Massachusetts: Distracted and drowsy driving Practice Test
The hands-free mobile phone law and its penalties, the ban on mobile devices for drivers under 18, other distractions and drowsy driving.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Massachusetts Driver's Manual" (Revised April 2026), Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
All 26 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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What should you make sure of about objects inside your vehicle?
- That every loose object is placed on the front passenger seat
- That loose objects are kept on top of the dashboard
- That nothing is stored in the glove compartment
- That nothing can roll under your feet and get in the way of your pedals
Show answer
Correct answer: That nothing can roll under your feet and get in the way of your pedals
The manual says to make sure that nothing can roll under your feet and get in the way of your pedals (the accelerator, clutch, and brake).
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 38 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 38)
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If you are 18 or older, what may you use for a cell phone while driving?
- Headphones in both ears
- One earplug
- A radio headset
- A wireless device in each ear
Show answer
Correct answer: One earplug
It is illegal to wear headphones or similar devices, but drivers 18 or older can use one earplug for use with a cell phone.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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A radio headset, headphones, or other wired or wireless device is illegal to wear while driving if it does what?
- Plays music at a low volume or not at all
- Restricts your attention to the environment
- Is connected to a mobile phone call
- Has a microphone attached to it
Show answer
Correct answer: Restricts your attention to the environment
It is illegal to wear any device that restricts your attention to the environment while driving.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Where must any television installed in a vehicle be located?
- Behind the front seat and not visible to the driver
- On the dashboard, if the sound is muted
- Above the windshield, out of reach of passengers
- In the center console, within the driver's view
Show answer
Correct answer: Behind the front seat and not visible to the driver
Any television installed in a vehicle must be behind the front seat and not visible to the driver.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Under the hands-free rule for drivers 18 and older, a mobile electronic device
- may be held in the right hand only
- cannot be held or touched except to activate hands-free mode
- may be touched whenever the vehicle is moving slowly
- may be held if it is on speaker
Show answer
Correct answer: cannot be held or touched except to activate hands-free mode
The manual says hands-free means the device cannot be held and cannot be touched except to activate hands-free mode.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Where must a hands-free mobile electronic device be installed or mounted?
- On the steering wheel or the gear shift
- In a cup holder next to the driver
- On the windshield, dashboard, or center console
- Clipped to the driver's clothing or collar
Show answer
Correct answer: On the windshield, dashboard, or center console
A hands-free device must be installed or mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console and not interfere with driving.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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A driver 18 or older may use a hand-held device only when
- the vehicle is stationary and not in a public travel lane
- waiting at a red light with a foot held on the brake
- stopped at a stop sign when no other traffic is near
- moving slowly in stop-and-go traffic on the highway
Show answer
Correct answer: the vehicle is stationary and not in a public travel lane
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.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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According to the manual, where should you NOT stop to use a mobile electronic device?
- On the side of a busy road or highway
- In a parking lot
- In a safe location off the roadway
- In a private driveway
Show answer
Correct answer: On the side of a busy road or highway
The manual says not to stop on the side of a busy road or highway to use a mobile electronic device.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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Which use of a mobile electronic device is allowed for a driver 18 or older?
- Reading a text message on a mounted phone
- Sending an instant message at a low speed
- A GPS device affixed in the vehicle to provide navigation assistance
- Accessing the Internet on a phone mounted on the dashboard
Show answer
Correct answer: A GPS device affixed in the vehicle to provide navigation assistance
GPS devices can be used if affixed in the vehicle for navigation assistance, but devices cannot be used to write, send, or read electronic messages while driving.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 39 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 39)
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What may a driver under 18 use a mobile electronic device for while driving?
- Only for hands-free calls
- Only for reporting an emergency
- Only for navigation
- Any purpose, if it is mounted
Show answer
Correct answer: Only for reporting an emergency
Drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile electronic device for any reason while driving; the only exception is reporting an emergency.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Which of these is NOT included in the law's definition of a mobile electronic device?
- A laptop computer left on the passenger seat
- A paging device
- Equipment capable of playing a video game
- Video equipment installed for rear-seat passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: Video equipment installed for rear-seat passengers
The definition excludes audio equipment and equipment installed in the vehicle for navigation, emergency assistance, or video entertainment to rear-seat passengers.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Which of these is included in the law's definition of a mobile electronic device?
- Audio equipment
- Navigation equipment installed in the vehicle
- A personal digital assistant
- Emergency assistance equipment installed in the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: A personal digital assistant
The definition lists a personal digital assistant among mobile electronic devices, and excludes audio equipment and installed navigation or emergency equipment.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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For a driver 18 or older, what is the penalty for a first offense of using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving?
- A $100 fine
- A $25 fine
- A $250 fine and a distracted driving program
- A $500 fine and an insurance surcharge
Show answer
Correct answer: A $100 fine
The penalty for a 1st offense is a $100 fine.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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For a driver 18 or older, what is the penalty for a second offense of using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving?
- A $100 fine plus a mandatory one-day driving course
- A $500 fine plus an insurance surcharge
- A $250 fine plus a one-year license suspension
- A $250 fine plus a mandatory educational program
Show answer
Correct answer: A $250 fine plus a mandatory educational program
A 2nd offense brings a $250 fine plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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For a driver 18 or older, what is the penalty for a third or later offense of using a hand-held mobile electronic device while driving?
- A $250 fine and a mandatory distracted driving program
- A $500 fine, an insurance surcharge, and a mandatory program
- A $100 fine and an insurance surcharge only
- A $1,000 fine and a 30-day license suspension
Show answer
Correct answer: A $500 fine, an insurance surcharge, and a mandatory program
A 3rd and subsequent offense brings a $500 fine, plus an insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of a distracted driving program.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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If you crash because you were using a mobile electronic device, what will you face?
- A written warning and a $100 fine
- Criminal charges and loss of your license
- A 7-day license suspension only
- A fine and an insurance surcharge only
Show answer
Correct answer: Criminal charges and loss of your license
The manual says a crash caused by mobile electronic device use brings criminal charges and loss of your license.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Which tip does the manual give to prevent mobile phone use while driving?
- Keep your phone in your lap
- Leave app notifications on so you can glance at them
- Keep your phone on the passenger seat with the volume up
- Put your phone in the back seat
Show answer
Correct answer: Put your phone in the back seat
The manual's tips include turning off app notifications, putting the phone on silent, and putting the phone in the back seat.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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What does the manual say taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second, to look at a passenger or object inside your car can be?
- Very dangerous
- Acceptable on a straight road
- Harmless at low speeds
- Allowed if traffic is light
Show answer
Correct answer: Very dangerous
Taking your eyes off the road even for a split second to look at a passenger or object inside your car can be very dangerous.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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Why should you never drive when you are upset?
- Anger and depression can cause you to drive carelessly
- Being upset makes your eyesight get worse over time
- Being upset slows your reaction to emergency sirens
- Being upset makes you drive far too slowly
Show answer
Correct answer: Anger and depression can cause you to drive carelessly
The manual says that emotions like anger and depression can cause you to drive carelessly.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 42 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 42)
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When do drowsy driving crashes most often occur?
- Between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekday mornings in the city
- Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. only
- Between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon
- Around noon on weekdays and weekends
Show answer
Correct answer: Between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon
The manual says drowsy driving crashes most often occur between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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Which describes drowsy driving crashes according to the manual?
- A single driver, with no passengers, running off the road at a high rate of speed
- Several vehicles colliding at low speed in heavy city traffic with many passengers on board
- A driver backing out of a driveway and striking a parked car
- A driver stopped at a red light and rear-ended by another car
Show answer
Correct answer: A single driver, with no passengers, running off the road at a high rate of speed
Drowsy driving crashes most often involve a single driver, with no passengers, running off the road at a high rate of speed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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Where do drowsy driving crashes most often occur?
- In parking lots
- On rural roads and highways
- In school zones
- On residential dead-end streets
Show answer
Correct answer: On rural roads and highways
The manual says drowsy driving crashes most often occur on rural roads and highways.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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What is the only true way to protect yourself from drowsy driving?
- Play loud music and sing along loudly while you drive at night
- Open the windows for fresh air
- Drive faster to finish the trip sooner
- Get enough sleep and do not drive when you feel tired
Show answer
Correct answer: Get enough sleep and do not drive when you feel tired
The manual says the only true way to protect yourself from drowsy driving is to get enough sleep and not drive when you feel tired.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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What does the manual say about drinking coffee and pulling over to a safe place for a nap?
- They can help temporarily, but only for a short time period
- They fully protect you from drowsiness for the whole rest of the trip
- They help for the rest of the day
- They do not help at all
Show answer
Correct answer: They can help temporarily, but only for a short time period
Coffee and a nap can help temporarily, but only for a short time period.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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When possible, between which hours should you avoid driving?
- 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Midnight and 6 a.m.
- 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: Midnight and 6 a.m.
The manual says that, when possible, you should avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)
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If you must drive between midnight and 6 a.m., which is a sign of drowsiness to watch for?
- Seeing many other vehicles on the road ahead
- Needing to use your wipers
- Crossing lines or hitting rumble strips
- Driving below the speed limit
Show answer
Correct answer: Crossing lines or hitting rumble strips
Signs of drowsiness include crossing lines or hitting rumble strips.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 47)