Massachusetts
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FAQ

Massachusetts RMV Motorcycle Permit Practice Test 2022

There are 28 questions on the Massachusetts RMV motorcycle test, and you will need to answer at least 18 correctly to get a passing score (72%). The questions in our sample tests are nearly identical to those on the official MA MC test.

Not your state?
What to expect on the official MA motorcycle permit test
Number of questions:
25
Correct answers needed to pass:
18
Passing score:
72%
Minimum age to apply:
16years
practice test
Questions

Motorcycle riders should:

AExpect that other drivers will see you and yield the right--of-way when they should
Expect that other drivers will NOT see you and fail to yield the right--of-way when they should

You cannot be certain that others will see you or yield the right-of-way. Adapt your riding so you won't crash as a result of someone else's negligence.

What is hydroplaning?

AWhen you don’t have time to respond to a hazard because you’re distracted
BWhen all electronic devices in the vehicle stop working
When a layer of water builds between your tires and the road surface

When you’re hydroplaning, you will often skid uncontrollably due to your tires ‘surfing’ on top of the water.

High speeds, low tread depth, and low air pressure increases the risk of hydroplaning.

In which situations may you need a much longer following distance than normal?

In rain or whenever visibility is reduced
BIn ideal conditions
COn hot days due to the asphalt being heated

Increase the following distance in bad conditions or whenever it’s hard to see the road ahead. In all conditions, you must maintain a sufficient following distance to the vehicle in front to avoid rear-end collisions.

When riding with a passenger, which of the following is FALSE?

AYou should ride slower in curves and corners
BYou need a larger space cushion and following distance
CYou may need larger gaps to enter or merge with traffic
Your braking distance will decrease due to the improved traction with the road surface

The added weight of the passenger will mean it takes longer to accelerate, slow down, or stop. Because of this, you need to adapt your speed, following distance, space cushion, corner speed, etc.

Should your horn only be used in an emergency?

AYes
No

Use your motorcycle's horn anytime you need to get the attention of someone else on the road. Don't be afraid to use it if you have to. In an emergency, press the horn long and loud.

Will you use the road most efficiently when you pair up (ride alongside another) rider?

AYes
No

When group riding, you should never ride directly alongside another rider as there will be no place to go if you spot a hazard on the road. You can either ride in a staggered formation (like a zig-zag line) or a single-file formation. These formations are good for different things, so you may have to shift formation frequently.

What should you do after passing or being passed by a large vehicle?

AImmediately speed up or slow down to create a following distance of 5-6 seconds
Make sure that you can see potential hazards and that others can see you

The most important thing to do after passing or being passed by a larger vehicle is to ensure you are able to see hazards and that others can see you. Create a space cushion around your motorcycle immediately after passing or being passed.

You see a hazard ahead. What should you use your mirrors?

To determine how actions you take will affect other traffic
BTo see if you should alert others by doing a few taps on the brake to activate the brake lights
CTo determine if you should speed up or slow down

Anytime you see a hazard ahead, you need to know how traffic behind you is acting so you can determine a proper response to the hazard. For example; if traffic behind you is coming at full speed and driving close to you it may be safer to swerve around the hazard rather than to use your brakes to come to a full stop.

What should you keep in mind when entering a roundabout?

You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout
BTraffic in the roundabout must yield to you

Enter only when there is a safe gap, and yield the right-of-way to all vehicles already in the roundabout.

You’re riding on the freeway in the far-right lane. What should you do when approaching an acceleration lane/on-ramp?

Let other drivers merge into your lane by slowing down or changing lanes
BNothing, as you have the right-of-way
CRide as close to the vehicle in front of you as possible to maximize the gap behind you

Always make it as easy as possible for other drivers to merge. When approaching an acceleration lane, you should either change lanes or leave a large-enough gap in front of your vehicle for traffic to merge into.

You are riding at night. How should you approach the following distance?

ALower your following distance to the vehicle in front so you can use its lights to see farther up the road
BKeep the same following distance as during the day
Increase your following distance to the vehicle in front

You should increase the following distance at night - allow for a three or four-second following distance at a minimum. Distances will be much harder to judge when it is dark outside, and your eyes will have a harder time determining speed and distance.

You can see that oil is leaking from your forks. Why should you not ride in this condition?

AYour engine may seize
Your suspension will be less effective
CYour rear wheel may lock

A leak in the suspension forks will lead to an ineffective suspension. The oil can also find its way to the brakes or tires which can result in you losing control of your motorcycle.

Why should you make sure that your turn signals are canceled after turning?

