Massachusetts RMV Permit Practice Test 5: 50 Questions
Practice Test 5 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Massachusetts driving rules, including tunnel entry, pedestrian zone sign, braking distance factors and cruise control safety. 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 5 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Tunnel Entry
- Pedestrian Zone Sign
- Braking Distance Factors
- Cruise Control Safety
- Hill or Curve No Sight Distance
- Slippery When Wet Sign
- Entering Traffic from Parked Position
- Driver Distractions
- Animal Crosses Path
- Bicyclist at Night
- Following Large Truck
- Blinded by Headlights
- Drowsy Driving
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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If a vehicle is coming toward you head-on:
Show answer
C. Brake, sound horn, move right
Moving right reduces collision risk.
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When entering a tunnel:
Show answer
B. Turn on headlights
Headlights improve visibility inside tunnels.
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A pedestrian zone sign indicates:
Show answer
C. High pedestrian activity
Pedestrian zones require extra caution.
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Braking distance increases greatly with:
Show answer
B. Speed
Higher speed increases stopping distance.
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Using cruise control is safest on:
Show answer
A. Dry, open highways
Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 5, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. A flashing red signal means you must:
Correct answer: Stop fully before proceeding
Why: Flashing red = stop sign rules.
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Q2. If an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren:
Correct answer: Pull right and stop
Why: You must yield by moving right and stopping.
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Q3. In rain or snow, use:
Correct answer: Low beams
Why: Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility.
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Q4. It has just started to rain in Massachusetts. Why are many roads especially slippery right now?
Correct answer: Rain mixes with road dirt and oil and forms a greasy film
Why: Many roads are most slippery when rain first mixes with road dirt and oil and forms a greasy film, so slow down as soon as the rain starts.
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Q5. To correct a skid, steer:
Correct answer: Toward your intended path
Why: Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
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Q6. A flashing yellow arrow means:
Correct answer: Yield, then turn left when safe
Why: Left turns allowed after yielding to traffic.
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Q7. A solid white line between lanes means:
Correct answer: Lane changes are discouraged
Why: Solid white lines discourage lane changes.
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Q8. A sign with a curved arrow and a speed number indicates:
Correct answer: Recommended speed for the curve
Why: Advisory speeds suggest safe speeds for curves.
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Q9. When approaching a railroad crossing with no gates:
Correct answer: Slow, look, and listen
Why: Always check for trains even without signals.
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Q10. The left lane on a multilane road is used mainly for:
Correct answer: Passing
Why: Left lanes are for overtaking.
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Q11. A pedestrian in a crosswalk has:
Correct answer: The right-of-way
Why: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
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Q12. When turning right, check for:
Correct answer: Pedestrians and bicyclists
Why: Pedestrians often cross where you turn.
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Q13. If your tire blows out:
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually
Why: Gradually reducing speed keeps control.
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Q14. A triangular orange emblem on a vehicle indicates:
Correct answer: Slow-moving vehicle
Why: Slow-moving vehicles travel 25 mph or slower.
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Q15. Driving too slowly can:
Correct answer: Create a hazard
Why: Driving far below the flow disrupts traffic.
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Q16. When entering a roundabout:
Correct answer: Yield to vehicles already inside
Why: Traffic in the circle has priority.
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Q17. At night, use high beams only when:
Correct answer: No oncoming traffic is present
Why: High beams blind approaching drivers.
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Q18. Braking distance increases greatly with:
Correct answer: Speed
Why: Higher speed increases stopping distance.
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Q19. If headlights fail:
Correct answer: Try the switch and use hazard lights
Why: Switching modes may restore lighting.
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Q20. When merging onto a freeway:
Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic
Why: Accelerate to traffic speed before merging.
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Q21. A diamond-shaped sign indicates:
Correct answer: A hazard ahead
Why: Diamond signs warn drivers of conditions ahead.
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Q22. Use turn signals at least:
Correct answer: 100 feet before turning
Why: Signal early to warn others.
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Q23. A flashing yellow light means:
Correct answer: Proceed with caution
Why: Slow and prepare to yield if needed.
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Q24. If another car is tailgating you:
Correct answer: Increase following distance
Why: Creating space ahead reduces risk.
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Q25. To avoid drowsy driving:
Correct answer: Rest before driving
Why: Fatigue requires real rest.
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Q26. Bicyclists must be given:
Correct answer: At least four feet when you pass them
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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Q27. If you miss your exit:
Correct answer: Continue to the next one
Why: Reversing or crossing medians is dangerous.
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Q28. A red X over a lane means:
Correct answer: The lane is closed
Why: Do not use closed lanes.
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Q29. When backing out of a driveway, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic and pedestrians
Why: You must yield when entering the roadway.
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Q30. A white rectangular sign typically shows:
Correct answer: Regulations
Why: Regulatory signs are rectangular and white.
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Q31. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane:
Correct answer: Ease off the gas
Why: Gently slowing helps tires regain traction.
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Q32. When approaching a yellow speed advisory sign:
Correct answer: It shows a recommended safe speed
Why: Advisory speeds suggest what's safe, not mandatory.
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Q33. When approaching a hill or curve where you cannot see ahead:
Correct answer: Never pass
Why: Passing where visibility is limited is unsafe.
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Q34. If a traffic signal loses power:
Correct answer: Treat it as a four-way stop
Why: All directions must stop and take turns.
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Q35. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle:
Correct answer: Has the right-of-way
Why: First to stop = first to go.
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Q36. When entering traffic from a parked position:
Correct answer: Signal and check blind spots
Why: Always check your surroundings before merging.
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Q37. A pedestrian zone sign indicates:
Correct answer: High pedestrian activity
Why: Pedestrian zones require extra caution.
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Q38. Driver distractions include:
Correct answer: Phone use and eating
Why: Distractions reduce reaction time.
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Q39. If an animal suddenly crosses your path:
Correct answer: Brake and stay in your lane
Why: Swerving can cause worse crashes.
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Q40. When entering a tunnel:
Correct answer: Turn on headlights
Why: Headlights improve visibility inside tunnels.
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Q41. A “Slippery When Wet” sign means:
Correct answer: Reduce speed on wet pavement
Why: Wet pavement reduces traction.
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Q42. Before driving, you should adjust:
Correct answer: Seat, mirrors, and wheel
Why: Proper adjustments improve safety.
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Q43. When following a large truck:
Correct answer: Increase following distance
Why: Trucks require extra stopping distance.
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Q44. If a vehicle is coming toward you head-on:
Correct answer: Brake, sound horn, move right
Why: Moving right reduces collision risk.
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Q45. A triangular yield sign means:
Correct answer: Slow and yield to crossing traffic
Why: Yield signs require giving right-of-way.
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Q46. Using cruise control is safest on:
Correct answer: Dry, open highways
Why: Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
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Q47. If you are blinded by oncoming headlights, you should:
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane
Why: Looking to the right edge guides you without glare.
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Q48. Before entering a multilane roadway from the curb, you must:
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors, and check blind spots
Why: Blind-spot checks are essential when joining traffic.
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Q49. When traveling in fog, you should:
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights
Why: Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility in fog.
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Q50. If your brakes fail while driving, your first step should be to:
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal several times
Why: Pumping the brakes may restore pressure temporarily.