Passenger (Class D) road test

Massachusetts Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

The Class D road test is an on-street drive with an RMV Road Test Examiner, taken in a vehicle you supply with a licensed sponsor riding in the back seat. You show hand signals at the start, then parallel park, back up about 50 feet, make a three-point turn between curbs, start, stop and turn on a hill, and drive through turns and intersections. The RMV does not publish a point system; the examiner records pass, fail or reject, and the RMV lists the common reasons for failing.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MassDOT) sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 10 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
10
Score limit
Not published
Listed automatic failures
6

Who can take the Massachusetts road test

Applicants 16 1/2 to 18 (Junior Operators) must hold the learner's permit for six consecutive months, keep a clean driving record for six months, finish driver's education and log 40 supervised hours (30 with a skills program). Applicants 18 and older need only a valid learner's permit; driver's education is not required. Official source 1mass.gov“An applicant for a driver's license between ages 16 1/2 and 18 must comply with several requirements to obtain a JOL: • Have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months”“Maintain a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mass.gov“Applicants under 18 must complete all Junior Operator License requirements , including completing a Driver's Education Program . If you're over 18, you don't need to complete a Driver's Education Program.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

0 of 6 ready

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“Have a completed road test application, and have your parent or guardian complete the parental consent section if you are under age 18.”“2. Have your printed learner's permit. 3. Bring a qualified sponsor (see the Sponsor Requirements section). The sponsor must have their current valid license with them.”“Provide an acceptable, properly equipped, legally registered vehicle (with the registration certificate) to use in your test”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3mass.gov“Has had a valid U.S. license, issued by their home state or U.S. territory, with at least one year driving experience. The physical license must be presented to the examiner; an electronic image of the license is not acceptable.”“Have your valid learner's permit with you. Your official paper permit must be legible, or a duplicate permit will be required.”“Carry proof of insurance coverage in the form of a policy specifying the limits of coverage.”“Have the rental agreement and written permission on the rental company's letterhead with an authorized representative's signature and title authorizing use of the vehicle for the road test.”“Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your sponsor to the RMV location.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Good working condition, able to pass the examiner's safety check
  • Valid registration and current inspection sticker
  • A seat next to you for the examiner and a rear seat behind the driver for the sponsor
  • A parking brake the examiner can reach to make an emergency stop (center-console brake; vehicles without one are refused)
  • Working parking brake, tested by the examiner before the test
  • No 'donut' spare tire
  • Out-of-state registration: proof of insurance at Massachusetts minimum limits
  • Backup cameras and parking aids may stay on, but you must not rely only on them
SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“Parking brakes must work properly and will be tested by the examiner before the road test.”“A vehicle cannot be used for a road test if one of its tires has been replaced by a "donut" (limited use spare) tire.”“These devices will not need to be disabled. However, your driving skills and abilities without relying only on these specialized features will be tested.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3mass.gov“Be in good working condition and be able to pass a safety check. Have a valid registration and current inspection sticker. Contain adequate seating accommodations next to the operator for the use of the examiner and have a rear seat behind the driver for the sponsor.”“Be designed to let the examiner make an emergency stop using the parking brake. If not, the vehicle CANNOT be used for the road test, you will not be charged for the road test.”“Any vehicle with a center console that does not have a parking brake as part of the console CANNOT be used.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Massachusetts road test is scored

No point system or error count is published. The examiner marks Pass, Fail or Reject on the road test application with a reason, judging your overall driving skills and general good-driving habits. The RMV publishes a list of common reasons for failing. Official source 1mass.gov“During a road test, you should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to... • Use hand signals • Start the engine • Start and stop the vehicle • Parallel Park • Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet”“You were driving in a way that may have caused a crash or in a way the examiner considered dangerous. • You violated a motor vehicle law, rule, or regulation.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

Any one of these ends or fails a Massachusetts road test, no matter how well the rest goes.

