Massachusetts: Licensing basics — Part 4 Practice Test
Massachusetts license classes, the learner’s permit and its exam, the Junior Operator License (JOL) and its passenger and night limits, supervised driving and driver education, the road test, identification and REAL ID, and converting a license from another state. — Part 4
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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 36 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 must you obtain before you can apply for any license?
- A Junior Operator License
- A REAL ID card
- A vision screening certificate
- A learner's permit
Show answer
Correct answer: A learner's permit
You must obtain a learner's permit before you can apply for any license.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Which of these is required to get a learner's permit?
- Pass a road test
- Complete 40 hours of supervised driving
- Hold a Junior Operator License for six months
- Pass a vision exam
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass a vision exam
To get a learner's permit you complete an application, present identification, pay a fee, pass a vision exam, and pass a learner's permit exam.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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When does a learner's permit become a license?
- After six months with a clean driving record
- When you pass the road test and pay all license fees
- When you reach age 16 1/2 or older
- After you pass the vision exam
Show answer
Correct answer: When you pass the road test and pay all license fees
Your learner's permit does not become a license until you pass the road test and have paid all license fees.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What must you do if your learner's permit expires?
- Take the road test right away as a driver
- Renew it by mail without any exam
- Re-take the permit exam and pay the fees
- Complete a driver education course again
Show answer
Correct answer: Re-take the permit exam and pay the fees
If your learner's permit expires, you must re-take the learner's permit exam and pay the required fees.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What is the minimum age to apply for a Class D or Class M learner's permit?
- 16 years old
- 15 years old
- 17 years old
- 18 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 16 years old
The manual says you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Class D or M learner's permit.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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How long is a learner's permit valid?
- Up to one year
- Up to three years
- Up to two years
- Up to five years
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to two years
A learner's permit is valid up to two years.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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How can you meet the vision requirement when you apply for a learner's permit?
- Submit a letter from your parent or guardian stating that your vision is good enough to drive
- Pass a vision test at the service center or submit a certificate from a medical practitioner
- Pass a vision test given by your driving instructor before you submit your application
- Complete a vision test only on the day of your road test, after you have a permit
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass a vision test at the service center or submit a certificate from a medical practitioner
One step to earn a learner's permit is to pass a vision test at the service center or submit an RMV vision screening certificate from your medical practitioner.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What must you disclose when you complete a learner's permit application?
- Whether any member of your family has ever had a driver's license suspended or revoked
- Whether you have ever been a passenger in a motor vehicle crash that involved injuries
- Whether you plan to take a driver's education program at a high school or a driver school
- Whether any physical, mental, or medical condition or medication might affect your driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Whether any physical, mental, or medical condition or medication might affect your driving
The application requires you to disclose a physical, mental, or medical condition, or any medication, that might affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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What does the manual warn about similar-looking third-party websites that claim to offer RMV services?
- They may charge extra fees, and your personal and financial information may not be safe with them
- They are approved by the RMV, but they may take longer to process your learner's permit application
- They may only be used to pay road test fees and are not allowed to take permit applications
- They are free to use, but the RMV does not accept the results of exams taken on them
Show answer
Correct answer: They may charge extra fees, and your personal and financial information may not be safe with them
Third-party websites that look like the RMV's may charge extra fees, and your personal and financial information may not be safe with them.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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A learner's permit is not intended to be used as what?
- Proof of your current insurance coverage
- An identification document for travel
- Proof of your road test date
- Proof of your driver's education
Show answer
Correct answer: An identification document for travel
A learner's permit grants conditional driving privileges and is not intended to be used as an identification document for travel, so most airlines and cruise ships will not accept it.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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How many questions are on each learner's permit exam?
- 20
- 30
- 40
- 25
Show answer
Correct answer: 25
Each learner's permit exam has 25 multiple-choice questions.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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How many questions must you answer correctly to pass the learner's permit exam?
- 18
- 15
- 20
- 22
Show answer
Correct answer: 18
To pass the learner's permit exam you must answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted time.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What is the allotted time for the learner's permit exam?
