MA · RMV knowledge test

Free Massachusetts RMV Permit Practice Test 2026

25Questions on test
18 correctRequired to pass
72%Passing score
16 years oldMinimum age

Get ready to pass your Massachusetts RMV written test on the first try. Our free Massachusetts permit practice tests are based directly on the official Massachusetts Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Massachusetts-specific regulations. With 18 correct answers required out of 25 questions (72% passing score), preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.

Practice test 1

Take the Massachusetts RMV Permit Practice Test Now

25 questions drawn from the Massachusetts driver handbook, 72% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Massachusetts tests are listed below.

Massachusetts RMV Practice Test 1

Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Massachusetts driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.

  • 25 questions
  • 72% to pass (18 correct)
  • About 15 minutes
  • Explanation after every answer
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Ways to practice

Learn with practice tests and flashcards, then take the mock test when you think you are ready.

Also try: the Massachusetts cheat sheet of rules and numbers, the hardest questions people miss most, or make your own test on the topics you find hard.

More Massachusetts Practice Tests

Official Massachusetts Driver's Handbook

The RMV writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.

Read the Handbook ↗

Massachusetts Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)

Free printable version: 100+ Massachusetts questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the RMV test facts on the cover. Or print a 25-question test, the length of the real test. All state PDFs →

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Official facts

Massachusetts Class D Learner's Permit (Passenger) Test: Quick Facts

Verified against Registry of Motor Vehicles publications - last reviewed September 2026.

Official permit nameClass D Learner's Permit (Passenger)
Questions on the test25
Passing score18 of 25 correct (72%)
Wrong answers allowed7
Minimum age16 years old
Under-21 alcohol limit0.02% BAC or higher
Permit / test fee$30 (learner's permit exam fee; charged again for each retake)
If you failNo published waiting period; retake by paying the $30 exam fee again (via myRMV 'Retake Knowledge Exam' or a new RMV appointment). No published attempts limit.
Online testingYes - an online knowledge test option is available.
Driver's educationRequired for applicants under 18.
Supervised practice40 hours supervised driving (30 hours if a driver skills development program is completed) - Junior Operators under 18
Permit holding period6 consecutive months (Junior Operators under 18, with a clean record); no hold period published for 18+
Testing agencyRegistry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
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Sample Massachusetts Permit Test Questions

Three of the Massachusetts-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The Massachusetts bank behind the tests above holds 171 unique questions.

  1. 1. In Massachusetts, a Junior Operator License (JOL) is for drivers between the ages of:

    • A. 16½ and 18 (correct)
    • B. 15 and 17
    • C. 16 and 21
    • D. 17 and 19

    Why: Massachusetts Junior Operators are drivers between 16½ and 18 years old, who drive under graduated-license restrictions.

  2. 2. Massachusetts law allows a driver age 18 or older to use an electronic device, such as a phone, only:

    • A. In hands-free mode (correct)
    • B. For text messages
    • C. When stopped at a red light
    • D. On the highway

    Why: Massachusetts drivers 18 and older may use mobile electronic devices only in hands-free mode; the device cannot be held, and handheld use is not allowed even at red lights or stop signs. Drivers under 18 may not use any mobile electronic device while driving except to report an emergency.

  3. 3. Under Massachusetts' zero-tolerance law, a driver under 21 who registers a BAC of 0.02 or higher:

    • A. Loses their license for 180 days to one year (correct)
    • B. Receives only a written warning
    • C. Faces penalties only if their BAC is 0.08 or higher
    • D. Pays a fine but keeps their license

    Why: Massachusetts has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21. Under MGL c.90 s.24P, a BAC of 0.02 or higher brings a license suspension of 180 days for drivers 18 to 20, or one year for drivers under 18, and the driver must complete an alcohol education program.

Massachusetts Permit Test Study Guide (2026)

A free Massachusetts RMV written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Registry of Motor Vehicles handbook.

Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed September 2026

Massachusetts rotaries, narrow Boston streets, and fast traffic on I-90 and I-93 give the RMV knowledge test its flavor: navigating rotaries, right-of-way, and the hands-free and junior-operator laws. Our Massachusetts practice permit test follows the official Massachusetts Driver's Manual so you're set for the RMV exam.

What to Expect on the Massachusetts Permit Test

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In Massachusetts the exam has 25 multiple-choice questions; to pass you need 18 of 25 correct (72%). You must be at least 16 years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Massachusetts driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the RMV asks.

Topics Covered on the MA Written Test

  • Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
  • Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
  • Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
  • Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
  • Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
  • Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances

How to Prepare for the Massachusetts Permit Test

The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Massachusetts Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. The RMV writes its test from that handbook, so the rules you practise here are the rules you will be asked about. A sensible target: score at least 80% on several fresh practice tests in a row - and read the explanation on every miss - before you book your appointment.

Official Massachusetts RMV Information

For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles website. You can also read the official Massachusetts driver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.

Massachusetts Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Massachusetts RMV written test?

The Massachusetts RMV written knowledge test has 25 questions. To pass you need 18 of 25 correct (72%).

What is the phone rule for new drivers in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts: drivers 18 and older may use a phone only in hands-free mode. Massachusetts drivers 18 and older may use mobile electronic devices only in hands-free mode; the device cannot be held, and handheld use is not allowed even at red lights or stop signs. Drivers under 18 may not use any mobile electronic device while driving except to report an emergency. (Manual PDF p.1 notice and PDF p.46 'Drivers Under 18')

When are new drivers in Massachusetts not allowed to drive?

Massachusetts permit under 18: no driving midnight-5 a.m. without a parent/guardian. Massachusetts permit holders under 18 may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or legal guardian with at least one year of driving experience is in the vehicle. (Manual PDF p.25, Class D learner's permit limitations)

What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in Massachusetts?

A driver under 21 in Massachusetts violates the zero-tolerance law at a BAC of 0.02% or higher - far below the 0.08% adult limit.

How many questions can you miss on the Massachusetts permit test?

You can miss up to 7 of the 25 questions and still pass. The minimum is 18 correct answers (72%).

Is the Massachusetts permit test timed?

Yes. The RMV gives you 25 minutes to complete the knowledge test. The Massachusetts mock test on this site can time you to the same limit.

What is the Massachusetts learner's permit officially called?

Massachusetts issues the Class D Learner's Permit (Passenger). It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.

How much does the Massachusetts permit cost?

The published fee is $30 (learner's permit exam fee; charged again for each retake). Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the Registry of Motor Vehicles website before your visit.

What happens if I fail the Massachusetts permit test?

If you fail, Massachusetts lets you retake the knowledge test. No published waiting period; retake by paying the $30 exam fee again (via myRMV 'Retake Knowledge Exam' or a new RMV appointment). No published attempts limit. Use the practice tests above to find the topics you missed before you try again.

Can I take the Massachusetts permit test online?

Yes - an online knowledge test option is available.

Is driver's education required for a Massachusetts permit?

Required for applicants under 18.

How long do I have to hold my Massachusetts permit?

Minimum holding period: 6 consecutive months (Junior Operators under 18, with a clean record); no hold period published for 18+. Required supervised practice: 40 hours supervised driving (30 hours if a driver skills development program is completed) - Junior Operators under 18.

Sources & Methodology

Every Massachusetts question on this page is written from the official Massachusetts driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Registry of Motor Vehicles publications. Last reviewed: September 2026. Every question shows its own source under the explanation; all corrections are listed in our corrections log.

Chad Henry – Reviewer

After 25 years of teaching driver education

Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Practice Permit Tests in Other States

Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Massachusetts? Jump straight to another state's free RMV-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.

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