Driver's Permit

Being able to drive can be an essential part of getting other things in your life on track. A permit is the document you need to practice driving and get your license. We'll point you to parts of the process and resources you'll need to prepare for the test.

STEP #1: know what a permit is

A driver's permit, also known as a passenger or Class D learner's permit, is the document that tells Massachusetts you are legally allowed to drive a car while another licensed passenger who is over 21 is with you. A permit is designed to help you prepare to take your road test in order to gain your license.

In Massachusetts, there are two forms of licenses that you can get: REAL and Standard. Before you get your permit, it's important to know which license you're working towards:

REAL ID*

  • Is a valid driver’s license or identification card

  • Is valid as a form of federal ID

  • Requires an in-person visit to renew

  • Has a star displayed on the document to indicate that is a federally compliant card

Standard ID

  • Is a valid driver’s license or identification card

  • Is NOT valid as a form of federal ID

  • Can be renewed online without going to the RMV

  • Has “NOT FOR FEDERAL ID” displayed on the card

*Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and old will need a REAL ID.

STEP #2: know the process

The process to get your driver's license requires a few steps. Even if you have all your application materials ready from day one, you can usually expect the process to take anywhere from 1-3 months:

  1. Complete Online Application

This form will ask you questions about yourself and your situation, and tell you what identifying documents you'll need to bring to your appointment.

  1. Reserve In-Person Appointment

After you submit your application, you'll be prompted to book a time at your local Registry of Motor Vehicles, or RMV, to prove who you said you were in your application.

  1. Prepare for the Test

After your appointment, you'll receive login information and a deadline to take your online test. The test will ask you questions on safety precautions, rules of the road and identifying road signs. In this time, you should do practice questions and test your knowledge on Safety Precautions and Rules of the Road.

  1. Take Permit Test

You are expected to take the test within two months of your RMV appointment. During the test, you'll be asked 25 questions in 25 minutes. To pass, you need to answer 18 out of 25 questions correctly, a passing rate of about 70%.

  1. Receive Permit in the Mail

Your permit should arrive in the mail within 2 weeks of the day you pass your test. If it doesn't arrive, you can contact your RMV for an update.

STEP #3: gather what you need

  1. Permission from a Parent/Guardian (if under 18)

In order to apply for a permit in Massachusetts, you must be at least 16 years old. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent, legal guardian, or DCF to sign your application.

  1. $30 Application Fee

  2. Mass ID

  3. Identifying Documents

When the RMV is processing your application, they need a few documents to prove your information:

  • Your Birthday - Birth Certificate

  • Your Signature - Passport or Birth Certificate

  • Your Social Security No. (SSN) - SSN Card, W-2 Form, or pay stub with name and full SSN

  • Your residency in Mass. (if older than 18) - Lease, Utility Bill, or School Transcript

STEP #4: complete the application

To begin the process, submit an application through the Mass.gov website. This application can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, so be sure to set aside some time to complete it.

STEP #5: set up your rmv appointment

Use the scheduler at the end of your application to set up an appointment. When you set up this appointment, make sure it's:

  • At a time when you're not working or in school

  • At a location you can easily get to

  • At a time when you'll have all your identifying documents in order

Be sure to set a reminder, create an alarm, and coordinate a transportation plan to get to your appointment. If the appointment is on a day when you have meetings or shifts at MTW, request the time off in Deputy.

STEP #6: study for the test

Before you take the test, you should feel comfortable with two basic areas of knowledge: Rules of the Road and Safety Measures. After reading through these materials, test your knowledge with a practice test or some practice questions.

STEP #7: get your license

Getting your learner's permit is no small thing, however, it's just a first step towards getting your license. In order to get your license, you'll need to do the following things:

If you're under 18...

  • Hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months

  • Complete a driver's ed program and get a certificate

  • Complete 40+ hours of supervised driving

  • Schedule your road test online

  • Bring your required documentation and fee of $35

  • Pass the road test

If you're 18 or over...

  • Schedule your road test online

  • Bring your required documentation and fee of $35

  • Pass the road test