Drivers License & ID
First Time Drivers
Featured Resources
- Drivers License & ID
- First Time Drivers
- Registration & Titling
- Driving Records
- Locations & Hours
- Forms & Publications
- Motorcycles
- Commercial Drivers
- Safety & Statistics
- Dealers & Auto Industry
- Other DMV Information
- Car Insurance
- Tickets & Driving Schools
- Relocation Guide
- Driving Abroad
- Drivers Education
- Traffic Schools
- Practice Tests
- Defensive Driving
- Suspended License
- Traffic Tickets
- Paying Your Traffic Ticket
- DMV Point System
- Driver Handbook
- Traffic Ticket Attorneys
- Driving Records
- Vehicle History Reports
- Criminal Records
- Background Checks
- Free Credit Report
- Court Records
- Vital Records
- Guide to Buying a New Car
- Guide to Buying a Used Car
- Guide to Selling Your Car
- Donating a Car
- Auto Warranty
- Auto Loans
- State Regulations
- Buying and Selling FAQs
- Breaking News
- Recalls
- Stolen Vehicles
- Traffic Alerts
- 511 Traffic Systems
- Weather
- REAL ID
- Enhanced Driver License
- Identity Theft
- Buying & Selling
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Safety & Driving
- Car Basics
- Equipment & Technology
- Motorcycles & Other Vehicles
- Alternative Vehicles
- Travel & Recreation
Drivers Permits
This fully narrated supplemental drivers ed program will help will provide first-time drivers a comprehensive understanding of rules of the road, state laws, driving techniques and much more. Although this course does not satisfy your Massachusetts drivers education requirements, this course is a great way for a first-time driver to get prepared for their upcoming learner's permit test.
This course includes six hours of full driver ed training giving the student a full multimedia learning experience. The student will have access to eight of the premier driver education videos and, finally, the student will test his or her knowledge with three permit practice tests. Once completed, the student will be ready to pass his or her test with flying colors.
Changes to the Junior Operator's License
Massachusetts recently implemented several changes to its teen driving program, highlighted by a Junior Operator's License (JOL).
It's the first JOL in the country to require the parents or guardians of teen drivers to take a two-hour classroom training with their teen driver. In addition, the state also enacted strict "no-tolerance" penalties for speeding, Operating Under the Influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol, and drag racing, among other violations.
Education Requirements
One of the changes in the law involves the education of teen drivers. The new law requires that teens have:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction
- 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training
- Six hours of on-road observation
- Two hours of classroom time with the parent or guardian
- 40 hours of practice driving with parent or guardian
If the student completes and passes an Advanced Training program, the practice hours are reduced to 30 hours instead of 40.
How to Apply for a Learner's Permit
You must be 16 years old to obtain your Massachusetts Learner's Permit and 16 years, six months to apply for your Junior Operator's License. During the time that you hold your permit and JOL, you must meet the above-mentioned education requirements before you're eligible to apply for your regular driver's license.
The permit and JOL carry certain restrictions.
- No passengers under the age of 18, unless you are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older, who has held a driver's license more than a year.
- Limited driving from 12:30 a.m.-5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The primary enforcement period is from 1-4 a.m.
- You need to hold your permit for at least six months before you apply for your Junior Operator's License.
How to Prepare
Before applying for your learner's permit, study the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, then study some more with DMV.ORG's online Practice Tests. Once you've mastered those, head down to your local Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) with your parent or guardian to be tested.
You'll need to complete an application and pass a vision test before taking the written exam of 20 questions. You must get at least 14 of those question correct in 20 minutes to pass the test. Then they'll take your picture, you'll sign the license, pay $30 and your permit will be issued.
Your permit is valid for two years.
The Road Test Requirement
Before you can apply for your regular driver's license, you'll need to take a road test. This test requires advance reservation, which you can make anytime after you've held the permit for six full months. Just call the RMV Telephone Center weekdays, 9-5 p.m. and schedule the road test. From the 617/781 area codes call 617-351-4500; from the 413/508/978 area codes call 1-800-858-3926.
The fee for the road test is $20.
If You Lose Your Permit
If you lose your permit, you'll need to visit your local RMV for a replacement. The fee is $20.
