How to Get a Driver's License in Massachusetts [2025]

How Does It Work?

To drive in Massachusetts, you are required to hold a valid MA driver’s license. This is your full step-by-step guide that will help you get, renew or transfer your driver’s license fast and easy.

Get a Learner's Permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a Junior Operator License

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: As you navigate Massachusetts's historic routes and bustling city streets, strong driving skills are indispensable. Explore our guides on manual gear shifting and parallel parking. Gain expertise in reverse parking and three-point turns. Proper mirror placement is critical for safe driving. Our Online Driving Simulator offers a virtual environment to practice, and international drivers should be aware of Massachusetts's international driver's license stipulations.

Types of Driver's Licenses in Massachusetts

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Class D

It's a regular license that allows you to operate a passenger vehicle, van or small truck. Read the MA Driver's Manual or take a free RMV practice test.

Class A/B/C (Commercial)

It allows you to operate any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, a combination vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 lbs, it also allows you to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) and hazardous material placards. Read the RMV CDL Manual or take a free CDL practice test.

Сlass M (Motorcycle)

It allows you to operate a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and designed to travel with no more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground. Read the RMV Motorcycle Manual or take a free RMV motorcycle practice test.

How to Apply for your MA Learner’s Permit

Learner's permit allows you to operate a vehicle while supervised at all times by an adult in the front seat at least 21 years of age who is licensed and has at least one year of driving experience. According to Junior Operator License (JOL) requirements permit holders under the age of 18 may not drive between 12 a.m. (midnight) and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian (licensed operator with at least one year of driving experience whose license is valid).

1Choose the type of identification

You can get a REAL ID MA permit (valid for federal purposes) or Standard permit (not valid for federal purposes). Use The RMV's REAL ID, Real Answers Wizard to see what's right for you.

2Collect documentation

You must verify

Your lawful presence
Social Security Number
Massachusetts residency (1 document for a Standard permit, 2 for a REAL ID permit)

Use this guide to choose documents correctly.

3Complete your application ONLINE

You may fill in the application at an RMV service center but completing it online will save you a lot of time. Print your application at home.

4Apply in person

Visit any MA RMV service center and bring the application form and required documentation.

5Get parental consent if under 18

Your parent, guardian, Department of Children and Families, or boarding school headmaster must sign your application. If the person giving consent is not your parent, you must provide proper documentation. You don’t have to get written consent if you are married or legally emancipated.

6Pay the fee

$30.00. Most service centers accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. However, check what’s accepted at the site you will be visiting. If you fail the permit exam, you will have to pay the fee again.

7Pass a vision test

You don’t have to take this test at the service center if you bring an RMV vision screening certificate from your medical practitioner.

8Have your picture and signature electronically captured

See top 7 tips for an excellent driver's license photo.

9Pass the permit exam

It is offered only on a walk-in basis when you submit your application for a learner's permit. The test will contain questions about the rules of the road, signs and procedures. Make sure you practice online before you go and check frequently asked questions about MA knowledge test. If you fail the test, you can retake it whenever ready.

Permits are valid for 2 years or the length of your stay in the U.S. If your permit expires, you'll need to reapply and retake the exam.

How to Get a Driver’s License in Massachusetts [2025]