  1. Driving in a way that may have caused a crash, or that the examiner considers dangerous Official source 1mass.gov“You were driving in a way that may have caused a crash or in a way the examiner considered dangerous. • You violated a motor vehicle law, rule, or regulation.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  2. Violating a motor vehicle law, rule or regulation Official source 1mass.gov“You were driving in a way that may have caused a crash or in a way the examiner considered dangerous. • You violated a motor vehicle law, rule, or regulation.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  3. Showing a lack of experience operating the vehicle safely Official source 1mass.gov“• You demonstrated a lack of experience safely operating a motor vehicle. • You refused to follow or drove contrary to the examiner's instructions. • You didn't know the hand signals”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  4. Refusing to follow, or driving contrary to, the examiner's instructions Official source 1mass.gov“• You demonstrated a lack of experience safely operating a motor vehicle. • You refused to follow or drove contrary to the examiner's instructions. • You didn't know the hand signals”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  5. Not knowing the hand signals Official source 1mass.gov“• You demonstrated a lack of experience safely operating a motor vehicle. • You refused to follow or drove contrary to the examiner's instructions. • You didn't know the hand signals”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  6. Being at fault in a crash with a vehicle, pedestrian or object Official source 1mass.gov“• You were at fault in a crash with another motor vehicle, pedestrian, or object. Note: The RMV has a zero tolerance policy for violent or abusive conduct by road test applicants and sponsors.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maneuvers on the Massachusetts driving test

Steps and scoring come from Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MassDOT)’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Hand signals

Always tested

How it’s scored

You demonstrate turn and stop hand signals at the start of the test. Not knowing them is listed as a common reason for failing.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• You demonstrated a lack of experience safely operating a motor vehicle. • You refused to follow or drove contrary to the examiner's instructions. • You didn't know the hand signals”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3mass.gov“Know your hand signals, used to show turns and stops. You will be asked to demonstrate those safety signals at the start of your test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parallel park

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate. Scoring criteria not published.

Steps

  1. Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, about two or three feet away, lined up bumper to bumper or seat to seat.
  2. Look behind you both ways for pedestrians and traffic.
  3. Back slowly, turning the wheel all the way toward the curb, looking out the rear window rather than using mirrors.
  4. When your front passes the parked vehicle's rear bumper, turn the wheel the opposite way and keep backing.
  5. When back far enough, straighten the wheels and pull forward, leaving room in front and behind, then shift into park.
SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“During a road test, you should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to... • Use hand signals • Start the engine • Start and stop the vehicle • Parallel Park • Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet”“Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space. Leave about two or three feet between your vehicle and the parked one.”“Position your vehicle so that your rear bumper or front seats line up with the rear bumper or front seats of the other vehicle. 3. Look behind you both ways to check for pedestrians and other traffic.”“Look directly out your rear window. Do not use your mirrors. 5. When your front passes the parked vehicle's rear bumper, turn your steering wheel the opposite way and continue backing up.”“When you are back far enough, straighten your wheels and pull forward. Make sure you keep enough space in front of and behind you so that other vehicles can get out.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Back the vehicle about 50 feet

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate. Scoring criteria not published.

Steps

  1. Position the car as close as possible to the right curb.
  2. Check for traffic in both directions, including your blind spot.
  3. Shift into reverse and back up looking over your right shoulder, at a safe, smooth speed while keeping your lane.
SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“During a road test, you should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to... • Use hand signals • Start the engine • Start and stop the vehicle • Parallel Park • Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet”“Backing Up Use the following steps when backing up: 1. Position yourself as close as possible to the right edge of the curb. 2. Check for traffic in both directions (including your blind spot).”“3. Shift into reverse and start backing up, while looking over your right shoulder. Ensure a safe and smooth speed while maintaning your lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Turn around between curbs (three-point turn)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate. Scoring criteria not published.

