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Massachusetts Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Permit holders ride only from sunrise to sunset and carry no passengers. Practice with 410+ questions for the Massachusetts motorcycle knowledge test, written from the Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual.

  • 25questions
  • 18to pass (72%)
  • $0full test here
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  • 5 topics from the Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual
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Sample question

Massachusetts motorcycle test

Road rules, alcohol and penalties

You spot a white rectangular sign with black numbers and border. What is it?

Practice Road rules, alcohol and penalties

Rules of the Road · Being in Shape to Ride

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Massachusetts motorcycle test topics

How practice rounds are picked

Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual2015checked Page numbers are the printed ones. About page numbers

How the Massachusetts motorcycle test works

  1. Permit first, then Class M

    Massachusetts riders start with a Class M learner’s permit at 16 (a 25-question test, 18 to pass), then pass a road test or an MREP course; riders under 18 must take the MREP basic rider course and hold a Junior Operator’s License.

  2. Permit limits

    Permit holders ride only from sunrise to sunset and carry no passengers. Fail the road test twice and you must complete an approved rider course before testing again. Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual p. 7

  3. Helmets for everyone

    Massachusetts law requires every rider and passenger to wear a DOT helmet (FMVSS 218), and eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen. Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual p. 9

  4. Massachusetts lane rules

    Every vehicle may use the full lane: no riding alongside another vehicle in a marked lane or between lanes, and no more than two motorcycles abreast. Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual p. 27

Source: Mass.gov: Apply for a motorcycle (Class M) learner's permit

Compare the pass mark in every state.

Massachusetts riding laws

  • Do you have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Massachusetts?

    Yes. Massachusetts law requires every motorcycle rider and passenger to wear a helmet meeting the US DOT standard (FMVSS 218). p. 13

  • Is lane splitting legal in Massachusetts?

    No. Riding on lane lines or squeezing between lanes of traffic is not allowed, nor is riding beside another vehicle inside one marked lane; no more than two motorcycles may ride side by side. p. 51

  • When must I use my headlight in Massachusetts?

    Massachusetts law requires headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise; the manual recommends keeping it on at all times to be seen. p. 35

Rules from the Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual

From the 2015 edition.

  • p. 2
    Massachusetts Rider Education Program

    The Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) basic rider course is about 15 hours (5 of classroom, 10 on the motorcycle).

  • p. 4
    Definitions: Motorcycle and Moped

    In Massachusetts a motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider designed to travel on no more than three wheels (an enclosed three-wheeler may qualify if the maker certifies it).

  • p. 5
    Operation of Motorized Bicycles

    To ride a moped in Massachusetts you need a valid license of any class or a learner's permit.

  • p. 5
    Operation of Motorized Scooters

    In Massachusetts motorized scooters (including mini-motorcycles and pocket bikes) are motor vehicles that the RMV won't register.

Control and seeing hazards

Practice Control and seeing hazards
  • p. 18
    Braking

    Massachusetts's manual: the front brake is more powerful, giving at least three-quarters of your total stopping power, and is dangerous if not used properly.

  • p. 20
    Clothing and Headlight

    Massachusetts's manual: most motorcycle crashes happen in daylight, so wear bright clothing (orange, red, yellow or green) or a reflective vest and reflective tape.

  • p. 25
    Distance in Front

    Massachusetts's manual recommends a following distance of at least two seconds (pick a fixed object and count "one one-thousand, two one-thousand"), and four seconds or more where the area is unfamiliar, traffic is heavy or the pavement is slippery.

  • p. 26
    Passing and Being Passed

    Massachusetts's manual: to pass, ride in the left portion of the lane at a safe distance, check for oncoming traffic and hazards, use mirrors and a head check before signaling, pass quickly through the driver's blind spot, then check again before returning.

Passengers, night and breakdowns

Practice Passengers, night and breakdowns
  • p. 32
    Passenger Safety & Instruction

    Massachusetts law requires every motorcycle passenger to wear a US DOT-approved helmet.

  • p. 32
    Riding with Passengers

    Massachusetts's manual: a passenger's weight changes handling, so slow down on rough surfaces, slopes and curves, adjust suspension and tire pressure for the weight, leave more room for stopping, and warn your passenger of hazards.

Road rules, alcohol and penalties

Practice Road rules, alcohol and penalties
  • p. 37-38
    Traffic Signals

    In Massachusetts you may turn right on a steady red after a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles, unless NO TURN ON RED is posted.

  • p. 39
    Flashing, Yellow and Dark Signals

    In Massachusetts a flashing red light means stop, as at a stop sign (before any stop line or crosswalk, or where you can see both ways without entering).

Massachusetts motorcycle license questions and answers

9 questions

The knowledge test

How many questions are on the Massachusetts motorcycle permit test?

25 questions in 25 minutes, with 18 correct to pass. It covers rules of the road, impaired riding, the Junior Operator Law and sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists and people with visual impairments.

What does this Massachusetts motorcycle practice test cover?

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual: licensing and road tests, mopeds and scooters, gear, control, SPIDER and mirrors, following distance, surfaces, passengers and groups, night riding, breakdowns, Massachusetts rules of the road and OUI penalties. Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual p. 1–64

What score do I need to pass the Massachusetts motorcycle permit test?

You need 18 of the 25 questions right (72%). Always confirm the current test with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Compare every state

How many questions can I miss on the Massachusetts motorcycle permit test?

You can miss up to 7 of the 25 questions: you need 18 right (72%) to pass.

Getting your license

Do I need a motorcycle course in Massachusetts?

Yes if you are under 18: you must complete the MREP basic rider course. For anyone, finishing an MREP course (Basic Rider Course, BRC2 or the 3-wheel course) can replace the motorcycle road test.

What can I do on a Massachusetts motorcycle learner’s permit?

Ride only between sunrise and sunset, with no passengers. You need the road test or an MREP course to turn it into a Class M license, and two failed road tests mean an approved rider course first. Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual p. 7

What happens if I take the Massachusetts road test on a trike?

Your Class M license is restricted to three-wheeled motorcycles (or to limited use vehicles if you test on one). The RMV now shows this as a "U" restriction.

Do I need a license to ride a moped in Massachusetts?

Yes: a valid license of any class or a learner’s permit. Mopeds (50 cc or less, 30 mph top speed) may not go over 25 mph, and riders and passengers wear DOT helmets. Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual p. 4–5

How much does a Massachusetts motorcycle permit and license cost?

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page.

Sources: Mass.gov: Apply for a motorcycle (Class M) learner's permit · Mass.gov: Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) · Mass.gov: Motorcycle (Class M) road tests · RMV: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Fees