Getting a Massachusetts driver’s license is an exciting, and sometimes scary, event for the new driver and the new driver’s family. Operating a motor vehicle is serious business and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a strict Junior Operator Law for new drivers. A junior operator in Massachusetts has a Class M license from age 16.5 until age 18. The new laws have been effective in cutting down teen speeders by more than 60% since 2007. You can expect that Massachusetts state police will be aggressive in handing out speeders with a junior operator license. Warning to Junior Operators and Their Parents. May 24, 2011 Massachusetts Junior Operator Law License Restrictions Any motor vehicle operator or motorcyclist between the ages of 16 1/2 and 18 is considered a Junior Operator. The Junior Operator Law has several requirements and restrictions that significantly affect the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who has a Junior Operator’s License (JOL). Completion of a driver’s education program is required of all Class D and M license applicants under the age of 18. To be eligible for a driver education certificate, you must complete the following: Classroom instruction: 30 hours consisting of Massachusetts motor vehicle law and safe and proper operation of a vehicle.
Getting Your Massachusetts Learner's Permit
Did you know that motor vehicle accidents are the #1 killer of teens in the United States? In a nationwide effort to combat this eye-opening dilemma, many states have initiated a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program in which first-time drivers must reach certain milestones prior to getting their full driver's license.
One of the first steps on your path to your Massachusetts driver's license is to obtain your Mass learner's permit. Below you will find everything you need to know, including detailed information about required documents and some really helpful time-savers, such as online practice tests.
Massachusetts REAL ID Permits
The Massachusetts RMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard driver’s licenses. Pulse free download. Beginning October 2020, the REAL ID will allow you to continue using your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings--a standard ID will no longer suffice for these activities.
You can choose to receive a REAL ID permit upon application—details are outlined below. For more, visit the state's guide to REAL IDs.
New to Massachusetts?
If you're new to Massachusetts and you have a permit from another state, Washington, D.C., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. Territory, you may transfer your learner's permit by presenting a certified copy of your driving record from your previous state to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). If you have any additional questions that aren't covered below, you may contact the RMV at:
Your certified driving record MUST NOT be more than 30 days old.
NOTE: Massachusetts also accepts permits from Mexico and Canada.
Apply for a MA Learner's Permit
The requirements for applying for a MA learner's permit are both age and document-based. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
Which permit should I apply for?
If you're on the fence about getting a REAL ID or a standard permit, consider whether or not you plan to travel on an airplane. After the REAL ID requirements go into effect, a standard license won't be valid for boarding an aircraft—you'll need your passport or other federal identification instead.
To apply for a MA learner's permit from the RMV, provide the following documents:
The RMV offers a guide to all acceptable documents you can bring for the above categories.
Taking the Massachusetts Permit Test
When you have in hand all the required documents mentioned above, it's time to prepare for your knowledge/permit test at your local RMV office. This test is computer-based and will be administered on automated testing stations featuring easy-to-use video screen kiosks. If you have a disability and are unable to use the kiosk, please bring medical documentation of your disability and ask to speak to a branch manager.
The test will consist of 25 questions based on information about Massachusetts traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving techniques found in the MA Driver's Manual.
Pass the Written Test on Your First Try
In addition to studying the Driver's Manual to prepare for the written test, we also suggest using a comprehensive online practice test to give yourself a feel for the format of the actual exam, and better understand the areas where you need more work!
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements
As part of the GDL requirements, you will need to:
Your parent or guardian must also complete 2 hours of instruction as part of your Driver's Ed and training requirements. See our page on Teen Licensing in MA for details.
Learner's Permit Driving Restrictions
A Massachusetts learner's permit is valid for 2 years. With your permit, you're allowed to drive on public roads, but there are a few restrictions:
Replacing Your Learner's Permit in MassachusettsMassachusetts Junior Operator License Laws
You may obtain a duplicate Class D learner's permit if any of the following applies:
In order to get your duplicate, you must complete a Drivers License Learners Permit or ID Card Application (Form LIC100), bring the required documents mentioned above and pay the $15 fee at the RMV.
Your Next Step: Get Your Junior Operator's License (JOL)
Once you have your Massachusetts learner's permit, it's time to experience what life is like on the open road. Your next step in the GDL is to complete an approved Driver's Ed course so you can get your junior operator's license (JOL). For more information, please refer to our Massachusetts Teen Driver's License page.
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