitted to cross a double solid white line?
Answer: You may cross it only when turning left. The handbook states that crossing double solid lines is prohibited except when turning left safely.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 98: “Double Yellow Lines: Both Solid Two solid yellow lines prohibit vehicles from crossing them to pass another vehicle. You may not cross these lines unless turning left when it is safe to do so.”
6. Under what condition may a motor vehicle drive in a designated bicycle lane?
Answer: When turning on or off the road. The handbook restricts motor vehicle use of bicycle lanes specifically to situations where the vehicle is turning onto or off of the road.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 99: “Motor vehicles may only drive in these lanes when turning on or off the road.”
7. When an emergency vehicle with sirens and flashing lights approaches from any direction, what action must a driver take?
Answer: Pull as close as possible to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. The handbook instructs drivers to pull to the right and stop completely when an emergency vehicle approaches.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 128: “If an emergency vehicle is coming from any direction, you must pull as close as possible to the right side of the road. Stop until the vehicle has passed.”
8. What is the minimum stopping distance requirement for a bicycle's brake system?
Answer: Stop from 15 MPH within 30 feet. The handbook defines the specific performance standard for brakes as stopping from 15 MPH within a distance of 30 feet.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 122: “You must have a proper working brake system to stop from 15 MPH within 30 feet.”
9. When exiting a highway that uses breakdown lanes as travel lanes, what action should you take?
Answer: Look to your right and check your right-hand blind spot. The handbook instructs drivers to check their right-hand blind spot when exiting highways that utilize breakdown lanes as travel lanes.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 104: “Look to your right and check your right-hand blind spot before exiting .”
10. If traffic signals are completely blacked out and not functioning, how should a driver proceed?
Answer: Proceed as though there is a stop sign in all directions. The handbook instructs drivers to treat a non-functioning signal exactly like a standard stop sign situation.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 90: “If signals are blacked out and not functioning, be cautious and proceed as though there is a stop sign in all directions.”
11. According to the handbook, how should a driver steer when their vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. The handbook instructs drivers to steer in the same direction the rear tires are sliding to regain control.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 131: “Turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid.”
12. What action is required if the directional signals or brake lights on your vehicle stop working?
Answer: Use hand signals when turning or slowing until fixed. The handbook mandates using hand signals for turning or slowing if the vehicle's signals or brake lights are not functioning.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 42: “If the directional signals or brake lights on your vehicle stop working, you must have them fixed right away . Until they are fixed, you must use hand signals when turning or slowing”
13. What lighting requirement applies when using windshield wipers?
Answer: You must use your headlights and taillights. The handbook mandates the use of both headlights and taillights when wipers are active, noting that daytime running lights do not meet this requirement.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 55: “The law requires you to use your headlights and taillights whenever you use your windshield wipers . Daytime running lights are not sufficient .”
14. What is the maximum speed limit mentioned for vehicles traveling in a large rotary?
Answer: 40 miles per hour. The handbook notes that big rotaries are designed for speeds up to 40 mph, distinguishing them from smaller roundabouts.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 109: “Big rotaries are designed to handle traffic traveling at up to 40 miles per hour.”