Steps

  1. Position the car close to the right curb, signal left, check both directions and your blind spot, and wait for a 20 to 30 second gap.
  2. Move slowly while turning the wheel quickly left until the car is across the street about two feet from the curb; stop.
  3. Turn the wheel fully right, check both directions and your blind spot, shift into reverse and back up looking over your right shoulder.
  4. Stop just before the opposite curb.
  5. Check traffic again, signal left, shift into drive and accelerate to the proper speed.
SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• Make left - right turns • Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill • Turn around between curbs (three point turn) • Enter and leave intersections”“Position yourself as close as possible to the right edge of the curb. Signal a left turn. Check for traffic and pedestrians in both directions (including your blind spot). Wait until you have a 20-30 second gap to complete the turn.”“Move slowly and turn the steering wheel quickly to the left. This will bring the vehicle perpendicular to the street about two feet from the curb. Come to a stop.”“Turn your steering wheel fully to the right. Check for traffic in both directions (including your blind spot). Shift into reverse and start backing up, while looking over your right shoulder.”“Back up to the opposite curb, stopping just before the curb. 5. Check again for traffic in both directions (including your blind spot). Signal a left. Shift into drive (or for manual cars, first gear) and accelerate to the proper speed.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Start, stop and turn on a hill

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate. Scoring criteria not published.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• Make left - right turns • Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill • Turn around between curbs (three point turn) • Enter and leave intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4mass.gov“Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill Turn around between curbs (three-point turn) Enter and leave intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Left turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• Make left - right turns • Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill • Turn around between curbs (three point turn) • Enter and leave intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Right turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• Make left - right turns • Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill • Turn around between curbs (three point turn) • Enter and leave intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Enter and leave intersections

Always tested

How it’s scored

Listed among the skills you should be prepared to demonstrate, along with obeying signs, lights and signals.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• Make left - right turns • Start, stop, and turn the vehicle on a hill • Turn around between curbs (three point turn) • Enter and leave intersections”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Lane use and lane changes

Always tested

How it’s scored

The examiner notes whether you drive in the proper lane and look and signal before changing lanes.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“• Use good driving posture, with both hands always placed properly on the wheel • Drive in the proper lane and look carefully and signal properly before changing lanes”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle inspection and parking brake test

Always tested

How it’s scored

The examiner inspects the vehicle and tests the parking brake before the drive; an unsafe vehicle cancels the test.

Steps

Not officially described by RMV.

SourcesOfficial source 1mass.gov“Parking brakes must work properly and will be tested by the examiner before the road test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Driving posture and hand position

    Both hands placed properly on the wheel. Official source 1mass.gov“• Use good driving posture, with both hands always placed properly on the wheel • Drive in the proper lane and look carefully and signal properly before changing lanes”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Following distance, safe speed and right-of-way

    Keep enough distance from the vehicle ahead, drive at safe speeds for limits and traffic, and yield properly. Official source 1mass.gov“• Maintain enough distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you • Always drive at safe speeds to comply with speed limits and varying traffic conditions • Properly yield the right-of-way”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Starting and stopping

    Start the engine and start and stop the vehicle smoothly. Official source 1mass.gov“During a road test, you should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to... • Use hand signals • Start the engine • Start and stop the vehicle • Parallel Park • Back the vehicle approximately 50 feet”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Massachusetts road test

Wait at least 14 days before another test (also after a no-show). You pay the $35 road test fee again for each failure, rejection, late cancellation or no-show. No more than six Class D road tests in 12 months. Official source 1mass.gov“If you fail a road test or do not appear for your scheduled test, you must wait at least 14 days before taking another test.”“For a Class D license, you are not allowed to attempt more than six road tests in a 12-month period.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mass.gov“The $35 road test fee is not refunded if you: Fail the test Are unprepared Do not have a registered vehicle Are late or do not appear”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3mass.gov“You are responsible for the road test fee for each failure, rejection, less than 72 hours cancellation, or no show.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Massachusetts permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

No waiver for Class D: every applicant tests with an RMV examiner. Driving-school students can use the school's car and their instructor as sponsor. Official source 1mass.gov“Another benefit of learning to drive through a licensed school is the ability to use a school vehicle for your road test and a school instructor as your test sponsor.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mass.gov“Unless your test is scheduled through a driving school, all road test applicants must supply their own vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Massachusetts road test questions

What is on the Massachusetts road test?

