20 questions from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What color background is used for guide signs that provide highway directions and guide drivers through interchanges?
Answer: Green. The handbook assigns the color green specifically to signs providing highway directional information.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 94: “Green signs give highway directions and guide you through highway interchanges.”
2. What is the required action for a driver when a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon is activated?
Answer: Stop for pedestrians. The handbook states that when the amber lights of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon are flashing, the driver is required to stop for pedestrians.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 90: “When activated, amber lights flash in an irregular pattern. You must stop for pedestrians when the beacon is flashing.”
3. 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.”
4. What is the correct orientation for an infant seat when installed in a vehicle?
Answer: Facing the back of the vehicle. The handbook specifies that infant seats are required to face the rear of the vehicle.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 44: “Infant seats must face the back of the vehicle .”
5. 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.”
6. What is the minimum distance a driver must maintain when passing a bicycle?
Answer: Four feet. The handbook specifies a minimum clearance distance of four feet when passing a bicycle.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 123: “You must stay at least four feet away when passing.”
7. 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.”
8. 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”
9. How many lanes must bicyclists occupy on a road with more than one lane in the direction of travel?
Answer: They must stay in one lane. While bicyclists can ride side-by-side generally, the rule restricts them to a single lane on multi-lane roads.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 123: “However, on a road with more than one lane in the direction of travel, they must stay in one lane.”
10. When is a driver permitted to make a right turn on a red light?
Answer: Only after coming to a complete stop and yielding. The rule requires a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians or vehicles before making the turn.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 89: “You can make a right turn on a red light only after you come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians or other vehicles in your path.”
11. 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”
12. According to the handbook, what is the safest seating position for a child in a vehicle?
Answer: The back middle seat. The handbook states that while the back seat is safe, the back middle seat is the best location.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 44: “The safest place for a child to sit is in the back seat . The back middle seat is best .”
13. What is the maximum duration a vehicle engine may idle under Massachusetts state law?
Answer: Five minutes. The handbook specifies that Massachusetts law prohibits idling for more than five minutes to save fuel.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 140: “It saves you fuel, and it’s the law – Massachusetts state law prohibits idling for more than five minutes.”
14. What is the requirement for entering an intersection or crosswalk regarding space?
Answer: You may only enter if there is enough room to drive through safely. Drivers are prohibited from blocking intersections or crosswalks and must ensure sufficient space exists before entering.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 104: “You may only enter an intersection or drive across a crosswalk if there is enough room for you to drive through safely .”
15. 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.”
16. 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.”
17. 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.”
18. How should a driver behave while waiting for the officer to return to their police car during a stop?
Answer: Stay in the vehicle and wait. The guidelines state that drivers should remain inside their vehicle while the officer returns to their patrol car.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 130: “Stay in your vehicle when the officer goes back to the police car.”
19. On which type of road is a Low Speed Vehicle prohibited from driving?
Answer: Any road with a speed limit faster than 30 mph. The handbook specifies that LSVs cannot be driven on roads where the speed limit is faster than 30 mph.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 62: “You cannot drive a low speed vehicle on a limited access or express state highway or any road with a speed limit faster than 30 mph.”
20. What is the license suspension period for a driver under age 18 who refuses a chemical test and has no prior OUI offenses?
Answer: 180 days. The table for refusing chemical tests indicates that drivers under age 18 with no prior offenses face a 180-day suspension.