Learn how to get your MA learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in Massachusetts with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
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To drive in Massachusetts, you are required to hold a valid MA driver’s license. This is your full step-by-step guide that will help you get, renew or transfer your driver’s license fast and easy.
Pro tip: As you navigate Massachusetts's historic routes and bustling city streets, strong driving skills are indispensable. Explore our guides on manual gear shifting and parallel parking. Gain expertise in reverse parking and three-point turns. Proper mirror placement is critical for safe driving. Our Online Driving Simulator offers a virtual environment to practice, and international drivers should be aware of Massachusetts's international driver's license stipulations.
It's a regular license that allows you to operate a passenger vehicle, van or small truck. Read the MA Driver's Manual or take a free RMV practice test.
It allows you to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, a combination vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 lbs, it also allows you to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) and hazardous material placards. Read the RMV CDL Manual or take a free CDL practice test.
It allows you to operate a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and designed to travel with no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground. Read the RMV Motorcycle Manual or take a free RMV motorcycle practice test.
To get your MA Driver’s License you should first collect the documentation required, pass a written test, get your learner’s permit and pass a driving test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.
Apply for Learner’s Permit Apply for Junior Operator License Apply for Driver’s LicenseLearner's permit allows you to operate a vehicle while supervised at all times by an adult in the front seat at least 21 years of age who is licensed and has at least one year of driving experience. According to Junior Operator License (JOL) requirements permit holders under the age of 18 may not drive between 12 a.m. (midnight) and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian (licensed operator with at least one year of driving experience whose license is valid).
You can get a REAL ID MA permit (valid for federal purposes) or Standard permit (not valid for federal purposes). Use The RMV's REAL ID, Real Answers Wizard to see what's right for you.
Use this guide to choose documents correctly.
You may fill in the application at an RMV service center but completing it online will save you a lot of time. Print your application at home.
Your parent, guardian, Department of Children and Families, or boarding school headmaster must sign your application. If the person giving consent is not your parent, you must provide proper documentation. You don’t have to get written consent if you are married or legally emancipated.
$30.00. Most service centers accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. However, check what’s accepted at the site you will be visiting. If you fail the permit exam, you will have to pay the fee again.
You don’t have to take this test at the service center if you bring an RMV vision screening certificate from your medical practitioner.
It is offered only on a walk-in basis when you submit your application for a learner's permit. The test will contain questions about the rules of the road, signs and procedures. Make sure you practice online before you go and check frequently asked questions about MA knowledge test. If you fail the test, you can retake it whenever ready.
Permits are valid for 2 years or the length of your stay in the U.S. If your permit expires, you'll need to reapply and retake the exam.
According to Junior Operator License (JOL) law , all applicants between16 ½ and 18 receive this type of license which allows them to drive unsupervised but with some restrictions. These restrictions will be lifted once you complete the six-month period or turn 18, whichever comes first:
Note that if you got a learner's permit before March 26, 2018, additional documentation may be required. You will need to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. Provide this before scheduling or taking the road test. If you apply for a Standard Driver's License, provide this online or in an RMV Service Center. If you apply for a REAL ID Driver's License, you must provide it at an RMV Service Center.
If you hold a valid MA learner’s permit and you are 18 years of age or older, you may apply for a driver’s license. To get it, you are required to pass a road test.
Alternatively, you may schedule by calling the RMV Automated Service Line at 866-MASSRMV (866-627-7768). Cancel or reschedule the test online or through the RMV Contact Center. There is no additional fee if you give more than 72 hours’ notice. Road tests may be cancelled by examiners due to inclement weather.
$35.00. You can use the "Pay My Road Test and/or License Fees" transaction to pay these fees before or after you take the road test. If fees have been paid, your driver's license will be automatically sent to you, and you will not need to visit an RMV Service Center after passing the road test.
Note that if you got a learner's permit before March 26, 2018, additional documentation may be required. You will need to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. Provide this before scheduling or taking the road test. If you apply for a Standard Driver's License, provide this online or in an RMV Service Center. If you apply for a REAL ID Driver's License, you must provide it at an RMV Service Center.
Arrive with a qualified fully licensed sponsor, who is 21 or older with at least a year of driving experience. Foreign license holders are not eligible to be sponsors. You must come in a properly equipped, legally registered vehicle to use for the test. If you fail the test, you can reschedule for the later date, but you are not allowed to attempt more than 6 road tests in a 12-month period.
If you pass the test, the examiner will stamp the back of your learner's permit and it will immediately serve as your temporary driver's license. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks. If you are over the age of 21, but still have a photo on file from when you were under 21, you will need to visit a service center to obtain your license.
Call the RMV Contact Center if you don't get your license after 4 weeks.
Note that you won’t receive your license even if you pass the road test until you have provided the required documentation and paid all fees.
Learner's permit exams are offered only on a walk-in basis at an RMV service center.You cannot schedule your learner's permit exam in advance
What does the test include?The exam contains 25 multiple choice questions about rules of the road, road signs, alcohol misuse, suspensions, and Junior Operator Law (JOL) violations. All RMV Full Service Centers have automated testing stations (ATS). They are easy to use video screen kiosks that let you practice with sample questions before beginning the actual exam. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly. Time limit: 25 minutes (about a minute per question).
How to prepare for the test?Study the MA Driver's Manual as all questions are based on the information provided there. Then prepare with the help of our free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready! You can also download our free DMV Genie app to study on the go. Get it on the App Store or on Google Play.
What common errors must I avoid when taking the MA learner’s permit exam?The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the manual first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
May I use the MA Driver’s Manual or other reference material when I take the actual knowledge test?No. Usage of a Driver's Manual, other reference material, or electronic device during the exam is considered cheating. Don't wear any electronic and audio devices. No hats are allowed unless for religious and medical reasons.
If you are caught cheating or trying to cheat on an exam, you will fail and won't be allowed to hold any type of driver's license or permit for 60 days. In some cases, you may even be subject to further investigation.
Is the test available in any other languages but English?Yes, it is available in 34 languages. If you need the language which is not on the list, the Registrar's Office will make arrangements with an interpreter service and the manager can then schedule the exam.
Is the audio exam available?Yes, anyone can choose it in one of 34 languages available. You don’t need to schedule in advance. If you want to use the audio feature for your exam, you should bring a set of headphones to the RMV Service Center. All headphones with a 3.5 millimeter headphone mini-jack (including Ipod headphones) will work.
Can I request an alternative extended time or paper exam?Yes. If you have a cognitive or physical disability that would prevent you from taking a standard learner’s permit exam through an automated testing station, you must speak to the RMV Service Center Manager when you visit the service center.
Is the oral face-to-face exam available?Yes, but in English only. To request it, please call 857-368-8105 and leave a message that includes your name, telephone number, your request, and the 24 service center where you would like to take your exam. You will need to provide written documentation that confirms the nature of your disability.
