Massachusetts DMV written test
Massachusetts DMV Cheat Sheet
The Massachusetts knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Massachusetts DMV test numbers to memorize
The Massachusetts knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 18 correct, which is 72 percent. You can miss 7. The test is given by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
25
Questions on the test
18
72% to pass
Correct answers needed
7
Questions you can miss
16
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency states a time limit of 25 minutes.
- Test fee on record
- $30. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at RMV service center. 25-minute time limit. Also available online.
- Online test
- Available. Massachusetts offers online permit testing through Mass.Gov/RMV after an initial visit to a service center.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted for the knowledge test. Appointments available through myRMV online portal.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of Massachusetts residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Certificate of completion of driver education (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Massachusetts retake rules
Each learner's permit knowledge exam attempt costs $30, paid again through the Retake Knowledge Exam transaction in myRMV. The RMV does not publish a waiting period between failed knowledge attempts, or a cap on attempts. A failed road test is different: you must wait 2 weeks, and you may attempt no more than 6 Class D road tests or 6 CDL skills tests in a 12-month period.
- road test (Class D, Class M, and CDL skills test) after failure number 1: wait 14 days.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: $30 per attempt.
- Applicants over 18 who have failed two motorcycle tests must complete a Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) before licensure.
- Attempts are capped at 6 Class D road tests or 6 CDL skills tests in any 12-month period, blocking further attempts once exhausted.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Massachusetts
- Under 18
- Must be at least 16. Must have parental consent. Must complete a state-approved driver education program. Junior Operator License (JOL) restrictions apply until age 18: no passengers under 18 (except family) for first 6 months, no driving 12:30 AM - 5 AM.
- Permit versus license
- A Class D learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold permit for 6 months and complete driver education before taking the road test.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Massachusetts RMV service center, or online through Mass.Gov/RMV for eligible applicants.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Massachusetts: Albanian, American Sign Language, Arabic, Armenian, Burmese, Cape Verdean Creole, English, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Khmer/Cambodian, Kiswahili, Korean, Laotian, Mandarin (Simplified), Mandarin (Traditional), Nepali, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
The study source is the Massachusetts Driver's Manual (April 2026 edition).
From learner data
Most missed Massachusetts practice questions
These free Massachusetts questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
Blue signs with white symbols indicate:
Motorist services
About 50% get it right
- 4
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 5
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 6
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
Your plan
Free Massachusetts study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Massachusetts questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
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