Massachusetts permit test: sharing the road
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, trucks, buses and slow vehicles. 7 questions.
Under Massachusetts' Vulnerable Road Users law, how much room must you leave when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian?
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Sample sharing the road questions
Under Massachusetts' Vulnerable Road Users law, how much room must you leave when passing a bicyclist or pedestrian?
- A At least 2 feet
- B At least 4 feet
- C At least 6 feet
- D At least 3 feet
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B. At least 4 feet
When passing a vulnerable road user, such as a pedestrian, bicyclist, roadside worker or wheelchair user, you must leave at least four feet. If safe, you may use part of the next lane or cross the center line to do so.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 57
What can a driver or passenger be fined for opening a car door into an oncoming bicyclist?
- A Up to $25
- B Up to $500
- C Up to $100
- D Up to $1,000
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C. Up to $100
Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $100 for opening a door into an oncoming bicycle. Check mirrors and open the door with your far hand (the Dutch Reach) so you turn and see bicyclists coming.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 123
A trolley stops to let passengers on and off. How close may you drive to the trolley's passenger step?
- A No closer than 4 feet
- B No closer than 20 feet
- C No closer than 8 feet
- D No closer than 15 feet
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C. No closer than 8 feet
State law forbids driving closer than eight feet to a trolley's passenger step while passengers are getting on or off. Riders often walk straight from the step into the street.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 115
A motorcyclist is riding near one side of a wide lane. May you move into that lane beside them?
- A No; a motorcycle is entitled to the full lane
- B Yes, during heavy traffic only
- C Yes, if the motorcyclist waves you over
- D Yes, if the lane is wide enough for both of you to fit
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A. No; a motorcycle is entitled to the full lane
Motorcycles have the right to use the full width of a lane, even if they ride to one side. Never move into the same lane space; motorcyclists need room to avoid potholes, debris and oil.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 60