Massachusetts Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 32 questions based on the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, 13 of them on Massachusetts's own rules.
Key Massachusetts facts: Lanes & Turns
Bicycle lanes are five feet wide, and motor vehicles may enter them only when turning on or off the road. Chapter 4, Bicycle Lanes, p. 91 Advisory bicycle lanes are dashed; motor vehicles may use the space when necessary but must yield to bicyclists first. Chapter 4, Advisory Bicycle Lanes, p. 91 Where an expressway has three or more lanes your way, slower drivers keep far right, faster drivers use the middle and passing happens far left. Chapter 4, Driving on the Highway, p. 95 A highway breakdown lane is generally not for travel or passing, though on some highways it may be used for travel at posted times. Chapter 4, Using Lanes, p. 94 Signal at least 500 feet before a highway exit ramp or a turn on a highway. Chapter 4, Entering and Exiting the Highway, p. 95; Turns, p. 97 Sample Lanes & Turns questions
Before crossing a broken yellow line to pass, how much clear road must you have in view?
At least 400 feet At least 100 feet At least 200 feet At least 800 feet Show the answer
At least 400 feet
The view ahead has to be clear for 400 feet or more before you cross over.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Passing on the Left, p. 103
A narrow street has a bicycle lane marked with dashes. May you use that space?
Whenever you wish, as it is a full lane Only to park for a short time When necessary, yielding to bicyclists first Never, under any conditions Show the answer
When necessary, yielding to bicyclists first
This is an advisory bicycle lane, which motor vehicles may share when needed.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Advisory Bicycle Lanes, p. 91
When may a motor vehicle drive in a standard bicycle lane?
Only when turning on or off the road Whenever no bicyclist is close by When traffic in your lane is stopped When you need to pass on the right Show the answer
Only when turning on or off the road
Look carefully for bicyclists and cross with care when you do.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Bicycle Lanes, p. 91
On an expressway with three lanes in your direction, what is the far left lane for?
Passing Entering from ramps Slower driving Stopping in an emergency Show the answer
Passing
Slower drivers keep far right, faster drivers use the middle lane and the far left is kept for passing.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Driving on the Highway, p. 95
In a multiple-lane rotary with no signs, which lane should you enter from to continue straight ahead?
The left lane Whichever lane is empty The right lane The middle lane Show the answer
The right lane
For a quarter turn or for going straight, use the right lane and stay in it through the exit.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Choosing a Lane, p. 101
A solid and a broken yellow line run side by side, with the solid line on your side. May you cross to pass?
Yes, if the way ahead is clear Yes, within 200 feet of a hill Yes, during daylight only No, not from your side Show the answer
No, not from your side
Only the driver with the broken line closer may cross, and only to pass when it is safe.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Double Yellow Lines: One Solid, One Broken, p. 90
You are thinking about a U-turn. What sight distance must you and other drivers have?
500 feet 100 feet 1,000 feet 200 feet Show the answer
500 feet
Don't make one on a hill crest, near a curve or anywhere you or others can't see 500 feet away.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, U-Turns, p. 98
What does red pavement mark on a Massachusetts road?
A no-stopping zone near a school A fire lane for parked trucks An area for bicycles only Lanes or stops used by public transit Show the answer
Lanes or stops used by public transit
Red pavement is used for buses, streetcars, trolleys, light rail and rapid transit.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Bus Lanes, p. 91
When may you drive over a painted channelizing island?
Whenever no other cars are near Only when a police officer directs you to When your lane is blocked When turning right in heavy traffic Show the answer
Only when a police officer directs you to
You may not drive over or park on one without such a direction.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Channelizing Islands, p. 92
When may you drive in a highway breakdown lane as a travel lane?
Whenever your flashers are on Only on highways that post hours for it To pass a slower vehicle on the right Whenever traffic in other lanes is slow Show the answer
Only on highways that post hours for it
As a general rule it is not for travel or passing. Permitted hours are clearly posted.
Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), Chapter 4, Using Lanes, p. 94
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026 (cover letter), English PDF, text read in the built-in browser on 2026-11-08 because mass.gov refuses plain downloads; page numbers in sections are the manual's printed numbers (PDF page = printed page + 8) edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
