Free Massachusetts Permit Practice Test 3 (2026)
Real questions from the official Massachusetts driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Traffic Signs & Signals — 6
- Signaling & Communication — 3
- Emergencies & Crashes — 2
- Safe Driving — 2
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Vehicle Equipment — 2
- Adverse Conditions — 1
- Right-of-Way & Intersections — 1
- Traffic Lanes, Passing & Turning — 1
Heaviest on Traffic Signs & Signals (6 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
Every question here applies nationwide.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. A black-on-white sign of this shape is a:
- Regulatory signs that tell you the law
- Warnings
- Service signs
- Guide signs
Show answer
Answer: Regulatory signs that tell you the law
Black-on-white rectangular signs are regulatory — they tell you a traffic law you must obey (e.g., speed limit).
2. A yellow sign showing a symbol of a bump or dip warns you to:
- Speed up
- Slow down for a rough spot in the road
- Stop
- Turn around
Show answer
Answer: Slow down for a rough spot in the road
Bump/dip signs warn of a rough change in the road surface; slow down.
3. You should use your horn to:
- Greet friends
- Hurry pedestrians
- Warn others of danger to help avoid a crash
- Express anger
Show answer
Answer: Warn others of danger to help avoid a crash
The horn is a warning device — use it to alert others, not to vent frustration.
4. To exit an interstate, you should:
- Slow down in the through lane first
- Move into the deceleration (exit) lane, then slow down after leaving the through lanes
- Stop before the ramp
- Signal only after exiting
Show answer
Answer: Move into the deceleration (exit) lane, then slow down after leaving the through lanes
Move into the exit/deceleration lane and reduce speed after you leave the main lanes — not while still in them.
5. In cold or humid weather, the defroster helps by:
- Keeping the windshield and windows clear
- Saving fuel
- Charging the battery
- Cooling the engine
Show answer
Answer: Keeping the windshield and windows clear
Use the defroster to keep glass clear for good visibility.
6. If your right wheels drift onto the shoulder, you should:
- Ease off the gas and steer back gently when it's safe
- Speed up
- Jerk the wheel back onto the road
- Brake hard
Show answer
Answer: Ease off the gas and steer back gently when it's safe
Don't jerk the wheel — slow down and steer back onto the pavement smoothly.
7. In fog, using high beams:
- Helps you see better
- Warns others
- Is required
- Reflects back and reduces visibility — use low beams
Show answer
Answer: Reflects back and reduces visibility — use low beams
High beams reflect off fog into your eyes; low beams are better.
8. When stopped behind another car in traffic, you should leave enough space to:
- See its rear tires and pull out around it if needed
- Save room for others
- Read its plate
- Touch bumpers
Show answer
Answer: See its rear tires and pull out around it if needed
Leave enough gap to see the tires touching the road — room to maneuver if needed.
9. What does this sign mean?
- Tunnel
- Divided highway
- Narrow bridge ahead
- Road widens
Show answer
Answer: Narrow bridge ahead
A narrow-bridge warning — the bridge ahead is narrower than the road; use caution.
10. A sign of this shape and color indicates:
- A construction or work zone
- A hospital zone
- A scenic route
- A school zone
Show answer
Answer: A construction or work zone
Orange means a construction or maintenance work zone — slow down and watch for workers.
11. If you smell smoke or see flames from your engine, you should:
- Pull over, shut off the engine, get out, and move away
- Keep driving
- Speed to a station
- Open the hood immediately
Show answer
Answer: Pull over, shut off the engine, get out, and move away
Stop, turn off the engine, evacuate, and move well away from the vehicle.
12. Hazard (four-way) flashers are meant for when your vehicle is:
- Moving fast
- Stopped or disabled and creating a hazard
- Passing
- Turning
Show answer
Answer: Stopped or disabled and creating a hazard
Use hazards when stopped or disabled — not during normal driving.
13. A single broken (dashed) white line between lanes means:
- Bike lane
- Opposing traffic
- No lane changes
- You may change lanes when safe
Show answer
Answer: You may change lanes when safe
Broken white lines separate same-direction lanes and allow lane changes when safe.
14. Before a night trip you should check that:
- Only the radio works
- The seats recline
- All lights (head, tail, brake, signals) work
- The horn is loud
Show answer
Answer: All lights (head, tail, brake, signals) work
Make sure all your lights work before driving at night.
15. When traffic ahead slows suddenly, having a proper following distance lets you:
- Pass immediately
- Ignore brake lights
- Tailgate safely
- Stop or slow without a rear-end collision
Show answer
Answer: Stop or slow without a rear-end collision
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending the car in front.
16. Using hazard lights while driving normally in traffic is:
- A turn signal
- Recommended
- Required in rain
- Not appropriate — they're for stopped/disabled vehicles
Show answer
Answer: Not appropriate — they're for stopped/disabled vehicles
Hazards are for when you're stopped or disabled, not for normal driving.
17. The safest response to drowsiness behind the wheel is to:
- Push through
- Pull over and rest
- Turn up music
- Drive faster
Show answer
Answer: Pull over and rest
Only rest cures fatigue — pull over safely and sleep.
18. A white sign reading 'TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE' means:
- Trucks must stay in the right lane
- No trucks at night
- Trucks are banned
- Cars use right lane
Show answer
Answer: Trucks must stay in the right lane
This regulatory sign requires trucks to keep to the right lane.
19. On a multilane highway you should generally match:
- A safe, legal speed with the flow of traffic
- The truck ahead
- The slowest driver
- The fastest driver
Show answer
Answer: A safe, legal speed with the flow of traffic
Drive a safe, legal speed near the flow of traffic; large speed differences cause crashes.
20. After a stopped school bus, when may you proceed?
- After honking
- When the red lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move
- Immediately if no children are seen
- As soon as you slow down
Show answer
Answer: When the red lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move
Remain stopped until the flashing red lights are off and the bus moves or signals you on.