Massachusetts: Licensing basics — Part 6 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 6
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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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How many different applicants may an operator sponsor within a one year period without approval from the RMV Road Test Program?
- Not more than three
- Not more than one
- Not more than two
- Not more than five
Show answer
Correct answer: Not more than three
Operators are not allowed to sponsor more than three different applicants within a one year period without approval from the RMV Road Test Program.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What happens if you are not accompanied by a sponsor for your Class D road test?
- The examiner will act as your sponsor
- You will be tested only if you are at least 18 years old
- You will not be given a Class D road test
- You will be tested if you hold a valid foreign driver's license
Show answer
Correct answer: You will not be given a Class D road test
If you are not accompanied by a sponsor, you will not be given a Class D road test.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What happens to your road test if the examiner believes your vehicle is unsafe?
- The test continues, but only in a parking lot
- Your test will be canceled
- The test continues with your sponsor driving
- The examiner drives for the first part of the test
Show answer
Correct answer: Your test will be canceled
Your test will be canceled if the examiner believes your vehicle is unsafe.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What must you show the examiner for the vehicle you bring to the road test?
- Its sales receipt from the dealer
- Its repair records for the last year
- Its title and bill of sale
- Its vehicle registration
Show answer
Correct answer: Its vehicle registration
You must show your vehicle registration to the examiner, and the vehicle must be properly inspected.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Where must your sponsor sit during the road test?
- In the rear seat behind the driver
- In the front seat next to you
- In the front seat, with the examiner in the rear
- In the bed of a two passenger pickup truck
Show answer
Correct answer: In the rear seat behind the driver
The sponsor may sit in the rear seat behind the driver; sponsors may not sit in the bed of a two passenger pickup truck.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Why must the vehicle you bring to a road test have an accessible parking brake?
- So the sponsor can park the vehicle after the test
- So the examiner can check your braking distance
- So the examiner can make an emergency stop
- So the vehicle can be tested on a hill
Show answer
Correct answer: So the examiner can make an emergency stop
The vehicle needs an accessible parking brake so the examiner can make an emergency stop.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Who determines whether the parking brake would be accessible in an emergency?
- The sponsor
- The individual examiner
- The driving school
- The vehicle's manufacturer
Show answer
Correct answer: The individual examiner
It is up to the individual examiner to determine if the parking brake would be accessible to them in an emergency.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What should you do to help ensure that brake access will not be a problem on your road test?
- Bring a vehicle that has a manual transmission and a floor shifter
- Bring a vehicle that has a push-button start
- Bring a pickup truck that has a rear seat
- Bring a vehicle that has a centrally located parking brake
Show answer
Correct answer: Bring a vehicle that has a centrally located parking brake
To help ensure that brake access will not be a problem, you should bring a vehicle that has a centrally located parking brake.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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If you have questions about whether your vehicle is acceptable for the road test, what should you do?
- Take it to the test location on the business day before the test
- Call the RMV on the morning of your road test
- Ask your sponsor to inspect it before the test
- Bring it to the service center a week after you have taken the test
Show answer
Correct answer: Take it to the test location on the business day before the test
If you have questions about whether a vehicle is acceptable, you should take it to the scheduled road test location on the business day prior to the scheduled test.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What must driving instruction vehicles have for a road test?
- A second steering wheel that the instructor can use
- A hand-operated parking brake in the rear seat area
- A second foot brake and proper signage on the vehicle
- A rear seat with seat belts for two sponsors and the examiner
Show answer
Correct answer: A second foot brake and proper signage on the vehicle
Driving instruction vehicles must have a second foot brake for instructors or examiners and must display proper signage.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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How does the examiner test the parking brake before the road test?
- By accelerating the motor to 800 to 900 RPMs with the vehicle in the highest gear available
- By accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with the vehicle in the lowest gear
- By accelerating the motor to 2,000 to 2,200 RPMs with the vehicle in neutral
- By driving at 5 mph and setting the parking brake on a level road
Show answer
Correct answer: By accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with the vehicle in the lowest gear
Massachusetts regulation requires parking brakes to be tested by accelerating the motor to 1,200 to 1,300 RPMs with the vehicle in the lowest gear.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Why may certain larger vehicles, like some minivans, be rejected for a road test?
- They do not have a rear seat that is large enough for the sponsor to sit comfortably behind the driver
- They are too long to turn around between curbs during the test
- They are classified as commercial vehicles that need another license
- The parking brake is too far from the examiner to be easily accessible in an emergency
Show answer
Correct answer: The parking brake is too far from the examiner to be easily accessible in an emergency
In some larger vehicles, like certain minivans, the parking brake is too far from the examiner to be easily accessible in an emergency.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What must you show the examiner if you are renting the vehicle you use for your road test?
