Massachusetts permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 63 Massachusetts numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 48 number questions in our Massachusetts bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

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Numbers flashcards

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See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    A 17-year-old with no prior OUI offenses refuses a chemical test. What license suspension applies?

    Three years plus an additional one year

    Refusing a chemical test brings much longer suspensions for young drivers. A driver under 18 with no prior OUI loses the license for three years plus an extra year, which can drop to 180 days with a DPH-approved alcohol education program on a first case.

    Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 78

  • Fines, points & penalties

    You are caught driving 73 mph where the posted limit is 55 mph. Using the manual's speeding-fine formula, what is the fine?

    $185

    The base speeding fine plus surcharge covers the first 10 mph over ($105), and every mph beyond that adds $10. At 18 mph over: $105 plus 8 times $10 equals $185.

    Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 65

  • Speed limits

    Unless signs say otherwise, what is the reasonable speed limit in a thickly settled or business district?

    30 mph

    Unless posted otherwise, 30 mph is the most you should drive in a thickly settled or business district.

    Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 87

Every Massachusetts number, by topic

Official test facts and Massachusetts laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclemalegislature.gov
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Operating a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration in the person's blood or breath is 0.04 or more
1 year · 3 monthsDrunk driving (DUI)License revoked for 1 year (hardship license may be requested after 3 months)malegislature.gov
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had a blood alcohol percentage of two one-hundredths or greater or upon evidence that such person refused to submit to a chemical test or analysis of his breath or blood under section 24
5 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)5 years with two priorsmalegislature.gov
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shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred nor more than five thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years, or both such fine and imprisonment.
180 daysDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a chemical test brings an automatic license suspension of at least 180 daysmalegislature.gov
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no such test or analysis shall be made and he shall have his license or right to operate suspended in accordance with this paragraph for a period of 180 days
Three years · one yearA 17-year-old with no prior OUI offenses refuses a chemical test. What license suspension applies?Answer: Three years plus an additional one yearMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 78
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No Prior OUI Offenses Three years + One year Drivers under age 18
30 days · one yearA 17-year-old driver fails a chemical test. What administrative license suspension applies?Answer: 30 days plus an additional one yearMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 77
Quote
Drivers under age 18 License is suspended for 30 days, plus an additional one year
$500 to $5,000What is the fine range for a first-offense conviction for operating under the influence (OUI) in Massachusetts?Answer: $500 to $5,000Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 76
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Maximum 2 1/2 years One Year $500–$5,000 First Offense
$100 to $500What is the fine if you are convicted of having an open alcoholic drink inside your vehicle while driving?Answer: $100 to $500Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 82
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You may not have an open alcoholic drink inside your vehicle, even if someone else is holding it. If you are convicted of this offense, you will be fined $100 to $500.

Fines, points & penalties

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$100 · $250 second · $500Phone use$100 first offense, $250 second, $500 third or latermalegislature.gov
Quote
A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of $100 for a first offense, by a fine of $250 for a second offense and by a fine of $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
$100 · 60-dayPhone useFirst offense: $100 fine, 60-day suspension and an attitudinal coursemalegislature.gov
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A junior operator who violates the preceding paragraph shall be punished by a fine of $100 and shall have his license or permit suspended for 60 days for a first offense
$185You are caught driving 73 mph where the posted limit is 55 mph. Using the manual's speeding-fine formula, what is the fine?Answer: $185Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 65
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if you drive 73 mph on a highway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph, you would get a $185 dollar fine.
$25,000 · $50,000 · $30,000If your road-test vehicle is registered out of state, its insurance must at least equal the Massachusetts minimum limits. What are they?Answer: $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $30,000 property damageMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 32
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Massachusetts minimum limits, which are $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage.
$250What is the penalty for a second offense of using a handheld mobile device while driving in Massachusetts?Answer: $250 fine plus a distracted driving education programMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 48
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2nd offense - $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program
$25You are driving and your 14-year-old passenger is not wearing a safety belt. Who can be fined?Answer: You, the driver, can be fined $25Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 43
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A driver can also be fined $25 for each passenger age 12, 13, 14, or 15 who is not wearing a safety belt.
$100In Massachusetts, how much can the fine for tailgating be?Answer: As much as $100Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
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Tailgating is illegal and the main cause of rear-end crashes. The fine for tailgating can be as high as $100.
$100What can a driver or passenger be fined for opening a car door into an oncoming bicyclist?Answer: Up to $100Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 123
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Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a vehicle door into an oncoming bicycle.
$250What penalty can a first violation of the Massachusetts school bus stopping law bring?Answer: A $250 fine and a license suspensionMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 113
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A first violation of this law can cause a license suspension and a $250 fine.
$1,000You must file a written crash report if anyone is killed or injured, or if damage to any one vehicle or other property is more than what amount?Answer: $1,000Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MassDOT) website
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in which there is damage in excess of one thousand dollars to any one vehicle or other property shall, within five days after such accident, report in writing to the registrar

