Massachusetts RMV Practice Tests

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for new drivers, or drivers that have NOT held a valid license for 1 year or longer.

The requirements to obtain a MA driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult.

MA Learner’s Permit Requirements for Minors

If you’re under 18 years old, you must first obtain a learner’s permit before graduating to a driver’s license. You must be at least 16 years old to get your permit. To apply, 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. Have your photo taken.
6. Pay the $30 permit application fee.

You can opt to take your knowledge exam in person at the RMV, or online before you visit to submit your application and required documents. If you take your exam in person, your permit will be issued by an RMV agent after you pass. If you take your exam online, you’ll still need to first visit the RMV Service Center to submit your application, verify your identity, and take your vision exam; then, you’ll receive instructions on how to take your online test. Once you pass, you’ll be able to print your learner’s permit at home. The RMV offers a guide to online exams.

Your permit will be valid for 2 years, and you’ll need to hold it for at least 6 months before you can apply for your junior driver’s license. With your permit, you may only drive under the following conditions:

• 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.

During this time, you’ll also need to complete a state-approved Massachusetts Driver’s Education course. This program must consist of:

• 30 hours of classroom lessons.
• 18 hours of driver’s training, broken down into:
  • 12 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
  • 6 hours of observation sitting in on another student’s behind-the-wheel instruction
• A final exam, which you’ll need to pass before it’s electronically submitted to the RMV.

Your parent or guardian must join you for 2 hours of instruction in your Driver’s Ed course, unless they have themselves completed a course within the last 5 years. Along with your MA Driver’s Ed course, you’ll also have to practice driving with a supervising adult driver. This should equal:

• 40 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice, OR
• 30 hours of supervised practice, if you also complete a driver skills development program (an advanced form of driver’s education).

Your parent/guardian can log your hours on the Supervised Driving Log.

Minor’s Massachusetts Driver’s License Requirements

You can apply for your provisional driver’s license, called a Junior Operator License (JOL) in Massachusetts, once you’ve turned 16 years and 6 months old. Before you can take your road test, you’ll also need to have

• Held your permit for 6 months without any moving violations
• Completed your driver’s education course (30 hours) and in-car driver’s training (18 hours—12 of in-car instruction, 6 of in-car observation).
• Completed your required practice hours (40 hours) with your parent/guardian.

When you’re ready, schedule your road test online. 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, 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.

Once you pass your road test, if you’ve already paid your licensing fees, your examiner will stamp your learner’s permit and it will automatically become your temporary Junior Operating License (JOL). Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days. If you haven’t yet paid for your license, you’ll have 60 days to do so.

If you fail your first attempt at your road test, you’ll need to wait at least 2 weeks before you can try again. You’re allowed a total of 6 attempts to pass within a period of 12 months.

With your MA Junior Operating License, you can only drive under the following provisions:

• 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.

At 18 years old, your restrictions will fall off and your JOL will now be considered a full, unrestricted driver’s license.

Driver’s License/Permit Requirements for New Adult Drivers in MA

If you are 18 years old or older but have never held a driver’s license before in any state, you must first obtain a learner’s permit. Unlike minor applicants, however, you do NOT need to:

• Complete driver’s education.
• Complete driver’s training.

You’ll still need to pass a knowledge exam followed by a road test once you’ve earned your permit.

To apply for your MA driver’s permit:

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.
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. Have your photo taken.
6. Pay the $30 permit application fee.

You can choose to take your knowledge exam online before you visit the RMV, or in person when you submit your application and required documents. If you take your exam online, you must first visit an RMV location to submit your application, verify your identity, and take your vision exam; then, you’ll receive instructions on how to take your online test. Once you pass, you’ll be able to print your learner’s permit at home. See the RMVs guide to online testing for more information.

If you take your exam at the RMV, you’ll receive your permit from an RMV agent after you pass.