- Your rental agreement and a letter from the rental company, on its letterhead, authorizing you and your sponsor
- Your rental agreement and a letter from your sponsor, on the sponsor's letterhead, authorizing you to use the vehicle
- A letter from the rental company, on its letterhead, stating that the vehicle was inspected in the last six months
- A receipt for the rental fee and a letter from the examiner's office approving the rental vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Your rental agreement and a letter from the rental company, on its letterhead, authorizing you and your 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.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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If the vehicle you use for your road test is leased rather than rented, what is true?
- You must show a letter from the leasing company on its company letterhead
- You must show both a lease agreement and a rental agreement
- You do not need to show a rental agreement or rental company letter
- You may not use a leased vehicle for a road test
Show answer
Correct answer: You do not need to show a rental agreement or rental company letter
You are not required to provide the rental agreement and rental company letter for leased vehicles.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Which of these makes a vehicle unacceptable for a road test?
- It has an electric parking brake with a push button
- One of its tires has been replaced by a "donut" (limited use spare) tire
- It has backing sensors and a back-up camera
- It is registered out of state, even though you show proof of insurance coverage
Show answer
Correct answer: One of its tires has been replaced by a "donut" (limited use spare) tire
A vehicle cannot be used for a road test if one of its tires has been replaced by a "donut" (limited use spare) tire.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Who may take a road test in a passenger vehicle that is registered with a "dealer" plate?
- Any applicant whose sponsor works at the dealership that owns the vehicle
- Any applicant who rents the vehicle from the dealer for the road test
- Any applicant who is a customer of the dealer and has the vehicle registration
- Only the dealer, the dealer's spouse, or a salesperson at the dealership
Show answer
Correct answer: Only the dealer, the dealer's spouse, or a salesperson at the dealership
You cannot take a road test in a passenger vehicle with a dealer plate unless you can prove to the examiner that you are the dealer, the dealer's spouse, or a salesperson who works at the dealership.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What kind of vehicle displaying a farm plate may be used for a road test, if the applicant is a member of the farmer's family or an employee of the farmer?
- A pickup truck with an acceptable rear seat for a sponsor
- A passenger vehicle that the examiner approves
- A tractor with a seat added for the sponsor
- A farm truck with seating only for you, the examiner, and no one else
Show answer
Correct answer: A pickup truck with an acceptable rear seat for a sponsor
If a vehicle displays a farm plate, it cannot be a passenger vehicle, but it may be a pickup truck with an acceptable rear seat for a sponsor.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What is the road test policy for a vehicle with a repair plate?
- It may be used if the examiner approves it
- It may be used only if you work at the repair shop
- You will not be allowed to take a road test in it
- It may be used only if your sponsor owns the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: You will not be allowed to take a road test in it
You will not be allowed to take a road test in a vehicle with a repair plate.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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How early should you arrive for your scheduled road test appointment?
- Approximately five minutes early
- Approximately 15 minutes early
- Approximately 30 minutes early
- Approximately one hour early
Show answer
Correct answer: Approximately 15 minutes early
You should arrive approximately 15 minutes early for your scheduled road test appointment.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What does the RMV examiner do to your vehicle before the road test?
- Drives it around the block to check its handling before you start the test
- Reviews the vehicle's insurance claims history with you and your sponsor before the test begins
- Measures its tire tread depth and its weight to decide if it can be used for a test
- Inspects it to ensure it is properly registered and all equipment is in good working order
Show answer
Correct answer: Inspects it to ensure it is properly registered and all equipment is in good working order
Before the road test the examiner inspects the vehicle to ensure that it is properly registered and that all equipment is in good working order.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Do vehicle features such as backing sensors, back-up cameras, and automatic parallel parking have to be disabled for the Class D road test?
- No, but your driving skills without relying only on them will be tested
- Yes, they must be disabled before the examiner begins the test
- Yes, but only the automatic parallel parking feature must be disabled first
- No, and the examiner will not test your backing or parking skills
Show answer
Correct answer: No, but your driving skills without relying only on them will be tested
These devices will not need to be disabled, but your driving skills and abilities without relying only on these specialized features will be tested.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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If adaptive equipment for a legitimate medical condition is necessary for operation, or you need to use specialized features, what restriction will be added to your license?
- A "corrective lenses" restriction
- A "daylight only" restriction
- A "mechanical/software aid" restriction
- A "use with certified driving instructor only" restriction
Show answer
Correct answer: A "mechanical/software aid" restriction
If adaptive equipment is installed and necessary, or you need to use specialized features, a "mechanical/software aid" restriction will be added to a license.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which of these people is allowed in the vehicle during your road test?
