MA Permit Practice Tests

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a permit in Massachusetts. This applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Massachusetts you will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, pay stub, school records, etc.)
• Social Security number (the actual card is not required)
• Parent/guardian consent form if you’re under 18
• Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license you’ll need additional documentation. Check the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application consent form
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Accompany you to the RMV when you apply for your permit

The process in Massachusetts is as follows:

1. Fill out a Class D or M Permit Application
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the application fee
4. Take a vision screening test
5. Take the written knowledge test

If you’re under 18 you must also:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a parent or guardian sign the application consent form
• Have your parent or guardian accompany you to the RMV

Massachusetts allows you to start the permit application process online by filling out a pre-application. However, you must visit an RMV Service Center in person to:

• Submit your required documents
• Take your vision screening
• Take your written knowledge test
• Pay the application fee
• Get your photo taken

The Massachusetts RMV charges a fee for a permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Check the Massachusetts RMV website for current fee information.

To get your learner’s permit in Massachusetts you must pass:

• A vision screening test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Massachusetts permit written test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly (72%) to pass. The test covers traffic laws, signs, signals, and safe driving practices.

The Massachusetts permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Rules about driving under the influence
• Special driving conditions like bad weather

The best ways to prepare for your Massachusetts permit test:

• Study the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Massachusetts Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to make sure you understand the key concepts
• Focus on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

If you fail the Massachusetts permit test:

• You will need to wait at least one day before you can retake the test
• You will need to pay the test fee again for each retake
• You can take the test as many times as necessary to pass
• Consider studying more thoroughly before retaking the test

With a Massachusetts learner’s permit you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, has at least one year of driving experience, and is sitting in the passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test
• Drive anywhere in Massachusetts during permitted hours

When driving with a learner’s permit in Massachusetts you:

• Must have a licensed driver (at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience) in the passenger seat
• Cannot use any mobile electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Cannot transport passengers under 18 (except immediate family members) during the first six months, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21

In Massachusetts, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your learner’s permit for at least six months before taking the road test
• You must complete a driver education program
• You must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian
• You must have a clean driving record during the six-month period

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period; just practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

Massachusetts requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: No, you don’t need to complete driver education before getting a learner’s permit. However, you must complete a driver education program before you can get your junior operator’s license.
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In Massachusetts, before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education program that includes:
  • 30 hours of classroom instruction
  • 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training
  • 6 hours of in-car observation
  • 40 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian
• A parent/guardian must also attend a 2-hour parent class as part of your driver education.
• If you are 18 or older: No formal driver education is required, though it is still beneficial.

You can find Massachusetts-approved driver education programs by:

• Visiting the Massachusetts RMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Checking if your high school offers a driver education program
• Looking for programs certified by the Massachusetts RMV
• Asking friends or family who have completed the program for recommendations

The Massachusetts road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Good decision-making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the RMV examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it is safe, properly registered, and insured. During the test, you’ll be asked to perform various driving tasks such as starting and stopping, turning, backing up, parallel parking, and executing three-point turns.

You can schedule your road test in Massachusetts by:

• Visiting the Massachusetts RMV website and using their online scheduling system
• Calling the RMV road test scheduling line
• Visiting an RMV Service Center in person
• If you completed driver education, your driving school may help schedule your test

On the day of your road test in Massachusetts, bring:

• Your valid learner’s permit
• A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience
• A properly registered, insured, and safe vehicle for your test
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• Your completed driving log (if you’re under 18)
• Your driver education certificate (if you’re under 18)

Common reasons for failing the Massachusetts road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Difficulty parallel parking
• Failing to use turn signals properly
• Moving violations such as speeding or running red lights

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Massachusetts:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete a state-approved driver education program
• Complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice
• Maintain a clean driving record during the permit period
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

Massachusetts has these graduated licensing stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 16 years old, pass a written test, and practice with a licensed adult 21 or older.
• Junior Operator’s License: Available at 16½ years old after holding a permit for at least 6 months, completing driver education and 40 hours of supervised driving (with restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers).
• Full License: Restrictions are removed when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in Massachusetts with a Junior Operator’s License, you have the following restrictions:

• No driving between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian (with exceptions for work or school-related activities)
• No passengers under 18 for the first six months, except immediate family members, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old
• No use of mobile electronic devices, even in hands-free mode
• Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs while driving

These restrictions remain until you turn 18. Violations may result in license suspension.

Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state learner’s permits. If you are moving to Massachusetts with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Massachusetts permit
• You will need to take the written knowledge test
• If you’re under 18, you must meet all Massachusetts Junior Operator requirements

Massachusetts offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• American Sign Language interpreters
• Extended testing time
• Use of special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local RMV office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, Massachusetts issues driver’s licenses and permits to residents regardless of immigration status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Massachusetts residency
• Other required documents as specified by the RMV

Visit the Massachusetts RMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

You can download a copy of the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any RMV Service Center.

Yes! We offer free Massachusetts-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and become comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Massachusetts permit process:

• Visit the Massachusetts RMV website at mass.gov/rmv
• Call the RMV at 857-368-8000 during business hours
• Visit your local RMV Service Center
• For hearing impaired assistance, call 800-858-3926

If you lose your Massachusetts learner’s permit:

• You can request a replacement on the RMV website
• You will need to visit an RMV Service Center
• You may need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application consent form for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by:

• Filing a written request with the Massachusetts RMV
• Visiting an RMV Service Center in person with proper identification
• Providing a written statement requesting cancellation and explaining the reason

The minor’s driving privilege will be suspended until they turn 18 or until the parent/guardian withdraws the cancellation request.