Road Test Requirements for Adults in MA

As an adult, the MA RMV doesn’t require you to hold your learner’s permit for a specific length of time, like teens must, nor do you have to practice a designated number of hours before you can take your road test. However, it’s highly recommended that you get enough practice in with a supervising driver so that you feel confident for your driving skills exam. While driving with a permit in Massachusetts, you must have a licensed adult driver with you in the passenger’s seat at all times.

When you feel you are ready, you can take the driving skills test to obtain your unrestricted license. You can schedule your road test online. 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, make sure to have with you:

• Your learner’s permit.
• A vehicle to test in, along with its valid registration.
• A completed Class D or M Road Test Application (form RDT103).
• A 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.

If you’ve already paid your licensing fees, your examiner will stamp your learner’s permit and it will automatically become your temporary driver’s license. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 days. If you haven’t yet paid for your license, you’ll have 60 days to do so.

If you fail your first attempt at your road test, you’ll need to wait at least 2 weeks before you can try again. You’re allowed a total of 6 attempts to pass within a period of 12 months.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Massachusetts Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Massachusetts, you must immediately apply for your Massachusetts driver’s license—the state doesn’t offer any grace period.

Unlike many other states, Massachusetts does allow you to transfer an out-of-state learner’s permit, as well as a provisional license.

Transferring an Out-of-State Permit to Massachusetts

To qualify for conversion to a Massachusetts learner’s permit, you’ll need to meet the following provisions:

• Your learner’s permit must have been issued within the last 2 years.
• You’ll need to meet all Massachusetts identification requirements.
• You must provide a certified driving record dated within the last 30 days.
• If you’re under 18 years old, your parent or guardian will need to sign your application form.

Follow the steps outlined above for obtaining a MA learner’s permit based on whether you’re a minor or an adult. You won’t have to take the permit exam, but be prepared to pay the $35 permit fee.

Your new Massachusetts permit will be dated based on the original issue date from your previous state, and the time you’ve held it will count toward the 6-month holding requirement (applicable for those under 18 years old).

Transferring an Out-of-State Junior/Provisional License to Massachusetts

In order to convert your provisional or junior license from your previous state to a Massachusetts junior operator license (JOL), there are a few prerequisites you’ll have to meet.

• If you took an out-of-state driver’s education course, it must meet Massachusetts’ minimum requirements for classroom and in-car training hours.
• If you did not take Driver’s Ed, or your out-of-state course doesn’t meet the RMV’s minimum requirements, you’ll need to complete a Massachusetts driver education course.
• You must also have completed the required practice hours behind the wheel with a supervising driver who can sign a statement to that fact.
  • Requirements for both Driver’s Ed and practice hours are outlined above in the section on applying for a minor’s driver license.
• You’ll need a certified driving record dated within the last 30 days.

Under most circumstances, you will not be required to retake the driving skills exam. When you’re ready to apply, make an appointment at an RMV service center and:

1. Complete a Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100). You can start your application online to save time.
2. Provide your out-of-state license.
3. Submit the required proofs of:
   1. Identity and lawful presence.
   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. Provide either your out-of-state driver education certificate, or proof of completion for a MA driver’s education course.
5. Submit a certified statement from your parent/guardian that you’ve completed the required driving practice hours.
6. Submit your certified driving record.
7. Have your photo taken.
8. Pay the $115 conversion fee.

Your driving record will dictate whether you fall under Massachusetts’ passenger restriction for licensees under 18 years old. If you’ve had your out-of-state license for at least 6 months without any moving violations or suspensions, you won’t have to adhere to the passenger restriction.

Transferring an Out-of-State Unrestricted License to Massachusetts

If you have a full, unrestricted out-of-state driver’s license, the process of converting it to a MA driver’s license is relatively simple. Gather the following documents:

• Your out-of-state driver’s license, current or expired for under 1 year.
  • If you don’t have your license, you’ll need a certified driving record dated within the last 30 days.
• A completed Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100). You can start your application online to save time.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and lawful presence.
  • 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.

Make an appointment with an RMV Service Center and bring all of the above. If your license has been expired for over 1 year, you’ll also be required to:

• Undergo a vision screening.
• Take the RMV knowledge exam.
• Pass the on-road driving skills test.

MA Motorcycle Permit Requirements

All new motorcycle riders in Massachusetts must obtain a motorcycle permit before getting your MA motorcycle license. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.

To obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, you must:

1. Fill out a Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or ID Card Application (form LIC 100).
   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. You can start your application online to save time.
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. Have your photo taken.
6. Pay the $30 permit application fee.

With your permit, you’ll need to adhere to the following restrictions:

• You can ride only between sunrise and sunset.
• You may not carry any passengers.
• You must have DOT-approved helmet on at all times.
• You must wear protective eyewear unless your motorcycle has a windshield.
• You must be accompanied by a supervising rider who is at least 21 years old.

If you’re under 18 years old, you must also:

• Hold your permit for a minimum of 6 months before applying for your motorcycle license.
• Complete your required MA driver’s education program and practice hours, if you haven’t yet obtained your standard permit or junior operator license.
• Take the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP). This allows you to bypass the road test for your motorcycle license.

For riders over 18 years old, there’s no minimum permit holding period. Additionally, the MREP isn’t required, but it’s highly recommended. If you don’t complete a rider course, you’ll need to take the motorcycle road test to obtain your license.

MA Motorcycle License Requirements

Once you’ve practiced with your permit, you can schedule your road test with the RMV. If you’re under 18 years old, you were required to take a Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP), which includes a road test at the end of the course. Therefore, you can bypass the road test portion of your application process.

If you are 18 years old or older, you are NOT required to take a motorcycle training course to get your motorcycle license, but it’s highly recommended. If you do, you can also bypass the road test, as one will be included as part of your Massachusetts Rider Education Program.

If you passed an MREP course:

1. Make an appointment with an RMV Service Center.
2. Show your proof of ID and lawful presence.
3. Submit your motorcycle permit.
4. Pay the $50 Class M motorcycle license fee, or the $15 endorsement fee (if adding it to an existing license).

If you’re taking a road test with the RMV:

1. Make a motorcycle road test appointment.
2. Provide a completed Class D or M Road Test Application (form RDT103).
3. Submit your motorcycle permit.
4. Bring a vehicle that meets all safety requirements, along with its registration and insurance.
5. Pay the applicable fees:
   1. Road testing fee: $35
   2. Class M motorcycle license: $50
   3. Motorcycle endorsement (on existing license): $15

If you fail your first attempt at your road skills exam, you’ll need to wait another 2 weeks before retesting.

Massachusetts CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Massachusetts, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

1. Have a standard Class D license.
2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

To get your CLP:

1. Begin your commercial learner permit application online.
2. Make an appointment with your local RMV Service Center.
3. Provide your proof of:
   1. Name and lawful presence.
   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. Provide a completed CDL Self-Certification Form (LIC103). You can also fill out your form online.
5. Provide a completed:
   1. Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875).
   2. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional).
6. Take the commercial learner’s permit exam, along with any other exams that pertain to specific CDL endorsements you’re applying for.
7. Pay the $30 written test fee, plus those for any applicable endorsements.

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, during which time you can practice for your commercial driver’s license road test.

1. Schedule your road test online.
2. Complete the CDL Road Test Application (form RDT104).
3. Bring a sponsor who:
   1. Is at least 21 years old.
   2. Has a current DOT medical card.
   3. Has a current commercial driver’s license with the applicable endorsements for the CDL you’re applying for.
4. Bring a vehicle representative of the class and type you’ll be driving, which meets all safety standards.

The RMV offers a guide to your CDL skills exam. Once you pass your test, you’ll receive your MA commercial driver’s license.