Massachusetts permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 5 questions.
You are 17 and driving. When may you use a mobile electronic device?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
You are 17 and driving. When may you use a mobile electronic device?
- A Only in hands-free mode
- B Only for GPS navigation
- C Only while stopped at a red light
- D Only to report an emergency
Show answer
D. Only to report an emergency
Massachusetts drivers under 18 may not use any mobile electronic device for any reason while driving, even hands-free. The only exception is reporting an emergency.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 48
You are 30 and stopped at a red light. May you pick up your phone to read a text?
- A No; handheld use is not allowed at red lights
- B Yes, as long as the vehicle is fully stopped
- C Yes, but only if the light has just turned red
- D Yes, if the engine is idling and the brake is on
Show answer
A. No; handheld use is not allowed at red lights
Drivers 18 and older may use a device only in hands-free mode, mounted and touched only to activate hands-free. Handheld use is allowed only when the vehicle is stationary and out of a public travel lane, never at red lights or stop signs. Reading texts while driving is banned anyway.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 47
What is the penalty for a second offense of using a handheld mobile device while driving in Massachusetts?
- A $250 fine plus a distracted driving education program
- B $500 fine plus an insurance surcharge
- C $100 fine and nothing else
- D $50 fine plus a written warning
Show answer
A. $250 fine plus a distracted driving education program
Handheld device fines climb with each offense: $100 for a first, $250 plus a mandatory distracted driving program for a second, and $500 plus an insurance surcharge and the program for third and later offenses.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 48
You are 19. Which use of an earphone or headset while driving is legal?
- A Noise-canceling earbuds in both ears
- B Headphones in both ears for music
- C A wireless headset playing a podcast
- D One earplug used with a cell phone
Show answer
D. One earplug used with a cell phone
It is illegal to wear headphones or any headset that limits your attention to the environment while driving. Drivers 18 and older may use one earplug with a cell phone, which leaves the other ear free to hear sirens and horns.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 47