A child is seven years old and 54 inches tall. What restraint is required in an ordinary passenger vehicle?
Correct answer: An appropriate federally approved child passenger restraint.
The child is under eight and under 57 inches, so the child-restraint requirement applies. Select and install a restraint appropriate for the child and its instructions.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 36 (physical PDF page 44) — Child Passenger Restraints. ↗
Your car has front air bags. What should you do about seat belts?
Correct answer: Wear the lap and shoulder belt correctly.
Air bags supplement rather than replace safety belts. Properly using both provides better protection.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 38 (physical PDF page 46) — Air-Bag Safety. ↗
Where should you avoid placing a rear-facing child restraint?
Correct answer: In front of an active passenger-side air bag.
A deploying front air bag can severely injure an infant in a rear-facing seat. Follow the restraint and vehicle instructions and use an appropriate rear position.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 36 (physical PDF page 44) — Child Passenger Restraints. ↗
What minimum tread depth does the manual specify in the proper tire grooves?
Correct answer: 2/32 inch.
Tires need at least 2/32 inch in the proper grooves and must not have exposed cords or fabric breaks. Air pressure alone does not establish safe condition.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 42 (physical PDF page 50) — Brakes and Tires. ↗
Your vehicle has lane alerts and other driver assistance features. What responsibility remains with you?
Correct answer: Learn their limitations and remain attentive and in control.
Read the vehicle instructions before using assistance systems. They support the driver rather than replace attentive driving.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 46 (physical PDF page 54) — Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. ↗
Your working antilock brakes activate during a hard stop. Should you pump the pedal?
Correct answer: No; do not pump antilock brakes.
The manual distinguishes ABS from non-ABS emergency procedures and says not to pump ABS. Follow the vehicle's operating instructions.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 45 (physical PDF page 53) — Braking and Stopping. ↗
A tire blows out while you are driving. Which initial action helps retain control?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator.
Control the vehicle first and avoid abrupt braking or steering. Once under control, slow and move off the road safely.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 124 (physical PDF page 132) — Flat Tire, Blowout, or Wheel Loss. ↗
Your right wheels leave the pavement onto the shoulder. What should you do?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel, ease off the accelerator and slow before a gentle return.
Avoid a sudden correction. Reduce speed, check traffic and steer gently back when safe.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 124 (physical PDF page 132) — Running Off the Pavement. ↗
The accelerator pedal sticks. What should you do to stop engine power from continuing to drive the wheels?
Correct answer: Shift to neutral and brake to slow the vehicle.
The manual directs shifting to neutral and braking while keeping attention on the road, then stopping at a safe location.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 124 (physical PDF page 132) — Stuck Gas Pedal. ↗
Your car is stuck on train tracks and a train is approaching. What is the priority?
Correct answer: Get everyone out immediately and move well away from the tracks.
Do not delay evacuation. Move away from the tracks toward the approaching train at an angle to avoid the path of wreckage, then call 911.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 125 (physical PDF page 133) — Stalling on Railroad Tracks. ↗
On a four-lane divided highway, a tow truck has flashing emergency lights on the right shoulder. The adjacent lane is clear. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow safely and move over to leave an open lane beside it.
On a qualifying highway, slow and safely move to a lane not next to the stopped response, maintenance or recovery vehicle.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 120 (physical PDF page 128) — Stationary Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles. ↗
Traffic makes it unsafe to change lanes near a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stay cautious and reduce to a reasonable, safe speed.
If a safe move-over is impossible, the duty to slow and proceed cautiously remains. Be prepared to stop if necessary.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 120 (physical PDF page 128) — Stationary Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles. ↗
An ambulance approaches with a siren while you are already in an intersection. What should you do?
Correct answer: Clear the intersection, then pull right and stop when safe.
Do not block the intersection. Move through, signal and pull safely to the right, then stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 120 (physical PDF page 128) — Moving Emergency Vehicle. ↗
How close may you follow an emergency vehicle that is responding to an alarm?
Correct answer: No closer than 300 feet.
Following within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm is illegal. Do not use its cleared path to bypass traffic.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 120 (physical PDF page 128) — Moving Emergency Vehicle. ↗
You are involved in a crash that causes an injury. By when must the required written crash report be filed?
Correct answer: Within five days of the crash.
An injury, death or at least $1,000 in property damage triggers the reporting requirement. The RMV report is due within five days, with copies as directed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 131 (physical PDF page 139) — Reporting a Crash. ↗
A reportable crash caused $1,500 in property damage. You told your insurer. Is that enough?
Correct answer: No; complete the required report for the RMV and local police as well.
Informing insurance alone does not meet the crash-reporting requirements. Follow the manual's instructions for the RMV, police and insurer copies.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual, revised April 2026, printed page 131 (physical PDF page 139) — Reporting a Crash. ↗
