Free Massachusetts RMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 is modeled on the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) written knowledge exam, which has 25 questions; to pass you need 18 of 25 correct (72%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the RMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
Which of the following is NOT a legal reason to use your horn?
What's on the Massachusetts Practice Test 3
The real Massachusetts knowledge test has 25 questions, and to pass you need 18 of 25 correct (72%). Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 45 questions, scored against a practice target of 72%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Traffic laws 11
- Safe driving 7
- Alcohol & drugs 4
- Emergencies 3
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Right of way 1
- Parking 1
45 questions in the pool, 2 of them written specifically for Massachusetts. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. 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.
Source: official Massachusetts driver handbook, Manual PDF p.76, license suspension chart and note (MGL c.90 s.24P)
2. A black-and-white rectangular sign reading 'NO TURN ON RED' means:
- A. Turn on red only if no cars are coming
- B. No turning on red, even after stopping (correct)
- C. Only left turns on red are banned here
- D. Turns are never allowed here
Why: A 'No Turn on Red' sign prohibits turning while the signal is red, even after a complete stop. You must wait for a green light to turn.
3. When may a driver enter or cross a bike lane?
- A. To pass slower cars when traffic is heavy
- B. Never, under any circumstances
- C. To turn or cross to parking, yielding to cyclists (correct)
- D. To wait in it while the car ahead of you turns
Why: Bike lanes are for bicyclists. You may enter or cross one only when needed to turn, enter or leave a driveway or alley, or park where allowed, and you must yield to bicyclists first. States differ on details: California lets you merge into the bike lane before a turn, while Connecticut and Hawaii only let you cross it.
4. What does this sign tell you?
- A. Traffic must turn at the next corner
- B. All traffic moves in the arrow's direction (correct)
- C. The arrow shows the way to a detour route
- D. Only the right lane may go that way
Why: A 'One Way' sign means all traffic must travel in the single direction the arrow points. Do not turn or drive against the arrow.
5. What is the difference between a black-on-white speed sign and a yellow speed sign below a warning sign?
- A. They mean the same - both are legal limits
- B. White is the legal limit; yellow is advisory (correct)
- C. Yellow is the legal limit; white is advisory
- D. White is for trucks; yellow is for cars
Why: A black-on-white speed sign is the legal speed limit. A yellow speed plate below a warning sign (e.g., on a curve) is an advisory speed - the safe recommended speed for that hazard.
6. If a tire blows out while you are driving, the first thing you should do is:
- A. Brake hard to stop as quickly as you can
- B. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas (correct)
- C. Turn on hazard lights and stop in the lane
- D. Steer hard toward the shoulder right away
Why: During a blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly to keep the vehicle straight, ease your foot off the accelerator, and let the car slow gradually. Hard braking can cause a spin. Pull off the road only after you have control.
More Massachusetts facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Massachusetts permit practice test page.
Massachusetts RMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 25
- Passing score
- 72%
- Correct needed
- 18 of 25 correct (72%)
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Testing agency
- Registry of Motor Vehicles
More Massachusetts Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Massachusetts Practice Test 3 once - keep taking it until you score 72% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your RMV exam.