Massachusetts RMV Permit Practice Test 2: 50 Questions
Practice Test 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Massachusetts driving rules, including hand signal left turn, hand signal right turn, hand signal Slowing/Stopping and hill parking uphill with curb. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More Massachusetts Practice Tests
What Practice Test 2 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Hand Signal Left Turn
- Hand Signal Right Turn
- Hand Signal Slowing/Stopping
- Hill Parking Uphill with Curb
- Bicycle Passing Clearance
- Hand-Held Phone Prohibition
- Advisory Speed Curve
- Passing Return to Lane
- Funeral Procession Yield
- Road Rage Reduction
- Animal in Road Response
- Rotary Entry
- Driving Too Slowly
- Backing Up Safety
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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The hand signal for a left turn is:
Show answer
C. Arm straight out
Arm extended horizontally signals a left turn.
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When parking uphill with a curb, turn your wheels:
Show answer
A. Away from the curb
Turning away lets the vehicle roll back into the curb if needed.
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When passing a bicycle, you must allow:
Show answer
B. At least four feet
Massachusetts’ vulnerable road users law requires at least four feet of space when you pass a bicyclist, pedestrian or other vulnerable road user. If it is safe, you may use part of the next lane or cross the center line to do it.
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Using a hand-held phone while driving is:
Show answer
C. Illegal for all drivers
MA prohibits hand-held phone use for all drivers.
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When passing another vehicle, return to your lane when:
Show answer
C. You can see its headlights in your mirror
Seeing headlights in your mirror means you have enough space.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 2, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. A flashing red traffic signal requires you to:
Correct answer: Stop fully and proceed only when clear
Why: A flashing red always requires a complete stop before entering the intersection.
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Q2. When a school bus shows flashing red lights, you must:
Correct answer: Stop in all directions unless divided by a median
Why: Red flashing lights mean all approaching vehicles must stop unless a physical median separates traffic.
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Q3. On wet roads, the safest way to avoid hydroplaning is to:
Correct answer: Reduce speed
Why: Lower speeds help your tires maintain contact with the road.
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Q4. If your vehicle begins to skid, your first move should be:
Correct answer: Steer gently toward your intended direction
Why: Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go while easing off the gas.
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Q5. A flashing yellow arrow for a left turn means you should:
Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic before turning
Why: Flashing yellow arrows allow left turns, but only after yielding.
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Q6. At an uncontrolled intersection, the right-of-way belongs to:
Correct answer: The driver who arrives first
Why: Whoever arrives first goes first; if tied, yield to the vehicle on your right.
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Q7. A broken white line separates lanes:
Correct answer: Moving in the same direction
Why: Broken white lines divide lanes traveling the same way.
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Q8. On a multilane road, slower vehicles should travel:
Correct answer: In the right lane
Why: Right lanes are for slower traffic; left is for passing.
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Q9. You must use headlights when visibility is:
Correct answer: 500 feet or less
Why: Low visibility requires headlights to see and be seen.
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Q10. A steady red arrow means:
Correct answer: No turning in that direction
Why: A red arrow prohibits turning until it turns green.
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Q11. When merging onto a highway, your goal is to:
Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic
Why: Matching speed helps merge smoothly with existing traffic.
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Q12. Driving closely behind another vehicle is called:
Correct answer: Tailgating
Why: Tailgating is dangerous and reduces reaction time.
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Q13. If another vehicle is in your blind spot, you should:
Correct answer: Not change lanes until clear
Why: Check blind spots physically and wait until the lane is clear.
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Q14. Before moving from a parked position, you should:
Correct answer: Signal and check mirrors/blind spots
Why: Signal early and check surroundings before pulling into traffic.
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Q15. When approaching a yield sign, you must:
Correct answer: Slow and yield to traffic and pedestrians
Why: Yield signs require slowing and giving the right-of-way when needed.
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Q16. A diamond-shaped sign generally warns of:
Correct answer: Hazards or conditions ahead
Why: Diamond signs warn of potential dangers or changes ahead.
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Q17. It is safest to maintain at least a ______ following distance in good weather.
Correct answer: 3-second
Why: The 3-second rule gives you time to react and stop safely.
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Q18. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the gas
Why: Gradually reducing speed helps the tires regain traction.
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Q19. Backing up safely requires you to:
Correct answer: Turn your head and look out the rear window
Why: Direct rear observation is required for backing safely.
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Q20. A round yellow sign indicates:
Correct answer: A railroad crossing ahead
Why: Round signs warn drivers of a nearby railroad crossing.
