Each year, a lot of people fail their driving test in Massachusetts. And most fail the test for the same reason. So if you know these mistakes, you can prevent yourself from doing the same on the day of your MA RMV road test and learn how to pass the Massachusetts driving test with confidence. To learn more about the overall process, check out Your Guide to Getting a Driver’s License in Massachusetts for a comprehensive breakdown. Here are the top 13 mistakes to avoid during your DMV driving test.
Quick Answer: The 13 Road Test Mistakes That Fail Massachusetts Drivers
- Rolling stops at stop signs – you must come to a full stop behind the line
- Driving too slowly – excessive caution creates hazards
- Driving too fast – always adjust speed for conditions
- Improper lane changes – check rearview, side mirror, blind spot, then signal 5 seconds
- Poor steering control – keep hands at 9 and 3
- 4-way stop confusion – first to arrive goes first; tie goes to the right
- Hard braking – apply pressure gradually unless it is an emergency
- Improper parallel parking – must finish within 12 inches of the curb
- Not checking mirrors – check every 5-10 seconds throughout the test
- Improper highway merging – build speed on the ramp; never stop at the end
- Distracted driving – phone and stereo off for the entire test
- Following too closely – maintain safe distance from all vehicles
- Car failure – inspect your vehicle at least 3 days before the test
Avoid These 13 Common Mistakes on the MA RMV Road Test
1. Rolling Stops
One of the most common mistakes on the Massachusetts driving test is making incomplete stops. A rolling stop or incomplete stop sign is illegal in all states. It can result in a fine of around $75 to $500, depending on local law. You should come to a full stop behind the demarcation line. Make sure to stop before the line.
2. Driving Too Slowly
It’s important to be confident during your test. Being too cautious and driving far below the speed limit can create dangerous situations for you and other vehicles.
3. Driving Too Fast
There will be times when it is not safe to drive at the speed limit. If there is rain, fog, an accident, or traffic congestion, reduce your speed to a safe level.
4. Improper Lane Changing
While changing lanes, always remember to first see your surroundings. Check the rearview mirror, then the side view mirror, and lastly, the blind spot, before completing a lane change. Failing to do so will result in a failing mark on the lane change portion of the driving test. Additionally, you must signal for at least 5 seconds before beginning to change lanes.
5. Lack of Steering Control
It’s important to be confident but don’t be overconfident while driving. Always try keeping your hands positioned at 9 and 3 on the steering wheel at all times, as recommended by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association. Following these best driving practices for the Massachusetts road test will help you stay in control.
6. Confusion at Four-Way Stops
When you get to an intersection with stop signs, especially a four-way stop, make sure you know what to do if other cars are waiting. Wait for your turn, then go. Make sure you are signaling your intentions before turning. In case two cars arrive at an intersection at the same time, the car to the right goes first. For a full breakdown of every Massachusetts intersection right of way scenario, see CMSC’s guide on Massachusetts intersection right of way rules.
7. Applying Excessive Brake Pressure
Brake pressure must be applied gently at first. As you enter your destination, gradually increase your braking pressure, dependent on the distance remaining to travel. Hard braking is only acceptable in emergencies but while stopping or slowing down, use slow and gentle braking pressure.
8. Improper Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is difficult. There are hundreds of videos and guides available online. You just need to browse Google for the style of teaching that works best for you and make sure to practice it every day. The online explanation may seem easy but it will not be as simple when you are trying to park. Repetition is crucial here; practice parallel parking in different circumstances to improve your ability to maneuver.
On the Massachusetts road test, you must finish within 12 inches of the curb. Making contact with a cone or curb produces a serious deduction. The most commonly forgotten step is activating the exit signal before pulling back into traffic after completing the park. If you want a guaranteed way to build this skill before your test, CMSC’s Parallel Parking Bootcamp includes a pass guarantee.
9. Not Checking the Mirror
Your test administrator will keep a watchful eye on your use of interior and exterior mirrors. To avoid missing points, you need to check your rearview, right side, and left side mirrors about every 5-10 seconds. Also, remember to check your blind spot when changing lanes.
10. Improper Freeway Merging
Your DMV test administrator would rarely take you onto the freeway, but should it happen, know how to merge safely from the entry ramp into traffic at speed. Instead of merging, a lot of novices stop at the end of the ramp, which puts people in danger. Knowing what to expect on the Massachusetts road test, including freeway merging, can help you stay calm and confident.