Speed limits

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 mphSpeed limitsSchool zone: 20 mphmalegislature.gov
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within a school zone which may be established by a city or town as provided in section two of chapter eighty-five at a rate of speed exceeding twenty miles per hour
65 mphSpeed limitsThe highest limit is 65 mph on interstatesmalegislature.gov
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interstate 95 from the Newbury interchange 56 to the Danvers interchange 50, shall be sixty-five miles per hour.
30 mphUnless signs say otherwise, what is the reasonable speed limit in a thickly settled or business district?Answer: 30 mphMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 87
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30 mph in a thickly settled or business district (unless there are signs showing a 25 mph limit)
20 mphWhat is the speed limit on roads near schools in Massachusetts?Answer: 20 mphMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 88
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The speed limit on roads near schools is 20 mph.
40 mphWith no speed limit posted, what is the maximum reasonable speed on an ordinary road outside a thickly settled or business district?Answer: 40 mphMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 87
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40 mph outside a thickly settled or business district
50 mphWith no posted limit, what is the maximum reasonable speed on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district?Answer: 50 mphMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 87
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50 mph on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district

Distances & following gaps

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
100 feetSchool busesNever follow within 100 feet of a school busmalegislature.gov
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No person shall operate a motor vehicle within a distance of 100 feet behind a school bus.
100 feetHow far ahead should you signal before turning on a regular street in Massachusetts?Answer: At least 100 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 105
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Signal your turn at least 100 feet before making the turn. On a highway, signal at least 500 feet before a turn.
500 feetYou should not make a U-turn anywhere that you or other drivers cannot see at least how far away?Answer: 500 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 106
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Do not make a U-turn at the crest of a hill, near a curve, or anyplace where you or other drivers cannot see 500 feet away.
20 to 30 secondsBefore starting a three-point turn, how large a gap in traffic should you wait for?Answer: 20 to 30 secondsMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 107
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Wait until you have a 20-30 second gap to complete the turn.
400 feetTo pass by crossing a broken yellow line on a two-lane road, how far ahead must you be able to see clearly?Answer: At least 400 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 111
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If you are crossing a broken yellow line to pass, you must be able to see clearly at least 400 feet in front of you.
200 feetWhile passing on a two-lane road, you must return to the right lane before an oncoming vehicle comes within what distance?Answer: 200 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 111
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You must return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet of you.
200 feet · 4 mileHow does Massachusetts define a "thickly settled district"?Answer: Buildings less than 200 feet apart for at least 1/4 mileMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 88
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A “thickly settled district” is an area where buildings are fewer than 200 feet apart for a distance of 1/4 mile or more.
Three secondsWhat is the minimum following distance the Massachusetts manual recommends in good conditions?Answer: Three secondsMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
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Use the "three-second" rule to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
four secondsHow much following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?Answer: At least four secondsMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
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Keep more space (at least four seconds) behind a motorcycle than you would for another vehicle.
ten secondsHow much space should you keep between your vehicle and heavy equipment such as a dump truck or tractor?Answer: At least ten secondsMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 51
Quote
Keep more space (at least ten seconds) between your vehicle and heavy equipment (for example, dump trucks, tractors).
500 feetHow far ahead should you signal before reaching a highway exit ramp?Answer: At least 500 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 103
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Be sure to signal your exit at least 500 feet before you reach the exit ramp.
4 feetUnder Massachusetts' Vulnerable Road Users law, how much room must you leave when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian?Answer: At least 4 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 57
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When you pass a vulnerable road user, you must leave a safe passing distance of at least four feet between your vehicle and the road user.
8 feetA trolley stops to let passengers on and off. How close may you drive to the trolley's passenger step?Answer: No closer than 8 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 115
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You must not drive closer than eight feet of a trolley passenger step when the trolley is letting passengers on or off.
300 feetHow close may you legally follow a fire truck or other emergency vehicle responding to an alarm?Answer: No closer than 300 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 128
Quote
It is illegal to follow closer than 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm.
10 and 100 feet · 100 feetYour car breaks down on a two-lane road with traffic in both directions. Where should you place warning triangles or LED flares?Answer: 10 and 100 feet behind, and 100 feet in frontMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 134
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place your warning triangles or LED flares: • 10 feet behind your vehicle • 100 feet behind your vehicle • 100 feet in front of your vehicle

Parking

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 feetHow close to a fire hydrant may you park in Massachusetts?Answer: No closer than 10 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 119
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Within ten feet of a fire hydrant or fire lane
20 feetHow close to an intersection may you park in Massachusetts?Answer: No closer than 20 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 118
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In a posted loading zone • Within 20 feet of an intersection
12 inchesWhen parallel parking in a business or residential district, how close must your vehicle be to the curb?Answer: No more than 12 inchesMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 117
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If you park in a business or residential district, your vehicle must be no more than 12 inches from the curb.
12 feetWhen you stop or park on a Massachusetts road, how wide a clear roadway must you leave for traffic to pass?Answer: At least 12 feetMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 117
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You must always make sure that you leave at least a 12-foot wide, clear roadway for traffic to pass.

