How Many Questions Are on the Massachusetts Permit Test?
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles' written knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 18 correct (72%) within a 25-minute time limit to pass.
The official test format
Massachusetts's 72% passing threshold is an unusually specific, non-round figure compared to the 80% used in most states, and the 25-minute time limit is also explicitly published rather than left open-ended.
The test draws from the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, covering road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, alcohol and OUI laws, and Junior Operator Law restrictions for applicants under 18.
Because RMV procedures and formats can change, always confirm the current requirements on the official Massachusetts RMV website before your appointment.
How the questions are distributed by topic
The official test draws from the full Driver's Manual rather than any single area, which is why broad coverage matters more than memorizing a short list of facts.
Our free Massachusetts permit practice tests cover 31 topic areas, including a dedicated set of sign-recognition questions, so you can see exactly which areas need more review.
How our practice tests are structured
Rather than mirroring the exact 25-question format, dmvwrittenexam.com splits its 145 original Massachusetts permit questions into multiple 25-question practice tests, giving you far more repetitions than the official test alone would.
Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn why an answer is correct instead of just memorizing a letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really a 25-minute time limit on the Massachusetts permit test?
Yes — the RMV gives applicants 25 minutes to complete the 25-question test, a specific time cap that Massachusetts publishes explicitly.
Why is the Massachusetts passing score 72% instead of a round number?
The RMV sets the threshold at 18 of 25 questions correct, which works out to 72% — a specific fraction rather than a rounded percentage some other states use.
What happens if I don't pass the Massachusetts permit test?
Retake policies, including any waiting period, are set by the RMV and can vary. Check with your local RMV Service Center or the official website for current retake rules.
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Start a free Massachusetts permit practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-20