The Class D road test is an on-street drive with an RMV Road Test Examiner, taken in a vehicle you supply with a licensed sponsor riding in the back seat. You show hand signals at the start, then parallel park, back up about 50 feet, make a three-point turn between curbs, start, stop and turn on a hill, and drive through turns and intersections. The RMV does not publish a point system; the examiner records pass, fail or reject, and the RMV lists the common reasons for failing. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Hand signals, Parallel park, Back the vehicle about 50 feet, Turn around between curbs (three-point turn), Start, stop and turn on a hill, Left turns, Right turns, Enter and leave intersections, Lane use and lane changes, Vehicle inspection and parking brake test.

How is the Massachusetts driving test scored?

No point system or error count is published. The examiner marks Pass, Fail or Reject on the road test application with a reason, judging your overall driving skills and general good-driving habits. The RMV publishes a list of common reasons for failing.

What is an automatic fail on the Massachusetts road test?

Official Massachusetts sources list these as automatic failures: Driving in a way that may have caused a crash, or that the examiner considers dangerous; Violating a motor vehicle law, rule or regulation; Showing a lack of experience operating the vehicle safely; Refusing to follow, or driving contrary to, the examiner's instructions; Not knowing the hand signals; and Being at fault in a crash with a vehicle, pedestrian or object.

What do I need to bring to the Massachusetts road test?

Your valid printed learner's permit (legible, or get a duplicate); A completed Class D road test application, signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18; A sponsor at least 21 with a year of driving experience and a valid U.S. license (the physical card, not a photo); An acceptable vehicle with its registration certificate; Proof of insurance if the vehicle is registered out of state; rental agreement and company letter if rented; and Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Massachusetts road test?

Good working condition, able to pass the examiner's safety check; Valid registration and current inspection sticker; A seat next to you for the examiner and a rear seat behind the driver for the sponsor; A parking brake the examiner can reach to make an emergency stop (center-console brake; vehicles without one are refused); Working parking brake, tested by the examiner before the test; No 'donut' spare tire; Out-of-state registration: proof of insurance at Massachusetts minimum limits; and Backup cameras and parking aids may stay on, but you must not rely only on them.

When can I take the Massachusetts road test?

Applicants 16 1/2 to 18 (Junior Operators) must hold the learner's permit for six consecutive months, keep a clean driving record for six months, finish driver's education and log 40 supervised hours (30 with a skills program). Applicants 18 and older need only a valid learner's permit; driver's education is not required.

What happens if I fail the Massachusetts road test?

Wait at least 14 days before another test (also after a no-show). You pay the $35 road test fee again for each failure, rejection, late cancellation or no-show. No more than six Class D road tests in 12 months.

Can the Massachusetts road test be waived?

No waiver for Class D: every applicant tests with an RMV examiner. Driving-school students can use the school's car and their instructor as sponsor.

Notes from our check

No examiner score sheet or point values are published; the Class D or M Road Test Application (RDT103) has only an examiner Pass/Fail/Reject box with a reason, and the RMV publishes a Class D and M Road Test Information Sheet (RDT101_0825). The 'common reasons for failing' list is from the driver's manual and is not labelled as automatic failures; treat it as the RMV's stated grounds for failing. The examiner can also reject the test (no drive) for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, an odor of alcohol or cannabis, or unsupervised children or animals. Road test videos exist on mass.gov but were not used as text sources. The manual says sponsors may hold a license from their home state; the information sheet narrows that to U.S. states and territories.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

mass.gov

  1. download
  2. passenger class d road tests
  3. download
  4. download

This guide summarizes official Massachusetts sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a RMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MassDOT) before test day.

Massachusetts permit practice testsSupervised driving log