- 15 minutes
- 45 minutes
- 25 minutes
- 60 minutes
Show answer
Correct answer: 25 minutes
You must answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted time of 25 minutes.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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About how much time do you have to answer each question when the learner's permit exam is given on an automated testing station?
- About 30 seconds
- About one minute
- About two minutes
- About five minutes
Show answer
Correct answer: About one minute
You have about one minute to answer each question.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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Which of these topics is covered on the learner's permit exam?
- Mechanical repairs and engine maintenance work at home
- Buying, leasing, and financing a vehicle
- Toll roads and fuel economy of vehicles
- Alcohol misuse, suspensions, and JOL violations
Show answer
Correct answer: Alcohol misuse, suspensions, and JOL violations
The exam covers alcohol misuse, suspensions, and JOL violations, as well as rules of the road and identifying road signs.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What are automated testing stations (ATS) at RMV Full Service Centers?
- Videoscreen kiosks that use a computer program to deliver permit exam questions visually
- Booths where an RMV employee reads the learner's permit exam questions aloud to each applicant
- Parking lot stations where examiners check the vehicles used for road tests before the test
- Online kiosks that print the learner's permit after you pass the exam at home on a computer
Show answer
Correct answer: Videoscreen kiosks that use a computer program to deliver permit exam questions visually
Automated testing stations are easy-to-use videoscreen kiosks that use a computer program to deliver learner's permit exam questions visually.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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When can a learner's permit exam be taken online?
- Only after you pass the road test
- Only after you turn 18 years old
- After you submit your application
- Only after you have held a permit for six months
Show answer
Correct answer: After you submit your application
Learner's permit exams are available online after you submit your application.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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If you pass the learner's permit exam online but cannot print the permit, how long will the RMV take to print and mail it to you?
- Within 24 hours
- Five to seven business days
- Two to three full business days
- Within three weeks
Show answer
Correct answer: Five to seven business days
The RMV will print the permit and mail it to you in five-seven business days.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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Which of these is considered cheating during the learner's permit exam?
- Wearing a hat that you need for medical or religious reasons
- Taking the exam online at home after you have submitted your application
- Using headphones while you take an audio exam
- Using a Driver's Manual or other reference material during the exam
Show answer
Correct answer: Using a Driver's Manual or other reference material during the exam
Using a Driver's Manual, other reference material, or an electronic device during the exam is considered cheating.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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If you are found responsible for cheating on a learner's permit exam, how long will you not be allowed to hold any type of driver's license or permit?
- 60 days
- 30 days
- Six months
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
A person found responsible for cheating is not allowed to hold any type of driver's license or permit for 60 days.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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When may you wear a hat in the testing area during a learner's permit exam?
- Only if you are 21 years old or older
- Only when you are taking an audio exam
- Only for medical or religious reasons
- Only after you finish the first ten questions
Show answer
Correct answer: Only for medical or religious reasons
Hats cannot be worn during the exam unless they are worn for medical or religious reasons.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What does an audio exam let you do?
- Have an RMV employee read the exam questions aloud to you in a one-on-one verbal exam
- Hear an automated voice read the test questions and possible answers through headphones
- Listen to a recording of the Driver's Manual through headphones while you take the exam
- Speak your answers to the exam question aloud instead of choosing them on a screen
Show answer
Correct answer: Hear an automated voice read the test questions and possible answers through headphones
An audio exam lets you hear an automated voice read the test questions and possible answers through headphones.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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Who can choose to take an audio exam?
- Only applicants who can document that they have a cognitive or physical disability
- Only applicants whose primary language is not English
- Only applicants who schedule the audio exam in advance
- Anyone can choose it, with no additional documentation needed
Show answer
Correct answer: Anyone can choose it, with no additional documentation needed
Anyone can choose to take an audio exam. It does not need to be scheduled in advance and no additional documentation is needed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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What should you bring if you want to use the audio feature for your learner's permit exam?
- A set of headphones
- A printed copy of the Driver's Manual
- A letter from your physician
- A parent or guardian
Show answer
Correct answer: A set of headphones
You should bring a set of headphones to the RMV Service Center, because every automated testing station has a universal connection for them.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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If a cognitive or physical disability would prevent you from taking a standard learner's permit exam, which reasonable accommodation may you request?