11. Distracted Driving
During your driving test, keep your stereo and cell phone off. Focus on the task and keep your mind on the road.
12. Following Too Closely
Practice a certain level of distance from other vehicles when following and braking. Because of the anxiety of their test, students might commit mistakes. So be more prepared for behind-the-wheel driving lessons and make fewer mistakes. For more advice on maintaining safe distances and other crucial driving tips, check out 7 professional tips for new drivers by CMSC Driving School.
13. Car Failure
Do a full inspection of your vehicle at least 3 days before the scheduled MA RMV appointment. Check your brake lights, mirrors, and headlights and make sure they are all in a working state. Ensure your registration and insurance documents are up-to-date. Any condition that impairs the lawful functioning of your vehicle will make you ineligible to take the driving test unless those issues are resolved.
Deductions vs. Automatic Fails: What the Examiner Is Actually Scoring
Understanding how the Massachusetts road test is scored helps you prioritize what to practice most.
A deduction is a scored error that reduces your total points. Accumulating too many deductions across the test produces a failing result. The 13 mistakes listed above are examples of behaviors that produce deductions. The severity of each deduction depends on how serious the error is and whether it creates a safety risk.
An automatic fail is a single error that ends the road test immediately, regardless of how well you have performed on every other maneuver. Running a red light, striking another vehicle, striking a curb or cone during parallel parking, and failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk all produce an immediate test termination. You do not need to accumulate deductions to fail one automatic fail error ends the test on the spot.
For the complete list of what triggers an immediate test failure, see CMSC’s guide on automatic fails on the Massachusetts driving test. For a breakdown of how many total deductions are allowed, see CMSC’s guide on how many mistakes are allowed on the Massachusetts driving test.
What to Do If You Fail the Massachusetts Driving Test
Failing the Massachusetts road test does not mean you cannot pass. Most drivers who fail on the first attempt pass on their second. The key difference between drivers who pass their retake and those who struggle is targeted practice.
Before leaving the RMV after a failed test, ask the examiner or your CMSC instructor which specific maneuvers produced deductions. Those are the areas to focus on before your next attempt. General practice without knowing which skills failed is far less effective than 1-2 focused lessons targeting the specific errors.
You may retake the Massachusetts road test after a minimum two-week waiting period. The $35 road test fee applies for each attempt. Massachusetts limits retakes to six times within any 12-month period. For a complete guide to recovery after a road test failure, see CMSC’s failed Massachusetts road test guide.
Overcome These Common Mistakes on the Massachusetts Driving Test with CMSC
CMSC Driving School can help you master the road. As a safety driving school, our expert instructors provide comprehensive training, covering everything from traffic rules to real-world driving scenarios. With hands-on experience and personalized guidance, we’ll boost your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared to ace your RMV test and become a safe, skilled driver.
By avoiding mistakes on the MA RMV road test, you can increase your chances of passing and becoming a safe, skilled driver. Our expert instructors at CMSC specialize in helping new drivers, especially teens, build confidence behind the wheel. Read more about how we do this in How CMSC Driving School Helps Teens Take the Fear Out of Driving.
CMSC’s road test preparation and sponsorship service includes a warmup lesson the morning of the exam, conducted in the test vehicle on the actual test roads before the examiner arrives. By the time the examiner enters the car, the student has already driven the evaluation route that morning with an instructor present.
Contact us today and let CMSC Driving School guide you to success on your MA RMV road test.
What CMSC Students Say About the Road Test
“I took the road test 5 times and today I just passed thanks to George!!! RUN don’t walk to go see him. You will pass!” – Aleah Wilson, verified CMSC student
“He made the experience much less stressful and my son drives with confidence after passing his road test on the first attempt.” – Linda Jones, verified CMSC parent
“He taught me everything I needed to become a safe and responsible driver and I even ended up passing my road test on the first try!” – Demetria Bosnakis, verified CMSC student
Rated 4.9 stars across more than 3,379 verified Google reviews. CMSC has trained over 100,000 Massachusetts drivers since 1986.
About the Author
Jake Cooney is the CEO of CMSC Driving School, an RMV-licensed professional driving school serving Central Massachusetts since 1986. Under his leadership, CMSC has prepared over 100,000 Massachusetts drivers for the RMV road test through professional instruction, road test sponsorship, and structured behind-the-wheel training. Jake oversees a team of 50-plus RMV-certified instructors including former state troopers, police officers, and professional drivers who teach road test preparation as part of every student’s standard curriculum.
