Before the test starts, the examiner inspects your vehicle. If it isn't safe, registered, inspected and set up so the examiner can reach the brake, your test won't happen. Then the examiner watches specific skills and habits.
Your test vehicle must have:
- A seat for the examiner beside you and one for your sponsor behind you (sponsors can't ride in a pickup bed)
- A parking brake the examiner can reach in an emergency (manual or electric; centrally located is best)
- A valid registration and proper inspection
- No "donut" (limited use spare) tire in use
Know the rule
If the only reason you can't test is that the examiner can't reach the braking system, you aren't charged for that test. Driving school vehicles need a second foot brake and proper signage.
Handbook p. 31 ↗Know the rule
The examiner tests the parking brake by revving the engine to 1,200 to 1,300 RPM in the lowest gear. Some larger vehicles, like certain minivans, put the brake out of the examiner's reach and may be rejected.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
Out-of-state registered test vehicle: show proof of insurance at least equal to Massachusetts minimums of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Know the rule
Rented test vehicle: show the rental agreement and a letter on the rental company's letterhead authorizing you and your sponsor to use it for a road test. Leased vehicles don't need this.
Handbook p. 32 ↗Special plates:
- Dealer plate: only if you're the dealer, the dealer's spouse, or a salesperson at that dealership
- Farm plate: only if you're the farmer's family or employee, and not a passenger vehicle
- Repair plate: never allowed for a road test
Know the rule
Arrive about 15 minutes early. Only you, the examiner (beside you) and your sponsor (behind you) may ride, plus an interpreter if allowed. You and your sponsor may not talk unless the examiner authorizes it.
Handbook p. 33 ↗Know the rule
Backup cameras, sensors and self-parking features don't have to be disabled, but you're tested without relying only on them. Needing them, or adaptive equipment for a medical condition, adds a "mechanical/software aid" restriction.
Handbook p. 33 ↗Be ready to demonstrate:
- Hand signals
- Starting the engine, and starting and stopping the vehicle
- Parallel parking
- Backing up approximately 50 feet
- Left and right turns
- Starting, stopping and turning on a hill
- Turning around between curbs (three-point turn)
- Entering and leaving intersections, and obeying signs, signals and rules
Know the rule
The examiner also notes your posture (both hands properly on the wheel), lane use, signaling before lane changes, following distance, safe speed, yielding, and awareness of other drivers.
Handbook p. 33 ↗Common reasons for failing:
- Driving in a way that may have caused a crash, or that the examiner considered dangerous
- Violating a motor vehicle law, rule or regulation
- Showing a lack of experience operating a vehicle safely
- Refusing to follow, or driving contrary to, the examiner's instructions
- Not knowing the hand signals
- Being at fault in a crash with another vehicle, a pedestrian or an object
Know the rule
The RMV has zero tolerance for violent or abusive conduct by applicants and sponsors. Deaf or hard of hearing applicants can book through 1-877-RMV-TTDD; an interpreter is arranged, and you may pull over when safe to communicate with the examiner.
Handbook p. 34 ↗Put it into practice
You arrive in a rental car with only the rental agreement. The examiner also needs a letter on the rental company's letterhead authorizing a road test. Without it, your test can be refused.