To avoid misleading other drivers
BTo avoid blinding other drivers

You can mislead other road users if you don’t cancel your signals. If they are still activated, other drivers may drive directly across your path expecting you to turn again in the direction your signals are indicating. For example; if you are signaling left but riding straight ahead, another vehicle may turn in front of you.

Does the condition of your brakes affect the stopping distance?

Yes
BNo

The overall condition of your vehicle will affect the stopping distance. Fully functioning brakes and good tires are two factors that determine the stopping distance.

Is there a "best lane position" that motorcyclists should always be in?

AYes
No

There is no best lane position that works for all situations. You have to position yourself in the lane position that works best for the conditions you are in and change your lane postion as traffic situations change. Try to maximize your space cusion while being visible to others. For example; the center portion of the lane is usually best to be seen in the rearview mirror of a passenger vehicle, but not when following a truck. A truck driver won't have a rearview mirror so you must place yourself where you can be seen.

You are riding with a group of motorcyclists. When should you ride in a staggered formation?

AAt all times
BOn all roads with a speed limit over 25 mph
On a straight roadway

A staggered formation is not suitable at all times. It should not, for example, be used when riding in curves or when entering or exiting a highway. In those situations, move into a single line instead.

What can happen if you press in the clutch for an extended period while riding?

AYour motorcycle can take damage
Your control over the motorcycle will be reduced
CYou will have reducing braking power

Riding with the clutch pressed in is called coasting. When coasting, you'll have reduced control over your vehicle and won't be able to use engine braking to help control your speed.

Why is it important that motorcycle riders approach turns and curves with caution?

ATo avoid crossing into another lane of traffic or going off the road
BTo avoid having to brake too hard causing a skid
Both of the above

The two major causes of rider crashes in turns/curves are caused by (1) taking the turn/curve too fast so the rider ends up crossing into another lane or going off the road, and (2) braking too hard causing a skid and loss of control. Slow down and downshift before the turn, not in the turn.

Which lane position should you be in as you approach an intersection?

AThe lane position in the middle
BThe lane position farthest to the left
CThe lane position farthest to the right
The lane position that provides maximum visibility of and to oncoming traffic

When you approach any intersection, you must make sure that you can see other vehicles and that they can see you. Try to maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle that permits you to take evasive action if needed.

You are forced to leave the road to check the motorcycle. Where should you stand?

AJust by the side of the road
As far off the road as you can
CAny place that is not on the road if you place emergency triangles

If you need to leave the road to check the motorcycle, get as far off the road as you can. Motorcycles that are stopped by the side of the road can be very hard to see, so you want to give yourself as much space as you can to the road.

Is the Massachusetts Motorcycle Written Test Hard?

Zutobi’s material is specially designed to be easy to understand and easy to remember, and our bite-sized pieces of information are broken up by useful visuals to add context. We believe we have created the best motorcycle permit test study tool to make your Massachusetts permit test a breeze, something we can’t say for the makers of the operator manual.

Pass Your 2022 Massachusetts Motorcycle Permit Test with Zutobi

Zutobi’s unique approach to driver’s education can help you pass your permit test on your first try. Here are some of the useful features available in our driving course:

  • Our Massachusetts motorcycle practice tests simulate the real DMV written knowledge test to help you prepare completely and confidently for your actual test.
  • We provide answers and explanations to all of our questions so you can learn from your mistakes.
  • Our fun learning levels allow you earn points and level-up, keeping you engaged throughout the entire process.
  • From road signs to traffic laws, you will learn all of the information you need to know to pass your test and stay safe out on the Massachusetts roads.

Is the Massachusetts Motorcycle Written Test Hard?

Once you’ve earned your motorcycle permit, here are your next steps towards getting your license:

  • You can apply for a motorcycle permit endorsement on your driver’s license or learner’s permit at age 16. You must be at least 16-and-a-half years old to apply for a Class M license endorsement.
  • You must hold a Class M permit for six months regardless of your age before applying for a license.
  • If you’re 18 or older, you can apply for a motorcycle license without restrictions once you have satisfied the permit requirements.
  • If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you must hold a permit for 6 months, have a clean driving record for at least 6 months before your license application, complete a driver’s education course, and pass the Massachusetts Rider Education Program basic rider course and the skills test at the end of the course.
  • If you are under 18, you must also present written consent from a parent or legal guardian upon your application for a Class M license endorsement.

Try Our FREE Massachusetts Motorcycle Permit Practice Test Today

Go ahead and test what you think you already know with our free Massachusetts motorcycle permit practice test, then sign up for our course. Zutobi can help you earn a passing score on your motorcycle permit test on your first try.

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