- Your younger sibling
- Your sponsor
- A friend who is a licensed operator
- Your pet dog
Show answer
Correct answer: Your sponsor
Only you, the examiner, and your sponsor are allowed in the vehicle during the test; no children or pets are allowed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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During the road test, when may you and your sponsor or interpreter converse?
- Whenever the vehicle is stopped
- Any time, as long as it is quiet
- Only while you are parallel parking
- Only if the examiner authorizes it
Show answer
Correct answer: Only if the examiner authorizes it
You and your sponsor or interpreter are not allowed to converse unless authorized by the examiner.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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How far must you be prepared to back the vehicle during the road test?
- Approximately 50 feet
- Approximately 25 feet
- Approximately 100 feet
- Approximately 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Approximately 50 feet
During the road test you should be prepared to back the vehicle approximately 50 feet.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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On the road test, what does "turn around between curbs" refer to?
- A U-turn at an intersection
- A turn onto a one-way street
- A three point turn
- A right turn on a red light
Show answer
Correct answer: A three point turn
The road test item "turn around between curbs" is a three point turn.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which of these skills should you be prepared to demonstrate on the road test?
- Change a flat tire on the side of the road
- Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill
- Jump-start a dead battery with jumper cables
- Check the engine oil level under the hood
Show answer
Correct answer: Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill
During a road test you should be prepared to start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill, among other skills.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What does the examiner note about your driving posture?
- Whether you keep one hand free for hand signals at all times
- Whether you rest an arm on the window while turning
- Whether you hold the wheel with one hand on straight roads
- Whether both hands are always placed properly on the wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Whether both hands are always placed properly on the wheel
The examiner notes whether you use good driving posture, with both hands always placed properly on the wheel.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which of these is something the examiner notes as part of general good-driving procedures?
- Whether you keep enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead
- Whether you drive above the speed limit to keep up with traffic
- Whether you change lanes without signaling when traffic is light
- Whether you honk your horn before you make every turn at an intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Whether you keep enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead
The examiner notes whether you maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have questions during the road test, what are you allowed to do?
- Use a cell phone to contact the interpreter while you are driving
- Stop in the traffic lane so you can communicate with the examiner
- Pull over to the side of the road, when safe, and talk to the examiner
- Wait until the end of the test before you ask the examiner any question
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull over to the side of the road, when safe, and talk to the examiner
You will be allowed to pull over to the side of the road (when safe to do so) and communicate with the examiner.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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What will you and the interpreter be given to review before a road test for a deaf or hard of hearing applicant starts?
- A map of the test route
- A written description of the road test and the required elements
- A copy of the examiner's scoring sheet
- A signed approval from the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Show answer
Correct answer: A written description of the road test and the required elements
You and the interpreter are provided with a written description of the road test and the required elements to review before starting.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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Which of these is a common reason for failing a road test?
- You used the vehicle's back-up camera while you were parallel parking
- You arrived about 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time
- Your sponsor had at least one year of driving experience and a license
- You refused to follow or drove contrary to the examiner's instructions
Show answer
Correct answer: You refused to follow or drove contrary to the examiner's instructions
A common reason for failing is refusing to follow, or driving contrary to, the examiner's instructions.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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Which lack of knowledge is listed as a common reason for failing a road test?
- The hand signals
- The tire pressure of the vehicle
- The location of the nearest RMV Service Center
- The model year of the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: The hand signals
A common reason for failing a road test is not knowing the hand signals.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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Which of these is also listed as a common reason for failing a road test?
- You asked the examiner a question while the vehicle was safely parked
- You drove a small truck or van instead of a passenger car
- You were at fault in a crash with a motor vehicle, pedestrian, or object
- You took the test in a vehicle that has automatic parallel parking
Show answer
Correct answer: You were at fault in a crash with a motor vehicle, pedestrian, or object
Being at fault in a crash with another motor vehicle, pedestrian, or object is a common reason for failing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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What policy does the RMV have for violent or abusive conduct by road test applicants and sponsors?
- A warning for the first incident
- A zero tolerance policy
- A one-time free reschedule
- A written apology to the examiner
Show answer
Correct answer: A zero tolerance policy
The RMV has a zero tolerance policy for violent or abusive conduct by road test applicants and sponsors.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 26 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 26)
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If you pass the road test but are over 20 and still have a photo on file from when you were under 20, what must you do to obtain your license?
- Wait for the license to arrive in the mail automatically
- Submit a new photo by mail
- Retake the road test at your own expense
- Make a reservation to visit a service center
Show answer
Correct answer: Make a reservation to visit a service center
If you are over 20 but still have a photo on file from when you were under 20, you need to make a reservation to visit a service center to obtain your license.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)