Massachusetts Permit Test: Safe Driving Practice Questions

Correct answer: The driver

A driver can be fined $25 for each passenger age 12 to 15 who is not belted. Passengers 16 and older are fined themselves.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Safety/Seat Belt Law

Correct answer: Only when stopped for another violation

You can only get a safety belt fine when you are stopped for some other traffic violation. The fine is $25.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Safety/Seat Belt Law

Correct answer: At least 8 years old or 57 inches tall

Children must use an approved child passenger restraint until they are at least 8 years old or at least 57 inches tall; after that they must wear safety belts.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Child Passenger Restraints

Correct answer: Front passenger seat with an air bag

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat if that seat has an air bag. The back middle seat is the safest place for a child.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Child Passenger Restraints

Correct answer: No, except rare cases and never over 5 mph

Children under 12 are not allowed to ride in pickup truck beds; the very limited exceptions never allow speeds over 5 mph.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Truck Beds

Correct answer: When stationary and out of a travel lane

Handheld use is allowed only when the vehicle is stationary and not in a public travel lane; it is not allowed at red lights or stop signs. Don't stop on a busy roadside to use a phone.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Distracted Driving Law/ Hands-Free Mobile (Cell) Phone Use

Correct answer: Mounted, and used hands-free

Drivers 18 and older may use devices only in hands-free mode, mounted on the windshield, dashboard or center console, touching them only to activate hands-free mode.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Distracted Driving Law/ Hands-Free Mobile (Cell) Phone Use

Correct answer: $100

A first offense is a $100 fine; a second is $250 plus a distracted driving program; a third or later is $500, an insurance surcharge and the program.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Penalties for Violating the Law

Correct answer: Illegal; 18+ may use one earpiece for a phone

Wearing headphones or any device that restricts your attention to the surroundings is illegal while driving; drivers 18 or older may use one earpiece for a cell phone.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Headphones

Correct answer: Three seconds

Use the three-second rule as a minimum in good conditions and moderate traffic; leave more space in bad weather or when you can.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Safe Distances Around Your Car

Correct answer: At least ten seconds

Keep at least ten seconds between your vehicle and heavy equipment; keep at least four seconds behind a motorcycle.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Safe Distances Around Your Car

Correct answer: Three-quarters of a second

Reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. At 50 mph you travel about 55 feet before you even start braking.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Braking and Stopping

Correct answer: About 215 feet

At 50 mph you travel about 55 feet while reacting plus about 160 feet while braking, for about 215 feet in total.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Braking and Stopping

Correct answer: Half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise

Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when you can't see 500 feet ahead, in tunnels and whenever your wipers are on. Daytime running lights are not enough.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Using Your Horn, Headlights, and Emergency Signals

Correct answer: 500 feet

Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.

Source: Chapter 2: Safety First – Night Driving – High Beam Headlights