20 questions from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When returning to the right lane after passing another vehicle, what specific visual confirmation does the handbook require before moving back?
Answer: You must wait until you can see the vehicle's headlights in your mirror. The handbook states that the driver should wait until the headlights of the passed vehicle are visible in the mirror before returning to the right lane.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 111: “Wait at least until you can see the vehicle’s headlights in your mirror.”
2. Who may accompany a Junior Operator in the vehicle during the first six months if other passengers under age 18 are present?
Answer: A person who is at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience. The handbook details specific criteria for an accompanying adult: they must be at least 21, have one year of driving experience, and hold a valid license.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 18: “unless you are accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old, has at least one year of driving experience, holds a valid driver's license from Massachusetts or another state, and is occupying a seat beside you.”
3. During which time period must a bicycle be equipped with a white front lamp and a red rear light or reflector?
Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. The handbook specifies that lighting requirements apply specifically during the half-hour periods surrounding sunset and sunrise.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 122: “From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, you must have a white lamp in front visible from up to 500 feet and a rear facing red light or reflector visible up to 600 feet.”
4. 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.”
5. When riding on a sidewalk where it is legally permitted, what speed should a bicyclist maintain?
Answer: Walking speed. The handbook states that bicyclists on sidewalks must ride at a walking speed to ensure pedestrian safety.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 122: “If riding on a sidewalk where it is legal, you must ride at a walking speed and yield to pedestrians.”
6. If you encounter smoke near the entrance of a tunnel, what does the handbook advise you to do?
Answer: Do not enter the tunnel. The handbook instructs drivers to avoid entering tunnels if smoke is visible near the entrance or if their vehicle is smoking.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 136: “Do not enter if you notice smoke near the entrance or if your car is smoking or burning.”
7. 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.”
8. Where should a driver look when facing headlights from an oncoming vehicle at night?
Answer: To the lower right side of your lane. The handbook instructs drivers to look to the lower right side of their lane rather than directly at the headlights to reduce glare.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 54: “Do not look straight at headlights. Look to the lower right side of your lane.”
9. What is the maximum number of motorcycles allowed to ride side-by-side in a single lane?
Answer: Two. The handbook limits motorcycle riding to a maximum of two vehicles abreast in the same lane.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 102: “Ride no more than two abreast (side-by-side).”
10. When a trolley is letting passengers on or off, what is the minimum distance you must keep between your vehicle and the trolley passenger step?
Answer: Eight feet. The handbook states that drivers must maintain a distance of at least eight feet from the passenger step during boarding or disembarking.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 115: “You must not drive closer than eight feet of a trolley passenger step when the trolley is letting passengers on or off.”
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. Under the Junior Operator Law, when is the restriction on having passengers under age 18 lifted?
Answer: Once the driver completes the six-month period or reaches age 18, whichever occurs first. The restriction ends after six months of holding the license or when the driver turns 18, depending on which milestone happens sooner.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 18: “General Rule: The passenger restriction that applies to you as a JOL holder under age 18 is lifted once you complete the six-month period (or the portion that applies to you) or you reach age 18, whichever occurs first.”
13. Which class of learner's permit exams are available only in English?
Answer: Class A, B, and C. According to the handbook, Classes A, B, and C are restricted to English-only exams, unlike Classes D and M.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 25: “Class A, B, and C learner’s permit exams are only available in English.”
14. Why is it important to wear a safety belt even if your vehicle is equipped with air bags?
Answer: Air bags are made to work with safety belts, not instead of them. The handbook clarifies that air bags are designed to complement safety belts rather than replace them.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 45: “An air-bag is made to work with safety belts, not instead of them.”
15. What is the minimum speed requirement in the Boston Harbor tunnels?
Answer: 20 mph. The handbook sets the minimum speed limit for these specific tunnels at 20 mph.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 87: “There is a minimum speed of 20 mph in the Boston Harbor tunnels (Callahan, Sumner, and Ted Williams).”
16. What is the stated benefit of wearing lap and shoulder belts regarding survival chances in a crash?
Answer: It makes your chance of surviving a crash five times better. The handbook claims that being kept inside the vehicle by lap and shoulder belts improves survival odds by a factor of five.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 45: “This makes your chance of surviving a crash five times better.”
17. 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.”
18. How much space should you keep behind a motorcycle compared to other vehicles?
Answer: At least four seconds. The handbook instructs drivers to maintain at least four seconds of following distance behind motorcycles.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 51: “Keep more space (at least four seconds) behind a motorcycle than you would for another vehicle.”
19. What is the fine for a first offense of parking in a zone posted for HP-DV parking only without proper disabled plates?
Answer: $300. The handbook specifies that the fine for a first offense in this specific parking violation scenario is $300.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 118: “The fine for a first offense is $300.”
20. 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 .”