Updated for 2026

Massachusetts RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$30 (Learner's Permit Exam) / $35 (Road Test) / $50 (License Issue)

Testing System

touchscreen kiosk (Strict 25-minute time limit)

Critical Failure Factors

The #1 reason for failure in Massachusetts is the 25-minute time limit; many applicants panic and rush. Additionally, failing to understand the specific 'Junior Operator Law' (JOL) penalties—which are much harsher than adult penalties—and the definition of a 'Thickly Settled' district are common pitfalls.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Massachusetts traffic laws are famously strict, particularly regarding young drivers. The state enforces the 'Junior Operator Law' (JOL), which applies to drivers between the ages of 16½ and 18. The JOL is heavily tested because the penalties are draconian compared to other states. For example, if a Junior Operator is caught speeding for the first time, it is not just a fine; they face an automatic 90-day license suspension, must retake the written and road tests, and must complete a specific 'Attitudinal Retraining Course'. A drag racing offense results in a one-year suspension. JOL restrictions also dictate that for the first 6 months of holding a license, the driver cannot transport any passengers under the age of 18 unless they are immediate family members, or unless a licensed driver over 21 is in the front seat. There is also a strict curfew: Junior Operators cannot drive between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM. Massachusetts also enforces 'Melanie's Law', which increased penalties for OUI (Operating Under the Influence) and mandates Ignition Interlock Devices for repeat offenders. Another unique legal term found in MA law is 'Thickly Settled'. This refers to a district where houses or businesses are less than 200 feet apart for a distance of a quarter-mile or more. In any 'Thickly Settled' or business district, if no speed limit is posted, the default legal speed limit is 30 mph. This is a critical concept for the exam. Furthermore, the 'Hands-Free' law is rigorous: drivers cannot hold a mobile electronic device for any reason, even when stopped at a red light. You can only use a device in 'single tap/swipe' mode if it is mounted. Regarding 'Rotaries' (the local term for roundabouts), the law requires yielding to vehicles already inside the rotary. Lastly, headlights must be used 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and crucially, they must be turned on whenever windshield wipers are in use to ensure visibility during rain or snow.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Massachusetts involves navigating a dense, aggressive, and historically complex road network. The written test at the RMV is notoriously anxiety-inducing because of the strict time limit: you have 25 minutes to answer 25 questions. You must get 18 correct (72%) to pass. While 25 minutes sounds sufficient, difficult questions about suspension periods or fines can cause delays, leading to a timed-out failure. A unique administrative requirement in Massachusetts is the 'Parent Class'. Before a teen under 18 can take the road test, their parent or guardian must attend a mandatory 2-hour instruction class to learn about the Junior Operator Law and the dangers of teen driving. Without the parent completing this, the child cannot get a license. Driving culture in Massachusetts is distinct; the state is known for its 'Rotaries' (traffic circles). Unlike modern roundabouts in other states, some older MA rotaries are large, high-speed, and confusing, requiring extreme caution. The term 'Masshole' is a colloquialism for the aggressive driving style often encountered here, characterized by tailgating and abrupt lane changes, which the RMV manual subtly warns against by emphasizing 'defensive driving'. Vehicle maintenance is also strictly monitored through the 'Annual Inspection'. Every year, your car must pass a safety and emissions test. A failed inspection sticker (a red 'R') is a beacon for police to pull you over. Environmentally, winter driving is a major factor. In cities like Boston, 'Space Savers' (chairs or cones placed in shoveled parking spots) are a controversial cultural phenomenon, though not a law. However, legally, you must remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving (Negligent Operation). Financially, Massachusetts uses the 'Safe Driver Insurance Plan' (SDIP). Traffic violations add points (surcharges) to your insurance for 6 years. A major violation like OUI can make insurance unaffordable for a decade. Finally, remember the 'Gridlock' rule: strictly speaking, you should not enter an intersection if you cannot clear it, a common issue in Boston's tangled streets.