MA Driving Instructor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Massachusetts default speed limit

In a thickly settled or business district, Massachusetts default speed is 30 mph unless a sign posts a different limit.

Move Over Law

Massachusetts requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move over one lane if safe, or slow down if moving over is unsafe.

School bus flashing red lights

Drivers must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop, unless separated by a physical median and traveling the opposite direction.

Hands-free driving law

Massachusetts prohibits holding or using a mobile device while driving; texting is banned for all drivers, and junior operators face stricter phone restrictions.

Junior operator course hours

Massachusetts driver education for junior operators requires 30 classroom hours, 12 behind-the-wheel hours, 6 observation hours, and a parent or guardian seminar.

ABCD learning objective

A measurable objective names the Audience, Behavior, Condition, and Degree; for driving, an example is student will execute a right turn with no instructor help in light traffic.

Spaced practice

Spaced practice distributes driving skills across multiple lessons with rest intervals; it usually produces better long-term retention than massing all practice into one session.

Criterion-referenced assessment

Criterion-referenced assessment judges a student against a fixed standard, such as completing a lane change safely, rather than against other students' scores.

Tell-show-do-review

An in-car teaching sequence: explain the skill, demonstrate it, have the student practice it, then review performance and set the next goal.

Commentary driving

The student verbally describes hazards, signs, speed, and intended actions while driving; this makes scanning and decision-making visible to the instructor.

One instruction at a time

Give a single, specific direction before adding another; multiple simultaneous commands can overload a novice and increase driving risk.

Post-drive debrief

Within a short time after driving, the student self-assesses first, then the instructor confirms strengths and identifies two or three specific goals for the next lesson.

Smith System five keys

Aim high in steering, get the big picture, keep eyes moving, leave an escape route, and make sure others see you.

Three-second following rule

Choose a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count three seconds before you reach it. Increase the gap in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

SIPDE process

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute: a hazard-perception sequence drivers use to detect changes early and choose a safe response.

Overdriving headlights

Driving faster than the distance illuminated by headlights; at night, a driver should be able to stop within the visible distance.

Pre-trip walk-around

Before moving, check tires, lights, mirrors, wipers, fluids, plates, and obstructions; this detects defects that could cause a breakdown or crash.

ABS braking rule

With antilock brakes, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it; do not pump. Pulsation and noise are normal while the system prevents wheel lock.

Cold tire pressure

Tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, before driving or after sitting; the recommended value is on the vehicle placard, not the tire sidewall maximum.

Red dashboard warning

A red warning light, such as oil pressure or brake system, means stop safely and investigate; an amber light generally means service is needed soon.

Massachusetts learner's permit age

A Massachusetts learner's permit may be obtained at age 16; a junior operator must also complete driver education and supervised driving before a road test.

JOL supervised hours

Junior operator applicants must complete 40 supervised driving hours, including 30 daytime and 10 nighttime hours, certified by a parent or guardian.

JOL passenger restriction

For the first six months of a Massachusetts junior operator license, passengers under 18 are not allowed unless they are immediate family, unless a qualified supervisor is present.

JOL nighttime curfew

A Massachusetts junior operator may not drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or driving for school, work, or emergency.

Professional boundaries

Keep the instructor-student relationship focused on driver education; avoid personal social media contact, favors, and dual relationships that could compromise objectivity or safety.

Objective incident documentation

Record date, time, location, observed behavior, actions taken, and witnesses; write facts, not opinions, and follow employer reporting policy.

Progressive discipline

State rules early; for repeated misconduct, use a clear sequence such as reminder, warning, lesson pause, and termination if safety is threatened.

Confidential student records

Personal and driving-performance information should be shared only with authorized persons or as required by law; instructors should not discuss students in public or on social media.

Emergency scene safety

Before helping, park safely, turn on hazard lights, set reflective triangles if available, and check for traffic, fire, wires, or other hazards.

Severe bleeding control

Apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth; if bleeding is life-threatening and pressure fails, apply a tourniquet high and tight on the injured limb.

Adult CPR ratio

For adult CPR, give 30 chest compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, about 2 inches deep, followed by 2 rescue breaths; use an AED as soon as available.

Suspected spinal injury

Do not move a person with a suspected spinal injury unless there is immediate danger such as fire; keep the head and neck still and wait for EMS.