Massachusetts Permit Test Cheat Sheet (2026)

The Massachusetts test at a glance

Questions on the test

25

To pass

18 of 25 correct (72%)

Time limit

The RMV gives you 25 minutes for the Massachusetts knowledge test.

Minimum permit age

16 years old

Hold the permit for

6 consecutive months (Junior Operators under 18, with a clean record); no hold period published for 18+

Alcohol limit under 21

0.02% BAC

Massachusetts rules and numbers

From the official Massachusetts handbook (Revised April 2026); PDF page numbers in brackets.

Rules learners miss most

The rules behind the most-missed questions on our practice tests. Some details, such as parking distances, can differ by state - your handbook has the final word.

• At 60 mph a car travels about 88 feet per second.
• Measure following distance in seconds, counted from a fixed roadside object.
• Most states: no parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
• A yellow curb signals a stopping or parking limit - check signs and local rules.
• Uncontrolled T-intersection: the terminating road yields to the through road.
• Uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from the curb; downhill: toward it.
• Most states: no parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (a few use 10 feet).
• KEEP RIGHT: pass to the right of the island, median or obstruction.
• Point of no return: past it you cannot stop safely on yellow, so proceed.
• Zipper merge: use both lanes up to the merge point, then alternate.
• In heavy rain use low beams, slow down and increase following distance.
• Parallel park close to and parallel with the curb, within your state's limit.
• Yellow pennant on the left side of the road: a no-passing zone begins.
• Car with skid marks: the road is slippery when wet.
• Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs.
• 4-way stop tie: the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
• ABS keeps wheels from locking in hard braking so you can still steer.
• A round yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
• Merging onto a highway: yield to traffic already on the highway.
• An upward-pointing pentagon marks a school zone or school crossing.
• Steady yellow: the light is about to turn red - stop if you can do so safely.
• Basic speed law: never drive faster than is safe for conditions, even under the limit.
• Use high beams on open roads; dim them for oncoming or followed vehicles.
• Arrows pointing up and down warn of two-way traffic ahead.
• Orange diamond signs warn of construction and work zones.
• Adult (21+) BAC limit is 0.08% in most states.
• Implied consent: by driving you agree to chemical tests if arrested for DUI.