20 questions from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When leaving your vehicle by itself, what specific actions does state law require you to take?
Answer: Stop the motor, set the parking brake, lock the ignition, remove the key, and lock the door. The handbook lists these five specific steps as the legal requirement when leaving a vehicle unattended.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 117: “When you leave your vehicle by itself, state law requires you to stop the motor, set the parking brake, make sure the ignition is locked, remove your key, and lock the door.”
2. When providing first aid to an injured person, under what condition should you move them?
Answer: Only if absolutely necessary due to a life-threatening situation. The guidelines state that injured persons should not be moved unless absolutely necessary, specifically citing life-threatening situations as the exception.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 137: “Don’t move an injured person unless absolutely necessary. If you must move someone because of a life-threatening situation, fully support the person’s head and spine.”
3. When your gas pedal sticks, what is the first step to slow the vehicle?
Answer: Shift into neutral and press the brake pedal. The handbook instructs drivers to shift to neutral and apply the brakes as the initial response to a stuck gas pedal.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 132: “Put your car in neutral and press the brake pedal to slow down.”
4. What is the maximum age for children who are prohibited from riding in the beds of pickup trucks?
Answer: Under 12 years old. The handbook specifies that children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride in pickup truck beds.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 47: “Children under 12 years old are not allowed to ride in the beds of pickup trucks (there are very limited exceptions, and never at speeds more than five mph).”
5. How should a driver react if their vehicle begins to hydroplane?
Answer: Slowly step off the gas pedal. The instructions specify easing off the gas pedal while avoiding sudden braking or turning to maintain control during hydroplaning.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 55: “If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, you’re driving too fast. Slowly step off the gas pedal. Never hit the brakes or turn suddenly.”
6. How long must a reinstatement letter or driving record from another state be valid when presenting it to a Massachusetts RMV Full Service Center?
Answer: It cannot be over 30 days old. The handbook specifies that documents proving reinstatement from another state must not be older than 30 days.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 75: “Your reinstatement letter or driving record cannot be over 30 days old.”
7. What is the maximum duration for which a Hearings Officer may take to make a decision after conducting a hearing?
Answer: Ten business days. The handbook states that the Hearings Officer has a limit of ten business days to render a decision.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 76: “The Hearings Officer may take up to ten business days before making a decision.”
8. What action is required regarding your turn signal once you have returned to the right lane?
Answer: Turn off your signal. The instructions state that the signal must be turned off immediately after the vehicle has safely returned to the right lane.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 111: “Turn off your signal once you have returned to the right lane.”
9. How many hours of supervised driving can be credited if the applicant completes a driver skills development program?
Answer: 30 hours. The handbook specifies that completing a driver skills development program allows for 30 hours of supervised driving to be accepted.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 18: “The RMV will accept 30 hours of driving supervised by a parent or guardian if the applicant completed a driver skills development program.”
10. What is the maximum distance your vehicle should be from the curb when parking in a business or residential district?
Answer: No more than 12 inches. The handbook specifies a maximum limit of 12 inches from the curb for standard parking in these districts.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 117: “If you park in a business or residential district, your vehicle must be no more than 12 inches from the curb.”
11. What is the required timeframe for using headlights according to the night driving section?
Answer: From one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. The handbook specifies a precise window for headlight usage that starts half an hour after sunset and ends half an hour before sunrise.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 54: “You must use your headlights from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.”
12. What is the fine for a second offense of using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving?
Answer: $250. The handbook lists the penalty for a second offense as a $250 fine along with mandatory educational completion.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 48: “2nd offense - $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program”
13. When passing an animal that looks scared, what action must the driver take?
Answer: Pull your vehicle to the side and stop. The handbook instructs drivers to pull over and stop if the animal appears frightened, rather than continuing to drive.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 117: “If the animal you are passing looks scared, you must pull your vehicle to the side and stop.”
14. Why are bridges and highway overpasses often more slippery than the rest of the road?
Answer: Because the ground does not insulate them. The handbook explains that the lack of insulation from the ground causes bridges and overpasses to freeze faster and become slippery.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 56: “Bridges and highway overpasses freeze before the rest of the road and can be very slippery. This is because the ground does not insulate them.”
15. Under what condition can the additional suspension period for drivers aged 18 to 21 who fail a chemical test be waived?
Answer: Upon entry into a Department of Public Health (DPH) approved alcohol education program. The handbook indicates that the additional 180-day suspension for this age group can be waived if the driver enters a DPH-approved alcohol education program.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 77: “If this is your first operating under the influence case, the 180-day suspension can be waived upon entry into a Department of Public Health (DPH) approved alcohol education program.”
16. How should you accelerate when driving in winter weather conditions?
Answer: Accelerate slowly. Winter driving guidelines specify that drivers should accelerate slowly to maintain control.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 56: “Lower your speed. Drive carefully and accelerate slowly.”
17. According to the handbook, how far in advance should a driver signal their exit before reaching the exit ramp?
Answer: At least 500 feet. The handbook states that drivers must signal their intention to exit at least 500 feet before reaching the ramp.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 103: “Be sure to signal your exit at least 500 feet before you reach the exit ramp.”
18. When should a driver reach into the glove compartment to retrieve their license and registration?
Answer: Only after the officer asks for the documents. Drivers must wait for the officer's request before reaching for documents to avoid sudden movements that might be misinterpreted.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 130: “Wait until the officer asks for your license and registration before you (or a passenger) reach into the glove compartment.”
19. When passing is allowed, on which side of the vehicle should you generally pass?
Answer: On the left. The handbook states that while driving on the right side of the road is required, passing should generally be done on the left.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 110: “In general, the law requires you to drive on the right side of the road. When passing is allowed, you should pass on the left.”
20. If a driver passes the vision test while wearing glasses, what restriction is placed on their license?
Answer: A 'Corrective Lenses' restriction (code letter B). The handbook states that passing the vision test with corrective lenses results in a specific restriction code B requiring their use while driving.
Massachusetts driver handbook, page 17: “For example, if you pass the driver's license vision test by wearing glasses or contact lenses, your driver's license will be issued with a "Corrective Lenses" restriction (code letter B) and you must wear your corrective lenses when you drive.”