Massachusetts

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If you have a learner's permit:

• You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held their own driver's license for at least 1 year.
• Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.
• If you're under 18 years old, you may NOT drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you're with your parent or legal guardian who meets the above qualifications.

If you have a Junior Operator's License:

• For the first 6 months, you may not have any passengers under 18 years old unless you are accompanied by your parent or guardian.
• You may not drive between 12:30 AM and 5 AM unless you're accompanied by your parent or guardian.
• You may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, unless it is to contact emergency services.

The examiner will stamp your learner's permit, automatically converting it to either a Junior Operator License (JOL) or a full, unrestricted driver's license, depending on your age. Your permanent photo ID should arrive within 7 to 10 days.

You may drive only when accompanied by a qualified sponsor driver (at least 21 years old) sitting in the passenger seat. They must have held their own license for at least 1 year.

No, your photo will be taken at the RMV office where you apply.

You may begin practicing with your parents right away, but you must also sign up for a state-approved driver's education course. You might find that waiting until you begin the behind-the-wheel training portion of your Driver's Ed course will help your practice sessions with your parents go more smoothly.

Once you've passed your road skills exam, the examiner will stamp your permit, converting it into either a Junior Operator License or a full driver's license (depending on your age). You'll receive a permanent license card in the mail within 7-10 days.

You can apply for your permit at any RMV service center. For driver's licenses, you'll submit your required documentation at your road test appointment location.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

Massachusetts requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to obtain a learner's permit before taking the road test and applying for a driver's license in the state. When you make your road test appointment, you'll need to provide your:

• Learner's permit number.
• Name and birth date.
• Social Security number.
• Payment for your $35 road test fee.
  • You can also pay your $50 license fee at the same time, or you can pay it after you pass your road test.

At your road test appointment, bring your:

• Valid learner's permit (not expired).
• Vehicle registration for the vehicle you'll be testing in.
• Completed Class D or M Road Test Application (form RDT103).
• Sponsor who is at least 21 years old, with at least 1 year of experience behind the wheel. They must bring their driver's license to show the examiner.

Before applying, you'll need to make a road test appointment and provide your:

• Learner's permit number.
• Name and birth date.
• Social Security number.
• Payment for your $35 road test fee.
  • You can also pay your $50 license fee at the same time, or you can pay it after you pass your road test.

At your road test, you'll need to bring:

• Your learner's permit.
• The registration for the vehicle you'll be testing in.
• A completed Class D or M Road Test Application (form RDT103), signed by your parent/guardian if you're under 18 years old. Any guardian other than your parent must also show proper documentation of their eligibility to sign for you.
• Your completed Supervised Driving Log.
• A driver's education certificate of completion, if your course didn't electronically submit one to the RMV.
• A supervising driver who is at least 21 years old, with at least 1 year of experience behind the wheel. They must bring their driver's license to show the examiner.

To apply for a MA junior operator license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years and 6 months old.
• Have earned your learner's permit.
• Complete a state-approved driver's education course.
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel practice hours, logged on the Supervised Driving Log.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

Massachusetts requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to get a learner's permit before being eligible to obtain a MA driver's license. However, there are no minimum practice hours or any permit holding period. To apply for a license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years and 6 months old.
• Have earned your learner's permit and practiced with it to feel confident behind the wheel.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you are at least 16 years and 6 months old and you have:

• Earned your learner's permit.
• Completed your Driver's Ed course and behind-the-wheel practice hours, if you're under 18 years old.

You can apply for a hardship license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on what kind of restriction will apply to you. All applicants will have to:

• Attend an RMV hearing.
• Bring the applicable documents based on your specific circumstances.
• Pay the applicable reinstatement fee (which varies).

The RMV offers complete guides to each set of documents you'll need depending on which hardship license you require.

