Getting a Massachusetts learner's permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Study the Class D driver's manual for the 25-question permit exam.
Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Start your learner's permit application online with a MyMassGov account.
Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Book a Service Center appointment (or AAA if you are a member) and bring your documents, the $30 fee and, if under 18, parental consent.
Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Pass the vision screening for field vision and basic colors.
Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Take the exam at the Service Center or online and answer at least 18 of 25 questions correctly.
Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for a learner's permit
- 16.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
- 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
- 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
- Road test attempts
- No more than 6 Class D road tests in a 12-month period.Source: mass.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Massachusetts guide
Official Massachusetts links
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