How to Get a Learner's Permit in Massachusetts

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Many kids dream of driving since the time they learned the word "car." In Massachusetts, you have to wait until you are sixteen until you can drive. Even then, to make your dream come true, you have to get a learner's permit first.

Things You Should Know

  • To get a learner's permit in Massachusetts, you need to be 16 and an MA resident.
  • Study the Driver's Manual and when you feel you've mastered the material, visit the RMV to take your test.
  • Pay your test fee, take the learner's test, and wait to hear whether or not you passed.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. In Massachusetts, you must be at least sixteen years old and a Massachusetts resident when you apply for a learner's permit. [1]
  2. [2] A copy is available at most RMV branches for $5. You must pass a written test to earn your permit. It is based on the Driver's Manual, so make sure you study it. You can also view the official Driver's Manual online. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. Try to arrive at least half an hour to 45 minutes before the Registry stops permit testing. Be patient and alert for your turn. [4]
  4. Be sure to check that you are applying for a learner's permit, and that you want either a class D or a class M permit. [5]
  5. Present the required documents for your application. Pay the $30 test fee, take a vision test, and have your picture taken.
  6. Most of the time, the test is taken on a touchscreen kiosk. Basic rules of the road and driving skills are common questions. Answer 18 out of 25 questions correctly in order to pass. [6]
  7. If you passed the test, you will receive your permit here.
    8. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do I need to schedule an appointment to get a learner's permit?
    Community Answer
    No, you can just tell the clerk you're in for a permit test, get your number, and wait to be called.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 24
  • Question
    What do I need to bring with me to take my permit test?
    Community Answer
    If you are under 18, you need a birth certificate, social security number, parental consent form, and completed application. If you are over 18, you need a separate document to prove address, date of birth, social security number, signature, and completed application.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 27
  • Question
    How long does it take to get the learner's permit once I pass the test? Do I get it immediately or later on?
    Robert Murphy
    Community Answer
    Upon finishing the test, go back to the window. If you passed (answered at least 18/25 questions (72%) correct), the teller will hand you your permit.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Not studying the Driver's Manual is not a good idea. If you fail, you will have to pay another $30 to take it again.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Primary document proving date of birth (official birth certificate copy, passport, etc.)
      • Social Security card
        • If you are over 18, you will also need a proof of signature and Massachusetts residency.
        • If you are under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian present.
      • $30
      • Driver's manual

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Pass Your Driving Test
      How to
      Start a Car
      How to
      Drive a Car
      How to
      Be a Better Driver
      How to
      Avoid Annoying Other Drivers
      How to
      Get Your Driver's License in the USA
      Lost Your Driver’s License? What to Do in the US and Abroad
      How to
      Spot a Fake Driver's License
      How to
      Get a TCP License
      How to
      Get Your Maryland Driver's License
      How to
      Check the Points on Your Driver's License
      How to
      Change Address on Illinois Drivers License
      How to
      Get a School Bus Driver's License
      How to
      Get Your Driving Permit
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about getting a driver's license, check out our in-depth interview with Simon Miyerov .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit
      2. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/lists/drivers-manuals
      3. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/03/21/Drivers_Manual.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations?_page=1
      5. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-motorcycle-class-m-learners-permit
      6. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit
      7. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/pay-your-road-test-andor-drivers-license-fees
      8. Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 167,928 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement