Massachusetts RMV Permit Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   What does the red circle with a slash on this sign mean?

   • AThe action shown inside it is not allowed
   • BThe rule applies only at night
   • CThere is danger ahead
   • DThe action shown is allowed
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The action shown inside it is not allowed

   On US regulatory signs, red is used for STOP, YIELD and the circle and slash that ban an action.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What does it mean to overdrive your headlights?

   • ADriving with only parking lights on
   • BDriving so fast that you cannot stop within the distance your headlights show
   • CUsing high beams near other cars
   • DDriving with one headlight out
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Driving so fast that you cannot stop within the distance your headlights show

   At night, drive at a speed that lets you stop within the area your headlights light up.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What does this sign mean?

   • AA highway patrol station is ahead
   • BA helicopter landing pad is ahead
   • CA hospital is nearby
   • DA hotel is nearby
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A hospital is nearby

   Blue signs show services for drivers, such as hospitals, gas, food and lodging.

4. Question 4 of 25

   The school bus ahead of you turns on flashing yellow (amber) lights. What does this mean?

   • AThe bus is getting ready to stop, so slow down and prepare to stop
   • BThe bus has broken down
   • CYou should pass the bus quickly
   • DThe children have finished crossing
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The bus is getting ready to stop, so slow down and prepare to stop

   Flashing yellow lights on a school bus warn that it will soon stop and turn on its red lights.

5. Question 5 of 25

   An emergency vehicle (1) is stopped on the shoulder with its lights flashing. What should you do in Car 2?

   • AKeep your speed and lane
   • BStop behind the police car
   • CSpeed up to get past quickly
   • DMove over one lane if it is safe; if not, slow down
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Move over one lane if it is safe; if not, slow down

   Move Over laws require you to change to a lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle when safe, or slow down if you cannot.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Which of these is a warning sign that you are too sleepy to drive?

   • AChecking your mirrors often
   • BWanting to change the radio station
   • CFeeling hungry
   • DDrifting over lane lines or hitting rumble strips
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Drifting over lane lines or hitting rumble strips

   Drifting from your lane or hitting rumble strips means you are drowsy. Stop in a safe place and rest.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Your gas pedal sticks while you are driving. What should you do?

   • AReach down with your hand while driving fast
   • BPump the gas pedal hard
   • CShift to neutral, brake, and pull off the road when it is safe
   • DTurn the key off right away
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Shift to neutral, brake, and pull off the road when it is safe

   Shifting to neutral cuts power to the wheels. Turning off the ignition could lock the steering.

8. Question 8 of 25

   Where is this pennant-shaped sign placed?

   • AOn the right side of the road
   • BOnly on freeway on-ramps
   • COver the middle of the road
   • DOn the left side of the road
   Show answer

   Answer: D. On the left side of the road

   The yellow pennant is posted on the left side of two-lane roads, where you look before passing. It marks the start of a no-passing zone.

9. Question 9 of 25

   A train has just passed a crossing with more than one track. What should you do before you go?

   • ADrive around the gates as they start to rise
   • BGo as soon as the last train car passes
   • CMake sure no other train is coming on another track
   • DFollow the car ahead closely across the tracks
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Make sure no other train is coming on another track

   A second train can be hidden by the first one. Wait until the lights stop and you can see that all tracks are clear.

10. Question 10 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • ATurn right at the next road
    • BThe divided highway ends
    • CKeep to the right of the island or obstacle ahead
    • DThe right lane ends
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Keep to the right of the island or obstacle ahead

    Pass on the right side of the traffic island, median or obstacle shown on the sign.

11. Question 11 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AYou may not turn while the light is red; wait for green
    • BNo turns are allowed at any time
    • CThere is a red-light camera ahead
    • DYou may turn right on red after stopping
    Show answer

    Answer: A. You may not turn while the light is red; wait for green

    In most places you may turn right on red after a full stop. This sign takes that choice away, so wait for a green light.

12. Question 12 of 25

    You come to a traffic light that is completely dark because of a power outage. What should you do?

    • AHonk and keep going
    • BTreat the intersection like an all-way stop
    • CYield only to cars on your left
    • DDrive through if no cars are close
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Treat the intersection like an all-way stop

    When a signal is not working, stop as you would at a stop sign, then follow the right-of-way rules.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • A55 mph is the suggested speed for a curve
    • BOnly trucks must keep to 55 mph
    • CYou must drive at least 55 mph
    • D55 mph is the fastest you may legally drive here in good conditions
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 55 mph is the fastest you may legally drive here in good conditions

    A white speed limit sign shows the maximum legal speed. In bad weather or heavy traffic you must drive slower.

