What you need to bring to the RMV

Massachusetts calls a learner's permit a Learner's License, and you get it from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must bring six documents in person to an RMV office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Massachusetts residency, a completed process form, proof of your date of birth, and a signed parental consent form if you are under 18.

Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a foreign passport. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Residency can be shown with a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

The process form is the process for a Learner's License (Form DL 34), which you can read from the RMV website or fill out at the office. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form in front of an RMV employee — they cannot sign it at home and bring it in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an RMV office in person with six documents: identity, Social Security proof, residency proof, the completed DL 34 form, birth date proof, and signed parental consent if under 18.
  • The RMV will give you a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 18 out of 25 questions correct to pass.
  • A Massachusetts Learner's License costs $30 and is valid for four years, but you cannot drive alone — a licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times.
  • You must hold your Learner's License for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license, or three months if you complete a certified driver education course.
  • The RMV office hours and wait times vary by location; you can check the RMV website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go.

The written test and what it covers

After you hand in your documents, the RMV will give you a written test on a computer or on paper, depending on the office. The test has 25 questions about Massachusetts traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 72 percent.

The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle a skid, when you must use headlights, and what to do at a red light when you want to turn right. You can study the official Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which is free on the RMV website, or use practice tests that the RMV also provides online.

You get one chance to pass the test on the day you visit. If you fail, you can come back and take it again, but you will have to pay the $30 fee again and bring all your documents again.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

A Massachusetts Learner's License costs $30 and does not expire for four years from the date you receive it. If your license expires before you turn 18, you will need to renew it before you can take the road test for a full license.

The $30 fee is the only cost to get the Learner's License itself. You do not pay extra for the written test or for the card. However, if you fail the test and retake it, you will pay another $30.

Restrictions on driving with a Learner's License

With a Learner's License, you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license — it can be from Massachusetts or another state.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. If you are caught driving alone or during those hours, you can be cited for a violation and your Learner's License can be suspended.

There are no restrictions on where you can drive or what roads you can use, as long as you have a licensed adult with you and it is not between midnight and 5 a.m.

How long you must hold the permit before the road test

You must hold your Learner's License for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license. The RMV counts from the date you received the Learner's License, not from the date you passed the written test.

If you complete a certified driver education course — a classroom course approved by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation — you can take the road test after three months instead of six. The course usually takes a few weeks and costs money, which varies by provider. You will get a certificate when you finish, and you bring that to the RMV when you book your road test.

During the time you hold your Learner's License, you should practice driving as much as possible with a licensed adult. There is no minimum number of hours required by the state, but the more you practice, the more ready you will be for the road test.

Where to find an RMV office and book an appointment

Massachusetts has RMV service centers in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the RMV website by entering your city or ZIP code. The website also shows the current wait time at each office, updated throughout the day.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test for a Learner's License — you can walk in during office hours. However, wait times can be long, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons. The RMV website shows you how long the wait is before you go, so you can choose a time when the office is less busy.

Office hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. A few offices are open on evenings. Check the RMV website for the hours of your nearest office.

What happens after you pass the written test

When you pass the written test, the RMV will take your photo and issue your Learner's License on the spot. You will receive a physical card that looks like a driver's license. Keep it with you whenever you drive.

Your Learner's License will have your name, date of birth, address, a photo, and an expiration date four years from the date you received it. It will also say "Learner" on it so police and other drivers know you are a new driver.

After you have held the Learner's License for the required time (six months, or three months if you took a driver education course), you can book a road test appointment with the RMV. The road test is when you drive with an RMV examiner to show that you can handle a car safely. That is a separate process from getting the Learner's License.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Learner's License if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, Massachusetts will not issue you a Learner's License. You must clear the suspension or revocation in that state first. Contact the RMV in the state where the suspension is in effect to find out how to do that.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove your identity and date of birth. A school ID with a photo and your date of birth, a foreign passport, or a state ID from another state all work. If you do not have any of those, ask the RMV what other documents they will accept — the rules can vary slightly by office.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my Learner's License?

No. You can get your Learner's License without taking a course. However, if you take a certified driver education course after you get your Learner's License, you can take the road test three months later instead of waiting six months.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. You will need to pay the $30 fee again and bring all your documents again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Can someone else pick up my Learner's License if I cannot go to the RMV?

No. You must be present in person to take the written test and have your photo taken. You cannot send someone else to do it for you.