Massachusetts permit test: speed limits & control

Posted and basic speed laws, statutory limits and adjusting speed to conditions. 6 questions.

Question 1 of 6
Speed limits & controlMassachusetts rule

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

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 speed limits & control questions

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

    • A 40 mph
    • B 35 mph
    • C 30 mph
    • D 25 mph everywhere
    Show answer

    C. 30 mph

    Unless posted otherwise, 30 mph is the most you should drive in a thickly settled or business district. Some cities and towns have adopted 25 mph and post signs at every entrance.

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

  2. What is the speed limit on roads near schools in Massachusetts?

    • A 30 mph
    • B 15 mph
    • C 20 mph
    • D 25 mph
    Show answer

    C. 20 mph

    The school zone speed limit is 20 mph. It may be posted with flashing yellow lights or for certain hours, so watch for signs and for children and crossing guards.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Class D Passenger Vehicles), page 88

  3. With no speed limit posted, what is the maximum reasonable speed on an ordinary road outside a thickly settled or business district?

    • A 30 mph
    • B 55 mph
    • C 40 mph
    • D 50 mph
    Show answer

    C. 40 mph

    Unless posted otherwise, the reasonable limits are 20 mph in school zones, 30 mph in thickly settled or business districts, 40 mph outside them, and 50 mph on a highway outside them.

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

  4. With no posted limit, what is the maximum reasonable speed on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district?

    • A 65 mph
    • B 50 mph
    • C 40 mph
    • D 55 mph
    Show answer

    B. 50 mph

    Unless a sign says otherwise, 50 mph is the most you should drive on a highway outside a thickly settled or business district. Posted limits on limited-access highways range from 50 to 65 mph.

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