Speed Limits & Following Distance — Massachusetts
Massachusetts permit practice test: 501 free practice questions (Based on the official driver handbook). Official test format: Class D/M: 25 Q, pass 18. Speed Limits & Following Distance: 36 questions.
Posted speed limits, school and construction zones, stopping and following distance.
This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines.
| Topic / Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Topic | Speed Limits & Following Distance |
| License test | Massachusetts Car learner's permit test (Class D) |
| Topic questions | 36 (7% of 501 total) |
| Review status | This topic page is still being reviewed against the official handbook. Until review is finished it is hidden from search engines. |
Official handbook
mass.gov ✓ Verified from official source
Questions (36)
1. If a crossing guard is directing traffic in a school zone, you must:
- Follow the directions given by the crossing guard. ✓
- Copy what surrounding traffic is doing, despite the crossing guard's instructions.
- Assume the guard is not supposed to be directing traffic.
- Follow rules that would be in place if no children were present.
Answer: A. Follow the directions given by the crossing guard.
2. When driving in bad weather, drivers should:
- Increase their speed to reach their final destination more quickly.
- Decrease their following distance.
- Increase their following distance. ✓
- None of the above.
Answer: C. Increase their following distance.
3. It is best to keep a space cushion:
- Only in back of your vehicle.
- Only on the left and right sides of your vehicle.
- Only in front of the vehicle.
- On all sides of the vehicle. ✓
Answer: D. On all sides of the vehicle.
4. Which statement about speed is true?
- Driving too slowly on certain highways can be dangerous.
- Speeding can kill.
- Speeding is not dangerous if you are a skilled driver.
- Both "Driving too slowly on certain highways can be dangerous" and "Speeding can kill." ✓
Answer: D. Both "Driving too slowly on certain highways can be dangerous" and "Speeding can kill."
5. Many crashes are caused by:
- Drivers traveling too fast for conditions. ✓
- Drivers consistently checking their mirrors and blind spots.
- Drivers yielding the right-of-way.
- Drivers maintaining a four-second following distance.
Answer: A. Drivers traveling too fast for conditions.
6. If you are driving behind a motorcycle, your following distance should be at least:
- Four seconds. ✓
- Three seconds.
- Two seconds.
- One second.
Answer: A. Four seconds.
7. During normal weather and traffic conditions, maintain a following distance of at least:
- One second.
- Two seconds.
- Three seconds. ✓
- Four seconds.
Answer: C. Three seconds.
8. Your vehicle's stopping distance increases when stopping:
- On a wet or icy road. ✓
- On paved highways.
- When driving at night.
- All of the above.
Answer: A. On a wet or icy road.
9. While driving, you come upon a sign displaying the words “Reduced speed, 35 mph." This means:
- That the new 35 mph speed limit begins at this sign. ✓
- That the new 35 mph speed limit begins at the next speed limit sign.
- That you have plenty of time to slow down before the reduced speed zone.
- That you should reduce your speed to 35 mph, but only under poor weather conditions.
Answer: A. That the new 35 mph speed limit begins at this sign.
10. If a flagger is directing traffic in a construction zone, you must:
- Follow the directions given by the flagger. ✓
- Copy what surrounding traffic is doing, despite the flagger's instructions.
- Assume the flagger is not supposed to be directing traffic.
- Follow the laws that would be in place if the area was not under construction.
Answer: A. Follow the directions given by the flagger.
Source
Last checked: 2026-10-17 · Verified from official source
Updated: · Based on the official driver handbook