Driving Test Practice

Massachusetts: Cheat Sheet

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Road signs

  • A traffic light on a yellow diamond warns of a traffic signal ahead.
  • Some regulatory signs, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words.
  • A bed on a blue sign means lodging.
  • A brown sign naming a museum and an exit marks a point of interest.
  • An S-shaped arrow on a yellow diamond means a winding road with multiple curves ahead.
  • A vertical arrow with a line merging from the right warns of a lane merging from the right, so watch for other traffic.
  • A telephone handset on a blue sign means a telephone is available.

Sign shapes and colors

  • A guide or information sign is a horizontal rectangle.
  • Red signs mean stop or prohibition.
  • Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations.
  • A STOP sign is an octagon.
  • Know signs by their appearances so you can recognize them at a distance.

Traffic signals

  • You may not turn on red if a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.
  • Bicycle signals are lights specifically meant for bicyclists.
  • Traffic signals are usually three round lights: red, yellow, and green circles, from top to bottom.
  • The manual says there are also signals with 4 or 5 sections, as well as single flashing lights and colored arrows.
  • When a green arrow displays for your turn, pedestrians and oncoming vehicles should be stopped for red lights.
  • The manual says to look out for drivers who do not obey traffic signals or race through intersections.

Right-of-way, turning and passing

  • The manual says that when entering a roundabout and choosing a lane, you should follow the same rules as for a rotary.
  • The manual says to check for traffic in both directions, including your blind spot, before backing up.
  • The manual says you must yield the right-of-way at such an intersection.
  • The manual says to try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles to judge their intentions and avoid crashes.
  • The manual says to maintain your speed until safely past the other vehicle, then signal right.
  • A 4-WAY or ALL WAY sign added to a STOP sign means all traffic coming to the intersection must stop.
  • A center lane marked as a common left-turn lane is used by vehicles in both directions.

Alcohol and drugs

  • The additional 180-day suspension can be waived on a first case upon entry into a Department of Public Health (DPH) approved alcohol education program.
  • The most serious problem is facing an unexpected event, such as a car coming from a side street or a child running out from between parked cars.
  • The manual lists being very tired among the cases in which you should never drive.
  • Alcohol is processed by your liver and kidneys, which takes time, because you do not digest alcohol as you do food.
  • Alcohol slows your reflexes, increases the time you need to react, and distorts your vision and judgment.
  • On a first OUI case, the one-year additional suspension can be reduced to 180 days upon entry into a Department of Public Health (DPH) approved alcohol education program.

Speed and following distance

  • Driving 40 mph in a heavy rainstorm on a 50 mph highway can earn a ticket for driving too fast.
  • You should always slow down near a curve or an area where you cannot see clearly ahead.
  • If you cannot see the pavement or sign posts, slow down and look for road edge markings to guide you.
  • The manual says to move to another lane or pull to the side of the road to let the tailgater pass.
  • Drivers travelling fast do not see well, cannot stop quickly, and have a greater chance of losing control of the vehicle.
  • Your speed must be based on traffic conditions, road conditions, weather conditions and visibility, and pedestrians or bicyclists.
  • The manual says you may not exceed the speed limit when passing.

Licensing basics

  • For a Class M road test you must bring your printed learner's permit, a completed license application form, and a properly equipped, legally registered motorcycle. You are not required to bring a sponsor.
  • For a rented vehicle you must show your rental agreement and a letter from the rental company, on its letterhead, that authorizes you and your sponsor to use the vehicle for a driver's license road test.
  • You and your sponsor or interpreter are not allowed to converse unless authorized by the examiner.
  • You should bring a set of headphones to the RMV Service Center, because every automated testing station has a universal connection for them.

Signals and vehicle controls

  • Signals alert pedestrians and motorists of what you are doing and give them time to react.
  • The manual says you must use your headlights and taillights while driving through a tunnel.
  • A spot light may only be used to read signs or as an emergency light if the headlights are not working.
  • In fog, use your low beam headlights to reduce glare.

Pavement markings

  • A crosswalk is a pair of white lines, or other distinguished pavement markings or materials, painted across a lane to guide pedestrians across the road.
  • A solid white or yellow line that turns into a dotted line continues the line through an intersection or highway interchange.
  • The manual says drivers must stop behind the bicycle box, even when it is empty, and wait for a green light.
  • Yellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.

Highway driving

  • If you miss your exit, do not stop and never back up; get off at the next exit and look for signs showing how to rejoin the road in the other direction.
  • You enter and exit expressways and freeways using ramps, at interchanges.

Parking rules

  • The manual says the penalty for parking in a posted bus stop is $100.
  • The manual says you must always leave at least a 12-foot wide, clear roadway for traffic to pass.
  • The manual says the fine for wrongful use of a disabled person or veteran plate or placard is a minimum of $500.
  • The manual says that if you park longer than allowed or fail to pay the meter fee, you may be issued a parking citation.

Railroad crossings

  • The manual says the ENS number is located in the middle of the crossbuck or on the metal box near the grade crossing.
  • Even if you do not see a train coming, never drive around a lowered gate or ignore the flashing lights.
  • When you see the round railroad warning sign, slow down and prepare to stop.

Pedestrians

  • A painted crosswalk warns drivers that pedestrians may be crossing the road.
  • The manual says pedestrians must not cross if the signal says DON'T WALK.
  • When all lights of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon are dark, you can proceed with caution.

Sharing the road

  • The manual says that on the right you might hit someone exiting the bus or get squeezed into the curb.
  • The manual lists preventing other motorists from passing them among the things aggressive drivers often do.
  • Companies that rent bicycles must offer helmets that meet all safety requirements for renters.
  • The manual says no more than two bicycles can be operated side-by-side.

Seat belts and child safety

  • The safest place for a child is the back seat, and the back middle seat is best.
  • Children under 12 years old are not allowed to ride in the beds of pickup trucks, with very limited exceptions.

Distracted and drowsy driving

  • The definition excludes audio equipment and equipment installed in the vehicle for navigation, emergency assistance, or video entertainment to rear-seat passengers.
  • The manual says that emotions like anger and depression can cause you to drive carelessly.
  • Handheld use is only allowed if the vehicle is stationary and not in a public travel lane, and it is not allowed at red lights or stop signs.

Emergencies and crashes

  • The manual says to leave your things in the vehicle for your safety, because fire and smoke can kill.
  • The manual says to pump the brake pedal several times rapidly to build up brake fluid pressure if the vehicle has no antilock brakes.
  • The manual says never to change a flat tire in a traffic lane; wait for help to arrive.

Emergency vehicles and work zones

  • The manual says to look for sudden changes in road direction or condition and be prepared to stop.
  • The manual says that if moving over is not possible, you must still proceed with caution and reduce your speed to a reasonable and safe speed for the road conditions.
  • Devices such as drums, cones, and tubular markers direct traffic away from a work area where the shoulder or travel lane is closed.

Insurance

  • A policy or a certificate that lists coverage limits serves as proof of a vehicle's insurance.

Losing your license

  • Leaving the scene of a crash when a person is injured carries a suspension of one to two years.
  • Failure to pay the citation and the late fee will cause your license to be suspended.

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