Massachusetts driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

16.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit fee

$30 application fee.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License and road test fees

Class D license $50 (5 years); license application and road test fee $35.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Under 18 you need written consent from a parent, legal guardian, DCF or boarding school headmaster, given by signing the application.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

2 years (or the length of your stay in the U.S.); after it expires you must reapply and retake the exam.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit restrictions

Drive only with a licensed driver 21+ with at least 1 year of experience in the seat beside you. Under 18: no driving midnight-5 a.m. unless with a licensed parent or guardian.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit exam questions

25 questions in 25 minutes, on rules of the road, impaired driving, the Junior Operator Law, and sharing the road with visually impaired people, bicyclists and pedestrians.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

At least 18 of 25 correct.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online permit exam

After your documents are verified at a Service Center, you can take the exam at the Service Center or online on a computer with a camera (no phones or tablets).Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Exam languages

37 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Vietnamese and American Sign Language (ASL only at a Service Center).Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

At the permit application you must pass a vision screening for field vision and basic colors.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointment

Start the application online, then book a Service Center appointment (or AAA if you are a member) to present your documents.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents

Identity and Massachusetts residency documents per the RMV checklist; for REAL ID, 1 proof of lawful presence, 1 proof of full Social Security number and 2 proofs of Massachusetts residence. Originals only.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education (under 18)

Required for all applicants under 18: 30 hours classroom, 12 hours behind the wheel and 6 hours observation; a parent or guardian must attend a 2-hour class.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice

At least 40 hours of supervised driving certified by a parent or guardian (30 hours if you complete a driver skills development program).Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit holding period (under 18)

Hold the permit at least 6 consecutive months with a clean record before the road test.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Junior Operator License

Applicants 16½ to 18 get a Junior Operator License after meeting the permit period, driver ed, supervised hours and a final exam.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test sponsor

Bring a sponsor who is 21+, has at least 1 year of driving experience and a valid U.S. state license, plus a registered, inspected vehicle with an examiner-reachable parking brake.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test attempts

No more than 6 Class D road tests in a 12-month period.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test fee

$35; not refunded if you fail, are unprepared, don't show up, or cancel with less than 72 hours' notice.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a license lasts

Most Class D and M licenses are good for 5 years.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Up to 1 year before expiration, and up to 2 years after; after 2 years expired you must retake the permit exam and road test.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Standard and REAL ID licenses can be renewed online through the RMV Online Service Center (MyMassGov account); upgrades to REAL ID and limited-term licenses need an in-person visit.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$50 for Class D or M; $65 for a combined Class D/M.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

People 18+ need a REAL ID (star in the top-right corner) or another TSA-accepted ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities. The first REAL ID needs an in-person appointment; the temporary paper REAL ID is not accepted by TSA.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

$50 to upgrade a Class D/M license at renewal; $25 to upgrade outside your renewal cycle; $25 to replace a REAL ID.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID documents

4 documents: 1 proving lawful presence, 1 proving your full Social Security number, and 2 proving Massachusetts residence. Originals, not laminated; name must match.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

No written or road test if your out-of-state license is active or expired less than 1 year; more than 1 year expired means full testing and an eye test.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License conversion fee

$115 for a Class D conversion ($130 for D and M).Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement fee

$25 for a replacement driver's license.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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