Massachusetts: Pedestrians — Part 1 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Where is it especially important to remember that pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers may not hear you?” · “Why should you pay close attention around senior centers and senior residences?”
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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 20 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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Why should you not rely on traffic signals at crosswalks?
- Traffic signals at crosswalks are usually out of order
- Traffic signals do not apply to people on foot
- Traffic signals only work for large vehicles
- Other drivers and pedestrians may ignore signals
Show answer
Correct answer: Other drivers and pedestrians may ignore signals
The manual says not to rely on traffic signals because other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians may ignore them.
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 always pay close attention near playgrounds, schoolyards, and shopping centers?
- Speed limits are always higher near them
- Children and pedestrians may be hidden from sight
- Police often watch for tailgating near them
- Parking is never allowed anywhere near them
Show answer
Correct answer: Children and pedestrians may be hidden from sight
Children, pedestrians, and bicyclists may be hidden from sight near playgrounds, schoolyards, and shopping centers.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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Where is it especially important to remember that pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers may not hear you?
- On freeways and expressways
- On rural roads at night
- In crosswalks and parking lots
- At drive-through windows
Show answer
Correct answer: In crosswalks and parking lots
The manual says this is especially important in crosswalks and parking lots.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
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Which pedestrians should you take extra care to look for, according to the manual?
- Only those who are standing in marked crosswalks at an intersection
- Only those at traffic signals
- Those who may be distracted by cell phones or headphones
- Only those carrying large bags
Show answer
Correct answer: Those who may be distracted by cell phones or headphones
Take extra care to look for pedestrians, especially ones who may be distracted due to cell phones or headphones.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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Why should you be extra careful around children?
- They always obey crosswalk rules
- They walk only on sidewalks
- They are unpredictable and hard to see
- They are easy to see from far away in any light
Show answer
Correct answer: They are unpredictable and hard to see
Children are unpredictable and hard to see, so be careful near school zones, parks, bus stops, and playgrounds.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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What does the manual say about joggers and skaters?
- They do not always obey traffic signal and crosswalk rules
- They always obey all traffic signal and crosswalk rules at intersections
- They always stay on sidewalks
- They never use crosswalks
Show answer
Correct answer: They do not always obey traffic signal and crosswalk rules
Joggers and skaters do not always obey traffic signal and crosswalk rules.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
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When backing up, what should you do instead of using only vehicle mirrors or sensors?
- Sound your horn once
- Back up quickly to clear the area behind you
- Wait for another driver to signal you
- Turn your head and look out the window
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn your head and look out the window
Blind spots may hide people or objects behind the vehicle, so turn your head and look out the window before you start to back up.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Before getting into your vehicle, what should you check behind it for?
- Fallen leaves
- Children or animals
- Other parked cars
- Loose license plates
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Correct answer: Children or animals
Before getting into your vehicle, check behind it for children or animals.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What should you do for a blind pedestrian crossing at a street crossing?
- Stop and remain stopped until the person has safely crossed
- Slow down and carefully drive around the person crossing in front
- Honk once and proceed when the person looks your way
- Wave the person across
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the person has safely crossed
Always stop for a blind pedestrian at a street crossing and remain stopped until the person has safely crossed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What should you not do when a blind pedestrian is crossing in front of you?
- Remain stopped
- Stop for the person
- Honk or wave the person on
- Wait until the person has crossed
Show answer
Correct answer: Honk or wave the person on
The manual says not to honk or wave a blind pedestrian on.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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When another vehicle is stopped for a blind pedestrian crossing a street, what must you never do?
- Stop behind it
- Pass the stopped vehicle
- Look for the pedestrian
- Remain stopped until the person crosses
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass the stopped vehicle
The manual says never to pass another vehicle that is stopped for a blind pedestrian.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What does the White Cane Law require you to do?
- Yield only if the pedestrian waves or signals you first to go by
- Slow down to 10 mph near a blind pedestrian
- Honk twice before passing a cane user
- Stop completely for a blind pedestrian crossing a street
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop completely for a blind pedestrian crossing a street
The White Cane Law requires you to stop completely for a blind pedestrian crossing a street.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What may blind pedestrians use?
- A reflective orange vest only
- A red flag
- A yellow armband
- A white cane or a guide dog
Show answer
Correct answer: A white cane or a guide dog
Blind pedestrians may use a white cane or a guide dog.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What should you not assume about a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other driver who may be Deaf or Hard of Hearing?
- That they will notice your headlights and move out of the way for you
- That they can hear your car and will yield or move out of the way
- That they will stay on the sidewalk
- That they can read your lips
Show answer
Correct answer: That they can hear your car and will yield or move out of the way
You cannot visually identify someone who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing, so do not assume they can hear your car and will yield.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Why should you pay close attention at and near train and bus stops?
- Pedestrian traffic may be heavier
- Speed limits are always lower there
- Parking is never allowed there
- Traffic signals are always missing
Show answer
Correct answer: Pedestrian traffic may be heavier
At and near mass transit stops, pedestrian traffic may be heavier.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Why should you pay close attention around senior centers and senior residences?
- Seniors always walk faster than other pedestrians and cross very quickly at signals
- More elderly pedestrians, who may have diminished eyesight and reduced hearing
- Seniors always cross with the signal and use marked crosswalks
- Seniors may not use crosswalks under Massachusetts law
Show answer
Correct answer: More elderly pedestrians, who may have diminished eyesight and reduced hearing
Seniors may have diminished eyesight and reduced hearing, mobility, and reaction times.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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Where should you always look ahead for hidden pedestrians?
- Only in marked crosswalks and at corners with traffic signals nearby
- Only at the end of long straight roads
- Only near traffic lights
- Around a curve, at the top of a hill, or between parked cars
Show answer
Correct answer: Around a curve, at the top of a hill, or between parked cars
Look ahead for places where pedestrians may be hidden, such as around a curve, at the top of a hill, or between parked cars.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 50 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 50)
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What is the leading threat to the safety of pedestrians, according to the manual?
- Poor lighting at crosswalks
- The speed of vehicles
- Drivers who use their horns
- Narrow sidewalks
Show answer
Correct answer: The speed of vehicles
The manual names the speed of vehicles as the leading threat to pedestrian safety.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 78 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 78)
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How is a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon activated?
- Only by a timer that is set at the intersection
- By a pedestrian's push button or a detection system
- By any vehicle that approaches the crosswalk
- Only by a police officer at the crossing
Show answer
Correct answer: By a pedestrian's push button or a detection system
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons are activated by pedestrians manually by a push button or by a pedestrian detection system.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
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Where are Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons often located?
- At unsignaled intersections or mid-block crosswalks
- Only at railroad crossings and near rail yards
- Only at freeway exit ramps and entrance ramps
- Only at school bus stops and bus lanes
Show answer
Correct answer: At unsignaled intersections or mid-block crosswalks
They are often located in intersections without traffic signals or at mid-block crosswalks.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)