Practice test 1 of 10 — Massachusetts permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: A. About four times as far

   Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling your speed makes it about four times as far.

   Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

2. Question 2: C. It slows how fast alcohol is absorbed

   Food slows how fast alcohol is absorbed, but it does not stop you from becoming impaired.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

3. Question 3: D. The car on the through road

   At a T-intersection with no signs, traffic on the ending road yields to traffic on the through road.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Uncontrolled intersections

4. Question 4: A. One earplug

   Massachusetts bans headphones and headsets while driving, but drivers 18 or older may use one earplug for a cell phone.

   Handbook: Chapter 2: Safety First — Inside the Vehicle

5. Question 5: A. Gravel gives less grip for stopping and turning

   Loose gravel gives your tires less grip, so stopping and steering take more care and lower speed.

   Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

6. Question 6: A. Walk around the car to check for children

   Small children can be hidden behind a car. Walk around it to check before you back out.

   Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Leaving a parked car

7. Question 7: B. Proof of insurance

   In most states you must carry proof of insurance or financial responsibility and show it when asked.

   Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Licensing rules

8. Question 8: C. Stop completely, then go when it is safe

   This is a stop sign. You must come to a full stop and move on only when the way is clear.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

9. Question 9: D. The road does not connect to another road

   A dead end or no outlet sign means the road does not connect to another road, so you will have to turn around.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

10. Question 10: B. A railroad crossing

    The white X-shaped crossbuck marks the place where the road crosses railroad tracks.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

11. Question 11: B. 30 mph

    Massachusetts sets 30 mph in a thickly settled or business district unless signs show a different limit, such as 25 mph.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road — Speed Limits

12. Question 12: C. High beams, until another car comes near

    High beams let you see farther on a dark, empty road; switch back to low beams when another car comes near.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

13. Question 13: A. No, never

    Never park on a crosswalk. It blocks people who need to cross.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Where not to park

14. Question 14: B. No closer than 300 feet

    It is illegal in Massachusetts to follow closer than 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle answering an alarm.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Special Driving Situations — Moving Emergency Vehicle

15. Question 15: D. Before the no-passing zone begins

    You must complete a pass and be back in your lane before a no-passing zone begins.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Passing

16. Question 16: D. Keep a safe following distance

    A safe following distance gives you time to react and stop if the car ahead stops suddenly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

17. Question 17: D. Fire crews need to reach it quickly

    Fire crews need fast access to a hydrant, so do not park next to one; check your state for the exact distance.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Where not to park

18. Question 18: B. $100

    A first Massachusetts hand-held device offense brings a $100 fine; a second is $250 plus a distracted driving program.

    Handbook: Chapter 2: Safety First — Distracted Driving Law/ Hands-Free Mobile (Cell) Phone Use

19. Question 19: A. Yes, if your driving is impaired

    Yes. You can be charged below the limit if alcohol or drugs have impaired your driving.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Legal limits

20. Question 20: C. Yield

    The downward-pointing triangle is used only for the yield sign.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

21. Question 21: A. Do not cross it unless you must avoid danger

    Massachusetts says you may drive on either side of a solid white line, but you should not cross it unless you need to avoid danger.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road — White Lane Lines

22. Question 22: A. Whenever it helps prevent a crash

    Even when you have the right-of-way, yield if it will help prevent a crash.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Right-of-way basics

23. Question 23: D. Get ready to leave the lane safely

    A steady yellow X means the lane will soon close. Get ready to leave the lane safely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Lane control signals

24. Question 24: D. School zones, bikes, walkers and curves

    Massachusetts uses fluorescent yellow-green for school zone, bicycle, pedestrian and curve warning signs.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Rules of the Road — Traffic Signs

25. Question 25: D. Leave more space than usual

    Towing adds weight, so it takes longer to stop. Leave more space than usual.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance