Massachusetts Car FAQs

A Class D license in Massachusetts is a regular driver’s license that allows you to drive passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and small trucks.

A Class DM license is a motorcycle license in Massachusetts. It allows you to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads.

It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to receive your Massachusetts driver’s license in the mail after applying.

To get a driver's permit in Massachusetts, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at the RMV, provide identification documents, and pay the required fees.

To get a driver’s license in Massachusetts:

• Hold a learner’s permit and complete a driver’s education course (if under 18).
• Complete supervised driving practice.
• Schedule and pass a road test at the RMV.
• Pay the fee and receive your license.

A Massachusetts learner's permit looks similar to a driver's license but is marked with the words "Learner's Permit" and has restrictions printed on it.

A permit driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, has held their license for at least one year, and is sitting in the passenger seat.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit in Massachusetts.

You can get your driver’s license in Massachusetts at 16 ½ years old if you’ve completed driver’s education and have held a learner’s permit for six months. If you're 18 or older, you can apply for a license without completing driver’s ed.

No, even if you’re 18 or older, you must first get a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license in Massachusetts.

No, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit in Massachusetts.

If you're over 18 and have a driver’s permit, you must always have a licensed driver at least 21 years old present in the car with you.

Even if you're over 21, you cannot drive alone with a learner’s permit in Massachusetts. You need a licensed driver at least 21 years old with you.

A standard driver's license in Massachusetts costs $50.

Renewing your driver's license in Massachusetts costs $50.

The permit test fee in Massachusetts is $30.

Yes, you can renew your driver’s license online in Massachusetts through the Massachusetts RMV website as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

You can renew your license:

• Online: Visit the RMV website, log in, and follow the renewal steps.
• In Person: Visit an RMV service center and bring the required documents and payment.
• By Mail: If you're eligible, you may renew by mail.

Massachusetts does not have a specific grace period for expired licenses. You should renew your license before it expires to avoid penalties. Driving with an expired license can result in fines.

You will typically need:

• Your current driver's license.
• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport).
• Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement).

You can renew your driver’s license up to 1 year before it expires.

To reinstate your license, complete the required suspension period, pay a reinstatement fee, meet any other requirements, and visit a Massachusetts RMV office for processing.

No, Massachusetts does not offer a grace period for expired licenses. You must renew your license before it expires to avoid penalties. If your license has expired, you must renew it as soon as possible to avoid fines or legal issues.

The Massachusetts permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need to get at least 18 correct to pass.

Yes, in Massachusetts, you can take the permit test online if you're eligible. You’ll need to register through the Massachusetts RMV website.

No, you cannot use a rental car for the driving test in Massachusetts. The vehicle must be properly registered and insured.

The car you use for the road test must:

• Be registered and insured.
• Have a valid inspection sticker.
• Be in good working condition (brakes, lights, horn, etc.).
• Have a handbrake accessible to the examiner.

No, the owner of the car does not have to be there, but the car must have valid registration and insurance.

You are allowed to make a few minor mistakes, but major errors or too many small mistakes may lead to failure. Typically, you can make up to 15 points worth of minor errors.

If you fail your permit test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period, but you’ll need to pay the fee again for each attempt.

Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver's license for almost a year. If you become a resident, you'll need to get a Massachusetts driver's license.

After moving to Massachusetts, you must transfer your out-of-state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

To get a Massachusetts driver’s license from out-of-state:

• Visit an RMV service center.
• Provide your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and identity documents.
• Pay the required fees.
• You may need to take a vision test.

No, if you have a valid license from another U.S. state, you do not need to take a road test to transfer your license to Massachusetts.

To transfer your out-of-state license to Massachusetts:

• Go to the RMV with your out-of-state license.
• Provide proof of identity and residency.
• Pay the fee, and if needed, take a vision test.

Yes, Massachusetts allows immigrants, regardless of legal status, to apply for a driver's license if they meet the residency and identification requirements.

No, Massachusetts does not allow you to drive with an out-of-state learner’s permit. You’ll need to apply for a Massachusetts permit to drive in the state.

Here’s how to apply for your Massachusetts CDL license:

• Meet the eligibility requirements (be at least 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate driving).
• Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing the written knowledge test.
• Complete a DOT medical exam and get a medical certificate.
• Take and pass the CDL skills test.
• Receive your Commercial Driver's License.

The Class B CDL permit test in Massachusetts consists of multiple-choice questions covering general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and combination vehicles (if necessary).

Yes, you can drive a motorcycle with a motorcycle learner's permit in Massachusetts, but there are restrictions. You cannot carry passengers and can only ride during daylight hours.

You must be at least 18 years old to get a motorcycle license in Massachusetts. However, you can apply for a motorcycle learner's permit at 16 years old if your parents or guardians consent.

To get a motorcycle permit, you must be at least 16 years old, pass the motorcycle permit exam, and pay the required fee.

To get an MA motorcycle license, you must first get your learner’s permit, then complete a Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) or pass the RMV motorcycle road test, apply for your motorcycle license at the RMV, and pay the required fee.

You can request your driving record through the Massachusetts RMV website, by visiting an RMV center, or by mailing a written request with the fee to the Massachusetts RMV.

Here are two ways to get points off your license Massachusetts:

• Complete an RMV-approved defensive driving course to remove points or prevent new ones from being added.
• Points generally remain on your record for six years and are automatically removed after that time, so just wait for time to pass.

Make sure to check with the RMV for available options specific to your case.

The time it takes to get to Massachusetts depends on your starting location and mode of transportation. For specific travel times, you’d need to provide your departure city or use a travel planner.

You can check the mailing status of your driver's license by logging into your account on the Massachusetts RMV website or contacting the RMV directly for an update on your license status.

Yes, you generally need a Massachusetts driver’s license to register a car in Massachusetts. You also need proof of residency and insurance.

Yes, you can request a duplicate license online through the Massachusetts RMV website.

In Massachusetts, you need a driver’s license to register a car. However, if you’re registering a car for someone else, you might need to provide additional documentation.

To apply for a hardship license, you need to:

• Submit an application to the Massachusetts RMV.
• Provide documentation showing your need for a hardship license (e.g., employment or medical reasons).
• Attend a hearing if required by the RMV.

You can update your address on the Massachusetts RMV website, visit an RMV service center, or mail a completed address change form to the RMV.

Driving without a license in Massachusetts can result in a fine of up to $500 and possible vehicle impoundment. It’s important to have a valid license when driving.

You can visit an RMV service center without an appointment, but wait times may be long. It’s often better to make an appointment online if possible.

Yes, it is illegal to drive with headphones covering both ears in Massachusetts. However, using a single earbud for phone calls or navigation is allowed.

You can obtain the Massachusetts driver manual online through the RMV website, pick up a physical copy at an RMV center, or simply download it from our website.