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Q21. When parking uphill with a curb, turn your wheels:
Correct answer: Away from the curb
Why: Turning away lets the vehicle roll back into the curb if needed.
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Q22. The hand signal for a left turn is:
Correct answer: Arm straight out
Why: Arm extended horizontally signals a left turn.
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Q23. A pedestrian carrying a white cane should be given:
Correct answer: Absolute right-of-way
Why: Drivers must yield to visually impaired pedestrians.
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Q24. Traffic is heavy on a Massachusetts highway. May you drive in the breakdown lane to get around it?
Correct answer: Generally no; only on some highways during specific times
Why: As a general rule, do not use a highway breakdown lane for travel or passing. Some highways allow breakdown-lane travel during specific times.
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Q25. If an oncoming car has high beams on, look:
Correct answer: To the right edge of your lane
Why: Looking at the right edge reduces glare and keeps you in lane.
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Q26. When entering a rotary, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to vehicles already in the rotary
Why: Rotary traffic has priority over entering vehicles.
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Q27. Driving too slowly can:
Correct answer: Increase crash risk
Why: Moving significantly below traffic flow is dangerous.
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Q28. If your tire blows out, you should:
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually
Why: Gradual slowing helps maintain control during a blowout.
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Q29. You must stop for a pedestrian:
Correct answer: In any marked or unmarked crosswalk
Why: Pedestrians have priority in all crosswalks.
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Q30. When passing a bicycle, you must allow:
Correct answer: At least four feet
Why: Massachusetts’ vulnerable road users law requires at least four feet of space when you pass a bicyclist, pedestrian or other vulnerable road user. If it is safe, you may use part of the next lane or cross the center line to do it.
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Q31. If you miss your highway exit:
Correct answer: Proceed to the next exit
Why: Stopping or reversing on highways is illegal and dangerous.
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Q32. Using a hand-held phone while driving is:
Correct answer: Illegal for all drivers
Why: MA prohibits hand-held phone use for all drivers.
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Q33. When driving in fog, use:
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights
Why: High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
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Q34. The hand signal for slowing or stopping is:
Correct answer: Arm down
Why: Arm angled downward indicates slowing or stopping.
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Q35. If traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as:
Correct answer: A four-way stop
Why: All drivers must stop and take turns.
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Q36. Failing to yield to emergency vehicles can result in:
Correct answer: Fines and penalties
Why: Drivers must pull over for emergency vehicles or face penalties.
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Q37. A yellow speed advisory sign on a curve indicates:
Correct answer: A recommended safe speed
Why: Advisory speeds show what is safe, not required.
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Q38. When changing lanes, signal:
Correct answer: At least 100 feet before moving
Why: Signaling early gives drivers time to react.
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Q39. At night, use high beams when:
Correct answer: No oncoming traffic is present
Why: High beams are for open, unlit roads without traffic ahead.
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Q40. Your stopping distance depends heavily on:
Correct answer: Speed
Why: Higher speeds increase stopping distance significantly.
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Q41. If your brakes stop working, you should:
Correct answer: Pump brakes and downshift
Why: Pumping and downshifting help slow the vehicle safely.
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Q42. When passing another vehicle, return to your lane when:
Correct answer: You can see its headlights in your mirror
Why: Seeing headlights in your mirror means you have enough space.
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Q43. Drivers must yield to funeral processions:
Correct answer: When they have right-of-way
Why: Funeral processions with right-of-way must be yielded to.
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Q44. A solid white line on the right edge of the road is:
Correct answer: The shoulder boundary
Why: This line marks the edge of the roadway.
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Q45. Road rage can be reduced by:
Correct answer: Avoiding aggressive drivers
Why: Staying calm and avoiding conflict improves safety.
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Q46. When two vehicles arrive at the same time at a four-way stop:
Correct answer: Yield to the vehicle on your right
Why: If tied, the right-hand driver goes first.
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Q47. You should increase following distance when:
Correct answer: Driving in rain or poor conditions
Why: Bad conditions require more space to react.
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Q48. Before driving, adjust your:
Correct answer: Seat, mirrors, and wheel
Why: Proper seating and mirror adjustment improve safety.
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Q49. If an animal runs into the road, the safest action is usually to:
Correct answer: Brake firmly and stay in your lane
Why: Swerving can cause a worse crash; brake and maintain lane control.
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Q50. When approaching a work zone, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared for sudden stops
Why: Work zones require reduced speed and extra caution for workers and changing traffic patterns.