You can request a hardship license at an RMV suspension hearing. At your hearing, you'll need to provide:

• Your necessary documents for your specific hardship license/suspension type. Check the RMV's list of suspensions for details on what you should prepare to bring.
• Payment for your reinstatement fee, which ranges from $100 to $1,200.

At your hearing, the judge will determine if there are any other steps to complete or documents to provide in order to get your hardship license.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses. The judge at your hearing will determine how long your hardship license will be required.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to obtain a learner's permit. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The RMV offers a number of videos and tutorials to prepare you for your road test. You should also study the MA Driver Manual for a rundown of what you can expect.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test, but they may not join you for the actual exam.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with MA laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at RMV Service Centers throughout the state. You must schedule an appointment in advance.

Permit Application: $30

Road Test: $35

Driver's License: $50

The State of Massachusetts Driver's Manuals are available online.

You'll obtain your driver's license at your road testing location.

Permit Application: $30

Road Test: $35

Driver's License: $50

No.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application.

If you take your test in person, or prior to taking your online permit exam, bring the following items to the RMV Service Center:

• A completed Driver's License, Learner's Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100). Your parent/guardian must sign your application to signal their consent. Any guardian other than your parent must also show proper documentation of their eligibility to sign for you.
  • You can start your application online to save time.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and U.S. citizenship.
  • Social Security number.
  • Massachusetts residency.
    • Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard driver's license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the RMV's guide to acceptable documents for help.
• Payment for the $30 permit application fee.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner's permit.

To apply for a Massachusetts learner's permit, make an appointment online. At your appointment, you'll need to:

1. Fill out a Driver's License, Learner's Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100). You can start your application online to save time.
   1. If you're under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your application to signal their consent. Any guardian other than your parent must also show proper documentation of their eligibility to sign for you.
2. Make an appointment with your local RMV Service Center.
3. Submit proof of your:
   1. Identity and U.S. citizenship.
   2. Social Security number.
   3. Massachusetts residency.
      1. Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard driver's license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the RMV's guide to acceptable documents for help.
4. Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
5. Pay the $30 permit application fee.

You can take your permit exam at your RMV appointment, or you can request to take it online. If you choose the online option, the RMV agent will give you instructions on how to take your test from home.

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between 30 minutes before sundown and 30 minutes after sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit should be driven only:

1. During the night
2. During the day
3. In ideal conditions

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Massachusetts practice test.

No. To obtain a learner's permit, you must only pass knowledge and vision tests with the RMV. If you're under 18 years old, you will need to take Driver's Ed before you can obtain your Junior Operator License.

The Massachusetts Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a MA permit.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and, if applicable, provide proof of eligibility if they aren't your direct parent.

You can contact the RMV online, or call your local Service Center location.

You can apply once you're 16 years old.

If you hold a learner's permit:

• You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held their own driver's license for at least 1 year.
• Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.
• If you're under 18 years old, you may NOT drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you're with your parent or legal guardian who meets the above qualifications.

If you hold a junior operator license:

• For the first 6 months, you may not have any passengers under 18 years old unless you are accompanied by your parent or guardian.
• You may not drive between 12:30 AM and 5 AM unless you're accompanied by your parent or guardian.
• You may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, unless it is to contact emergency services.

• You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held their own driver's license for at least 1 year.
• Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.
• If you're under 18 years old, you may NOT drive between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you're with your parent or legal guardian who meets the above qualifications.

You'll need to complete the Driver's License, Learner's Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100). You can start your application online to save time.

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

All new Massachusetts drivers under 18 years old must complete a state-approved MA driver education program that consists of at least:

• 30 hours of classroom lessons
• 18 hours of behind-the-wheel training, consisting of:
  • 12 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
  • 6 hours of observation during another student's behind-the-wheel session

There are no prerequisites to obtaining your permit, other than being minimum age (16 years old) and being prepared to pass your knowledge test.