Ages, permits & the test

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25Questions on the testmass.gov
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Each learner's permit exam has 25 multiple-choice questions. ... To pass the exam, you must answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted time of 25 minutes.
18 of 25Correct answers to passmass.gov
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Each learner's permit exam has 25 multiple-choice questions. ... To pass the exam, you must answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted time of 25 minutes.
25 minutesTime limitmass.gov
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Each learner's permit exam has 25 multiple-choice questions. ... To pass the exam, you must answer 18 questions correctly within the allotted time of 25 minutes.
$30Feemass.gov
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Customers can also choose to take the permit exam online within 60 days of visiting the Service Center. ... You can take the exam again, but you must visit your profile on myRMV to pay another $30 fee first. ... The exam is available in 35 different languages.
Under 18Phone useUnder 18 (permit and junior operator license holders): no use of any mobile telephone or electronic device, handheld or hands-free, while driving, except to report an emergencymalegislature.gov
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No person under 18 years of age shall hold in their hand or use a mobile telephone, hands-free mobile telephone or mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on any public way.
at least 21 · one yearWho must be seated beside you when you drive on a Massachusetts Class D learner's permit?Answer: A licensed driver at least 21 with one year of driving experienceMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 26
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occupies the passenger seat next to you and is at least 21 years old, holds a valid driver’s license from Massachusetts or another state, and has at least one year of driving experience.
30 hoursA JOL applicant normally needs 40 hours of supervised driving. How many hours does the RMV accept if the teen completed a driver skills development program?Answer: 30 hoursMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 18
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The RMV will accept 30 hours of driving supervised by a parent or guardian if the applicant completed a driver skills development program.
12 hoursAn RMV-approved driver education program in Massachusetts includes how many hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel training?Answer: 12 hoursMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 18
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which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction; 12 hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel training; and six hours of in-car experience observing other student drivers.
60 daysA Junior Operator is convicted for the first time of violating the passenger or night restriction. How long is the license suspension?Answer: 60 daysMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 19
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you will be subject to a license suspension of 60 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense, and one year for subsequent offenses.
60 daysWhat happens if you are found responsible for cheating on the learner's permit exam?Answer: You may not hold any license or permit for 60 daysMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 24
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If you are found responsible for cheating, you will not be allowed to hold any type of driver’s license or permit for 60 days.
30 daysA driver 18 or older is found guilty of three speeding violations within 12 months. What happens to the license?Answer: It is suspended automatically for 30 daysMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 67
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If you are found guilty for three speeding violations within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended automatically for 30 days.
90 daysA 17-year-old with a Junior Operator License gets a first speeding conviction. What suspension does the law require?Answer: 90 daysMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 67
Quote
A Junior Operator license (for drivers under age 18) will be suspended for 90 days for a first speeding citation and one year for any later citation.

Time limits & deadlines

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000 · 5 daysCrashesIf anyone is killed or injured, or any one vehicle or other property has more than $1,000 damage, each driver must file a written crash report with the RMV within 5 days and send a copy to the police department where the crash happenedmalegislature.gov
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in which there is damage in excess of one thousand dollars to any one vehicle or other property shall, within five days after such accident, report in writing to the registrar on a form approved by him and send a copy thereof to the police department having jurisdiction
20 daysA police officer gives you a citation for a civil motor vehicle infraction. How long do you have to pay it or request a hearing?Answer: 20 daysMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 64
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you must pay the required fine or request a hearing to dispute it. You have 20 days to do this.
five daysAfter a reportable crash, how soon must you file a written crash report with the RMV?Answer: Within five daysMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 139
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You must file a written report with the RMV within five days of the crash.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
under 18,000 lbSeat beltsAll drivers and passengers in private passenger vehicles, vanpool vehicles and trucks under 18,000 lbmalegislature.gov
Quote
No person shall operate a private passenger motor vehicle or ride in a private passenger motor vehicle, a vanpool vehicle or truck under eighteen thousand pounds on any way unless such person is wearing a safety belt which is properly adjusted and fastened
Under age 8 · 57 inchesSeat beltsUnder age 8: child passenger restraint (car seat or booster) unless taller than 57 inchesmalegislature.gov
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A passenger in a motor vehicle on any way who is under the age of 8 shall be fastened and secured by a child passenger restraint, unless such passenger measures more than 57 inches in height.
Age eight or fifty-seven inchesUnder Massachusetts law, a child must ride in a federally approved child passenger restraint until reaching what age or height?Answer: Age eight or fifty-seven inches tallMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 44
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Infants and small children must sit in federally approved child passenger restraints until they... 1. Are at least eight years old or 2. At least fifty-seven inches tall
35 percentWhat does Massachusetts allow for window tinting on a passenger vehicle?Answer: Side and rear windows up to 35 percent; no windshield tintMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 42
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You can darken your side and rear windows up to 35 percent. It is illegal to tint your windshield.
15 feetThe red lights begin flashing at a railroad crossing. Where must you stop?Answer: At least 15 feet before the light post or gateMassachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 95
Quote
If the lights begin to flash, you must stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate.

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Massachusetts permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 63 of them for Massachusetts, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), Massachusetts statutes or RMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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