Massachusetts permit test: road signs
Sign shapes and colors, regulatory, warning and guide signs, railroad crossings and work zones. 13 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Sample road signs questions
1. Red lights begin flashing at a railroad crossing ahead of you. Where must you stop?
- A. At least 50 feet before the first rail
- B. Right next to the gate arm
- C. At least 5 feet before the tracks
- D. At least 15 feet before the light post or gate
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D. At least 15 feet before the light post or gate
When the crossing lights flash, stop at least 15 feet before the light post or gate. Stay stopped until the gate rises and the lights stop flashing, even if you do not see a train.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 95
2. In Massachusetts, what does an orange sign usually warn you about?
- A. Electronic toll collection
- B. Construction or maintenance work
- C. A school zone or pedestrian crossing
- D. A traffic incident ahead
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B. Construction or maintenance work
Orange signs warn of construction or maintenance. When you see them, slow down and watch for workers and changes in the road.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 91
3. This plaque is mounted below a stop sign at an intersection. What does it tell you?
- A. You may turn right without stopping
- B. Only traffic on the main road must stop
- C. All traffic coming to the intersection must stop
- D. Traffic signals are ahead in every direction
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C. All traffic coming to the intersection must stop
When an ALL WAY or 4-WAY plaque is added to a stop sign, all traffic coming to the intersection must stop. The first vehicle in the intersection has the right of way.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 94
4. You approach this sign at an intersection with a crosswalk painted in front of it. What must you do?
- A. Slow down and continue if no cars are coming
- B. Stop only if another vehicle is already at the intersection
- C. Come to a complete stop before the crosswalk, then go when it is safe
- D. Stop in the middle of the crosswalk so you can see better
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C. Come to a complete stop before the crosswalk, then go when it is safe
This sign always means come to a complete halt. Stop before any crosswalk or stop line, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, and then go carefully. Just slowing down is not enough.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 94