- Use of the Driver's Manual during the exam
- Use of a personal electronic device during the exam
- Extended time
- An exam with fewer questions than the standard exam
Show answer
Correct answer: Extended time
The manual lists extended time and a reader as reasonable accommodations you may request.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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In a testing accommodation, what is a "reader"?
- A device that reads the pages of the Driver's Manual aloud before your exam
- A designated RMV employee who reads the exam questions aloud to you
- A licensed operator you bring with you to answer the exam questions for you
- A printed copy of the exam in large type that you read on your own
Show answer
Correct answer: A designated RMV employee who reads the exam questions aloud to you
A reader is a designated RMV employee who reads the exam questions aloud to you, also known as a one-on-one verbal exam.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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What may the RMV require if you request a disability-related testing accommodation?
- A road test before you take the exam
- A second learner's permit exam on a different day at another center
- An extra exam fee for each accommodation
- Documentation supporting the need for the accommodation
Show answer
Correct answer: Documentation supporting the need for the accommodation
You may be required to provide documentation supporting the need for the requested accommodation.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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How long must you carry your learner's permit whenever you drive?
- Until you earn a Junior Operator's License or a full driver's license
- Until you pass the learner's permit exam for a second time at a service center
- Until you turn 18 years old, even if you hold a license
- Until you complete the driver's education program
Show answer
Correct answer: Until you earn a Junior Operator's License or a full driver's license
You must carry your learner's permit whenever you drive until you earn a Junior Operator's License or a full driver's license.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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With a Class D learner's permit, where must the licensed operator who accompanies you sit?
- In the rear seat behind you
- In the front or rear seat, as you prefer
- In the passenger seat next to you
- In a second vehicle following yours
Show answer
Correct answer: In the passenger seat next to you
A Class D permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed operator who occupies the passenger seat next to them.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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How old must the licensed operator be who accompanies a Class D learner's permit holder?
- At least 18 years old
- At least 21 years old
- At least 19 years old
- At least 25 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 21 years old
The accompanying licensed operator must be at least 21 years old.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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How much driving experience must the licensed operator who accompanies a Class D learner's permit holder have?
- At least six months
- At least two years
- At least five years
- At least one year
Show answer
Correct answer: At least one year
The accompanying operator must have at least one year of driving experience.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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What license must the operator who accompanies a Class D learner's permit holder hold?
- A valid license from Massachusetts or another state
- A valid Massachusetts license only, never one from another state
- A Class D license that has been held for at least five years
- Any valid permit or license, including a learner's permit
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid license from Massachusetts or another state
The accompanying operator must hold a valid driver's license from Massachusetts or another state.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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If you are under 18 and hold a Class D learner's permit, between which hours may you not drive unless a parent or legal guardian who is validly licensed with one year of experience is with you?
- 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
If you are under 18, you may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is validly licensed with at least one year of experience.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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With a Class M learner's permit, which passengers may you carry?
- One passenger who is at least 21 years old
- None; you may not carry a passenger
- One passenger who holds a valid Class M license
- One parent or legal guardian
Show answer
Correct answer: None; you may not carry a passenger
A Class M learner's permit does not allow you to carry a passenger.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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When may you drive a motorcycle with a Class M learner's permit?
- Only between sunrise and noon
- At any time, as long as the motorcycle headlight is on
- Only until 9:00 p.m.
- Only during daylight hours, between sunrise and sunset
Show answer
Correct answer: Only during daylight hours, between sunrise and sunset
A Class M learner's permit holder can drive only during daylight hours, between sunrise and sunset.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)
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What kind of helmet must you wear with a Class M learner's permit?
- A US DOT standard helmet
- Any helmet that has a face shield
- A bicycle helmet approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- No helmet if the motorcycle has a windshield or screen
Show answer
Correct answer: A US DOT standard helmet
A Class M learner's permit holder must wear a US DOT standard helmet.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 18 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 18)