14. Question 14 of 25

    You see this sign facing you on a ramp. What should you do?

    • AKeep driving in the left lane with your hazard lights on
    • BYou are going the wrong way: pull over safely, turn around and leave the way you came
    • CSpeed up to get off the ramp quickly
    • DKeep going and take the next exit
    Show answer

    Answer: B. You are going the wrong way: pull over safely, turn around and leave the way you came

    WRONG WAY signs face drivers who are going against traffic. Stop safely, turn around and drive in the correct direction.

15. Question 15 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AA hospital zone begins
    • BA school is near; slow down and watch for children
    • CA playground is ahead
    • DAn adults-only crosswalk is ahead
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A school is near; slow down and watch for children

    The five-sided school sign warns that you are near a school. Slow down, watch for children and obey any school speed limit.

16. Question 16 of 25

    The headlights of an oncoming car are blinding you. Where should you look?

    • AStraight into the headlights
    • BDown at your dashboard
    • CAt the center line
    • DToward the right edge of your lane
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Toward the right edge of your lane

    Look toward the right edge of the road until the car passes. Do not stare into the lights.

17. Question 17 of 25

    You feel sleepy while driving. What is the safest choice?

    • AOpen the window and turn up the radio
    • BChew gum and keep driving
    • CDrive faster to get home sooner
    • DPull over in a safe place and rest or take a short nap
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Pull over in a safe place and rest or take a short nap

    Tricks like a cold window or loud music do not work. Stop and rest; only sleep cures drowsiness.

18. Question 18 of 25

    What should you do when you see this sign?

    • ASlow down and watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk
    • BTurn off your headlights so deer are not blinded
    • CHonk your horn the whole time
    • DSwerve sharply if you see a deer
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Slow down and watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk

    Deer are most active at dawn and dusk. If one appears, brake firmly and stay in your lane rather than swerving.

19. Question 19 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • ATrucks cross the road ahead
    • BAn uphill passing lane is ahead
    • CA steep downhill grade is ahead; slow down and use a lower gear
    • DA truck stop is ahead
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A steep downhill grade is ahead; slow down and use a lower gear

    On a steep downgrade, slow down before the hill and shift to a lower gear so your brakes do not overheat.

20. Question 20 of 25

    You see this sign while driving in the rain. What should you do?

    • APump your brakes often to dry them
    • BDrive on the shoulder
    • CSpeed up to get past quickly
    • DSlow down and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns

    Wet roads can make your tires lose grip. Slow down, leave more space, and steer and brake gently.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Signs with this fluorescent yellow-green color are used for:

    • ASchools, pedestrians and bicycles
    • BGas, food and lodging
    • CRoad work zones
    • DRailroad crossings
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Schools, pedestrians and bicycles

    Fluorescent yellow-green is used for school, pedestrian and bicycle signs because it is easy to see.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What does this sign mean?

    • AThe center lane is only for left turns by traffic from both directions
    • BThe center lane is a passing lane
    • CThe left lane must turn left
    • DTwo lanes may turn left
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The center lane is only for left turns by traffic from both directions

    Use the shared center lane only to slow down and turn left. Never use it to pass or to travel a long way.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor. What should you try first?

    • ATurn off the engine
    • BShift into park
    • COpen the door to drag your foot
    • DPump the brake pedal to build up pressure
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Pump the brake pedal to build up pressure

    Pumping the pedal may build enough pressure to stop. If that fails, use the parking brake slowly and shift to a lower gear.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Total stopping distance, as shown, is made up of which two parts?

    • AThe distance you travel while reacting, plus the braking distance
    • BThe braking distance, counted twice
    • CThe reaction distance plus the length of your car
    • DThe distance to the car ahead plus the braking distance
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The distance you travel while reacting, plus the braking distance

    Part 1 is how far you travel while you see the danger and move your foot to the brake. Part 2 is how far you travel after braking until you stop.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Must you yield to a pedestrian crossing at an intersection that has no painted crosswalk lines?

    • AOnly if a crossing guard is there
    • BOnly in school zones
    • CYes, most intersections have unmarked crosswalks where pedestrians have the right-of-way
    • DNo, only painted crosswalks count
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Yes, most intersections have unmarked crosswalks where pedestrians have the right-of-way

    Pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

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