Get your first driver's license in Massachusetts

Online or in person

Start online · At least two visitsThe RMV requires you to start the learner's permit application online at myRMV. You can take the permit exam online (with a working camera, not on a phone or tablet) after your documents are verified, and Class D road tests must be scheduled online. Road test and license fees can be paid online. First an appointment to show your documents: at an RMV Service Center, or at a AAA branch if you are a AAA member. At the Service Center appointment you also pass a vision screening and can take the permit exam there; otherwise you take it online. The Natick Service Center gives no learner's permit tests. Then the road test at the location you pick when you schedule it online. If all fees are paid, the license is mailed to you.

Cost

$30 permit + $35 road test + $50 license$30 learner's permit application fee and $30 for each permit exam retake. $35 for the license application and road test (the Schedule of Fees' name for it), not refunded if you fail, are unprepared, are late or do not appear, or cancel with less than 72 hours notice. $50 for a 5-year Class D license; the RMV's Schedule of Fees lists no separate junior operator license fee. A license or permit issued for less than 5 years because of a shorter lawful stay is prorated ($10 a year for a license). License fees are non-refundable.

You leave with

Learner's permit, then a licenseAfter you pass the road test with all fees paid, your stamped permit serves as a temporary license until the license arrives by mail.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and date of birth
     For a standard license: one document from the RMV's Option A list, or two documents under Option B (a foreign passport or consular ID plus one second document such as a foreign birth certificate or foreign driver's license). Originals only, not laminated; documents not in English need a certified translation. Option A documents may be expired for less than 36 months. A REAL ID instead needs 1 proof of lawful presence, 1 proof of your Social Security number and 2 proofs of Massachusetts residency.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. passport or passport card
     • U.S. birth certificate (Original or certified, issued by the city, county or state of birth, with parents' names, registrar's signature, filing date and seal.)
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
     • Employment Authorization Document (I-766)
     • Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94
     • Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
   • Social Security number · all that apply
     If you have a Social Security number you must provide it; no document is needed if it validates with the SSA. Without one: an SSN denial notice (with passport, visa and I-94) or, for Option B applicants only, an Affidavit of No SSN.
   • Proof of Massachusetts residency
     Must show your name and current home address; no P.O. boxes. Items marked as dated must be within 60 days of your appointment.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Utility, cell phone, credit card or insurance bill (Dated within 60 days.)
     • Current lease or mortgage
     • Bank statement or pay stub (Dated within 60 days.)
     • Official school transcript or school record for the current year, or a school enrollment letter dated within 60 days
     • Alternative Residency Affidavit (Applicants under 18 only.)
   • For the road test · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Your learner's permit
     • Completed Class D road test application
     • A sponsor (21 or older, at least 1 year of driving experience and a valid driver's license from their home state. Holders of foreign licenses cannot sponsor.)
     • A registered, inspected vehicle (Must pass a safety check and let the examiner reach the parking brake. An out-of-state vehicle needs proof of Massachusetts minimum insurance.)
   • Payment · all that apply
     Cash, check, money order, credit or debit card at the office, but accepted methods vary by location: check the site you will visit. Road test and license fees can be paid online or by phone.

2. Start your permit application online

   At 16 or older, start the Class D learner's permit application on myRMV. You must be a Massachusetts resident, hold no license or permit from another state and meet the medical standards. Then make an appointment at an RMV Service Center, or at a AAA branch if you are a AAA member.

   Apply for a learner's permit ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Massachusetts Permit Practice Test: 25 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Massachusetts practice test

4. Show your documents and pass the vision screening

   At the appointment, bring your documents and fee, and pass a vision screening (visual acuity, color vision and peripheral vision). Tell the employee whether you will take the permit exam there or online.

5. Pass the permit exam

   25 questions in 25 minutes; you need 18 correct. It is offered in 37 languages. Study the Class D driver's manual. If you take it online, print your permit from myRMV after you pass. If you fail an online exam, pay $30 in myRMV to retake it; if you fail in person, make another appointment at an RMV Service Center.

   First Time Driver guide ↗

6. Practice with a licensed driver

   Carry the permit and drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older with at least one year of experience in the seat beside you. Under 18, no driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless a licensed parent or guardian is with you. The permit is valid for 2 years or the length of your stay in the U.S.; if it expires you must reapply and retake the exam, and you may not drive on an expired permit.

   JOL requirements ↗

7. Schedule the road test online

   Class D road tests must be scheduled online with your name, date of birth and permit number; you pick the location and time. Tests open 60 days ahead and fill quickly; new slots are added each business day. You can pay the $35 road test fee and the license fee when you schedule or later.

   Schedule your road test ↗

8. Take the road test

   Bring your permit, the completed road test application (signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18), a qualified sponsor and a registered, inspected vehicle. If you fail, wait 2 weeks before testing again; you can take no more than 6 Class D road tests in 12 months.

   Class D road tests ↗

9. Get your license

   Passing the road test alone does not make you a licensed driver. If all fees are paid, your permit is stamped and works as a temporary license; the license is mailed within 7 to 10 days. If you did not prepay, the RMV says to pay the fees online within 60 days of passing (its "Schedule your road test" page says to apply at an RMV Service Center within 60 days); otherwise you must pass a new road test.

   Pay road test and license fees ↗