Massachusetts permit test: safe driver habits
Seat belts, child seats, air bags, distractions, mobile devices, defensive driving and drowsiness. 12 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1. You are giving a ride to your 6-year-old nephew, who is 45 inches tall. How must he ride?
- A. In the front seat with a safety belt
- B. In a regular safety belt in the back seat
- C. On an adult's lap with a lap belt
- D. In a federally approved child passenger restraint
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D. In a federally approved child passenger restraint
Children must ride in a federally approved child passenger restraint until they are at least eight years old or at least fifty-seven inches tall. A 6-year-old who is 45 inches tall meets neither condition.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 44
2. You have a green light and see a pedestrian near the crosswalk ahead. What is the defensive way to drive?
- A. Look only at the signal so you do not miss a change
- B. Watch the crosswalk closely, because others may ignore signals
- C. Honk to make sure the pedestrian stays on the curb
- D. Keep your speed, since the green light gives you the right-of-way
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B. Watch the crosswalk closely, because others may ignore signals
Defensive drivers pay close attention to crosswalks and do not rely on traffic signals, because other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians may ignore them. Right-of-way is something you give to prevent crashes.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 49
3. You are 25 and stopped at a red light. You want to pick up your phone to read a text. What does Massachusetts law say?
- A. It is allowed because the vehicle is not moving
- B. It is allowed if you are in the right lane
- C. It is not allowed; hand-held use is banned even at red lights
- D. It is allowed if you put it down before the light turns green
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C. It is not allowed; hand-held use is banned even at red lights
Drivers 18 and older may hold a device only when the vehicle is stationary and not in a public travel lane. Hand-held use is not allowed at red lights or stop signs, and reading messages while driving is banned.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47
4. You are 19 and want to listen while driving. Which use of earphones does Massachusetts law allow?
- A. Noise-canceling headphones on the highway only
- B. Wireless headphones in both ears at low volume
- C. One earplug for use with a cell phone
- D. A radio headset in one ear for music
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C. One earplug for use with a cell phone
It is illegal to wear headphones or any device that limits your attention to your surroundings while driving. Drivers 18 or older may use one earplug for a cell phone.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), page 47