In Massachusetts, a steady red arrow points right and no sign prohibits a turn on red. Which rule applies?
Correct answer: The usual stop-and-yield rules for turning on red.
Massachusetts applies its circular-red turning rules to a red arrow in that direction. Other states may use a different rule.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 81 (physical PDF page 89) — Steady Red Arrow. ↗
When may a left turn on red be permitted in Massachusetts, after stopping and yielding?
Correct answer: From a one-way street onto another one-way street, if not prohibited.
The left-on-red permission is limited to one-way to one-way turns, with the same stop, yield and posted-restriction requirements.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 81 (physical PDF page 89) — Steady Red Circle. ↗
A signal is flashing red as you approach an intersection. How should you proceed?
Correct answer: Stop, give the right-of-way and continue when safe.
Treat a flashing red signal as a stop sign. Every approaching driver must make the required stop.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 81 (physical PDF page 89) — Flashing Red Circle. ↗
Your left-turn arrow is flashing yellow and an oncoming car is approaching. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield and wait for a safe gap before turning.
A flashing yellow arrow permits a yielding turn, not a protected turn. Check both oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 81 (physical PDF page 89) — Flashing Yellow Arrow. ↗
Your light is green, but traffic beyond the intersection leaves no space for your motorcycle. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait outside the intersection until there is room.
Green does not authorize blocking an intersection. Enter only when you can get completely through.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 81 (physical PDF page 89) — Steady Green Circle. ↗
The light changes to steady yellow while you approach, and you can stop safely. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop before entering the intersection.
Steady yellow warns that red is next. Stop when it is safe; do not start from a stopped position on yellow.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 81 (physical PDF page 89) — Steady Yellow Circle. ↗
You are entering a rotary with normal yield signs and no officer directing traffic. Who has priority?
Correct answer: Vehicles already circulating and pedestrians in your path.
Yield before entering. Signs or police may direct otherwise, but normal rotary entry gives way to circulating traffic.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 101 (physical PDF page 109) — Rotary Traffic Rules. ↗
You and a vehicle directly to your right stop at an all-way stop at the same time. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield to the driver on your right.
For simultaneous stops, yield to the vehicle directly on your right rather than trying to force priority.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 100 (physical PDF page 108) — Four-Way Stop. ↗
A school bus on the opposite side of an undivided road is loading pupils with red lights flashing and its stop sign extended. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop, even though you are traveling in the opposite direction.
On an undivided road the stopping requirement applies from either direction. Continue cautiously only after the bus signals allow it.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 105 (physical PDF page 113) — School Buses. ↗
A school bus has stopped on the opposite roadway of a divided highway with a barrier separating travel directions. What is the exception?
Correct answer: You are not required to stop for the bus across that barrier.
The handbook exempts traffic on the opposite side of a divided highway with a barrier. Painted lines alone are not that barrier.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 105 (physical PDF page 113) — School Buses. ↗
What minimum safe passing clearance does Massachusetts require around a vulnerable road user?
Correct answer: At least four feet.
Leave a safe distance of at least four feet. If necessary, use adjacent lane space or cross the center line only when safe, and obey the speed limit.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 49 (physical PDF page 57) — Vulnerable Road Users Law. ↗
A pedestrian using a white cane is crossing the street. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop completely and remain stopped until they have safely crossed.
The White Cane Law requires a complete stop for a blind pedestrian crossing. Wait until the person has crossed safely.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 100 (physical PDF page 108) — Pedestrians. ↗
You need to cross a bicycle lane while turning off the road. What must you do first?
Correct answer: Check for bicyclists and cross carefully while yielding as required.
Motor vehicles may cross or enter these lanes for the permitted turn, not ordinary through travel. Check carefully for riders before crossing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 91 (physical PDF page 99) — Bicycle Lanes. ↗
A truck ahead moves left before a possible right turn. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stay safely behind instead of entering the gap on its right.
Large vehicles may move left to make room for a wide right turn. The right-side gap can close and may be a blind spot.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 106 (physical PDF page 114) — Passing on the Right, continues on page 107. ↗
A rider signals you to stop as you approach their horse. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and proceed only when it is safe.
The manual requires stopping when the rider or driver signals. Avoid loud noises and give animals adequate space.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 109 (physical PDF page 117) — Animals and Horse-Drawn Vehicles continuation. ↗
An adult driver is stopped at a red light in a travel lane. May they hold a phone to read a message?
Correct answer: No; stopping at a red light does not permit handheld use.
Handheld use requires being stationary outside a public travel lane. Red lights and stop signs are not exceptions.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 39 (physical PDF page 47) — Drivers 18 and Older. ↗