To apply for your MA instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Submit a completed Driver's License, Learner's Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100), signed by your parent or guardian if you're under 18 years old.
• Submit proof of your:
  • Identity and U.S. citizenship.
  • Social Security number.
  • Massachusetts residency.
    • Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard driver's license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the RMV's guide to acceptable documents for help.
• Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
• Pay the $30 permit application fee.

No, you do not need to repeat your eye exam for license renewals.

You can renew by mail if you're on active military duty or if your notice gives you the option. Generally, the RMV encourages you to renew online or in person. The Massachusetts Driver Manual has information for military renewals while out-of-state.

Most drivers can renew online, and the RMV highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal.

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This may include:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the $50 renewal fee.

To renew in person, you will need:

• The renewal application form that you received in the mail (if available).
• Your current driver's license, plus any additional identity documents stated on your notice.
• Payment for the $50 renewal fee.

You can renew your MA driver's license online or in person. In certain circumstances, you may be eligible to renew by mail. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Massachusetts expire every 5 years. You can renew it up to 1 year before and 2 years after its expiration date.

License renewals cost $50 in Massachusetts.

No. Only the examiner and an interpreter, if needed, may join you in the vehicle.

Yes, Massachusetts now allows you to take your exam online from your home computer. You must still visit an RMV Service Center first to submit your application and required identity documents.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass. You'll need to wait at least 2 weeks between retests.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity and residency, plus payment for your $35 permit application fee. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to co-sign your application.

The Massachusetts permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test, even if you opt to take your exam online. At your appointment, the RMV agent will either administer your test or issue instructions on how to take it at home.

Use the scheduling portal to see if an RMV branch near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

Your exam will be on a computer, either at the RMV office or from your home.

Yes all new drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a permit before getting a full MA driver's license.

Schedule your road test using the RMV's online appointment system.

After passing your MA permit exam, you'll either print your permit at home (if you took your test online), or an RMV agent will issue your permit (if you took your test in person). The next steps differ by your age:

If you're under 18 years old, you'll need to pass an approved Massachusetts Driver Education Program that include at least:

• 30 hours of classroom study. Your parent or guardian must join you for at least 2 hours of your instruction.
  • 18 hours of behind-the-wheel training, including 6 hours of in-car observation during another student's training session.

You'll also need to hold your permit for at least 6 months, during which you'll complete the required 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Your sponsor driver will need to complete the Supervised Driving Log to record your driving hours. Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your provisional license.

If you're over 18 years old, you'll need to practice driving until you feel confident enough behind the wheel to take your road test. There are no Driver's Ed requirements or minimum holding periods for adults with a learner's permit.

You can take your knowledge test either online from home, or in person at your RMV permit appointment.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, you'll need to wait at least 2 weeks before you can test again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you feel comfortable coming back for you a retest.

You'll need to wait at least 2 weeks before you're eligible to retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest. You'll also need to pay the testing fee again.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest. You'll also need to pay the testing fee again.

If you're simply visiting Massachusetts, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Massachusetts driver's license as soon as possible there is no grace period.

No, you will need to exchange your out-of-state permit for a Massachusetts learner's permit.

• You do not need to take a road test if:
  • Your out-of-state unrestricted driver's license has been expired for less than 1 year.
  • You're converting a provisional license AND:
    • You've completed an out-of-state driver education course that meets Massachusetts' minimum requirements, OR you've completed a MA driver education program.
    • You've completed the required practice driving hours and your supervising driver can submit a certified statement to the fact.
• You must take a road test if:
  • Your out-of-state license has expired for more than 1 year.

You must obtain a Massachusetts license immediately after establishing residency in the state there is no grace period.

You must answer 18 of the 25 total questions on the exam correctly.

There are 25 questions on the test. You must answer 18 of them correctly to pass.

You can miss up to 7 questions.

Yes. Before you take your online MA permit exam, you must visit an RMV Service Center to submit all of your required documents and have your vision screened. The RMV agent will give in you instructions on how to access your online permit test.

No. You'll receive instructions on how to print your permit from home.