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  • 16Youngest age for a learner's permitp. 15
  • 18 of 25Permit exam questions to get rightp. 16
  • 6 monthsOn the permit before the road testp. 9
  • 40 hoursSupervised driving before a junior licensep. 10

Step by step

  1. Study this manual

    The permit exam is based on the Massachusetts Driver's Manual. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 15)

  2. Apply and book a visit

    Fill in the permit application (you can start online), reserve a visit to an RMV Service Center, and if you're under 18 have a parent or guardian sign it. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 15)

  3. Prove who you are

    Bring the identification documents the RMV asks for; requirements differ between REAL ID and standard cards.

    • Proof of identity and date of birth
    • Proof of Massachusetts residency
    • Your Social Security number (or an accepted alternative)

    (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 12–13)

  4. Pass the vision screening

    You need at least 20/40 in your better eye and 120 degrees of side vision, or a vision certificate from your eye doctor. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 5)

  5. Pass the permit exam

    Answer at least 18 of 25 questions correctly within 25 minutes, at the service center or online after your visit. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 16)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have a Massachusetts learner's permit

  • Carry your permit whenever you drive. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 18)
  • Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older, with a year of experience, beside you. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 18)
  • Under 18, no driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless a licensed parent or guardian is with you. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 18)
  • Under 18, don't use any mobile electronic device while driving, except to report an emergency. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 40)

If you don't pass

If you fail the permit exam you can take it again, and the exam fee is charged again. After a failed road test, wait at least 14 days before the next one. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 20, 31–32)

What comes next

Between 16½ and 18 you can get a Junior Operator License after the road test: for its first six months no passengers under 18 except family unless a qualified adult rides beside you, and no driving from 12:30 to 5 a.m. without a parent. (Massachusetts Driver's Manual, p. 9–11)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Massachusetts practice exam: 25 questions, 18 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Massachusetts Driver's Manual (Revised April 2026), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 8 higher.