Massachusetts Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Massachusetts learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official RMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-18 · Source: Massachusetts RMV — Apply for a Class D Learner's Permit ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Massachusetts
- Apply for the Massachusetts learner's permit at age 16
- Drive only while accompanied by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
- Hold the permit at least 6 months and complete 40 supervised practice hours, including 10 at night
- Move into the junior-operator phase at age 16 years 6 months and follow the first-6-month passenger and late-night restrictions
- Qualify for the full Massachusetts license at age 18
Massachusetts GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Passenger rule: During the first 6 months of the junior operator license, no passengers under 18 are allowed except family members
- Curfew: During the junior-operator phase, no driving is allowed from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- Permit supervision: Learner's-permit holders must be accompanied at all times by the supervising licensed driver required by the permit restrictions
The details
- Permit eligibility: Massachusetts' driver manual says you can apply for a learner's permit at age 16
- Permit fee details: Mass.gov, directly confirmed: "Learner's Permit Application Fee: $30"
- Permit validity: 24 months — Mass.gov, directly confirmed: "Learner's permits are valid for 2 years or the length of your stay in the U.S."
- Practice hour details: The Massachusetts driver manual says the learner's permit must be held 6 months with 40 supervised hours, including 10 at night
- Knowledge test: 25 questions; 72% to pass; Web search: 25-question test, 18 correct (72%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Massachusetts?
You can get a learner's permit in Massachusetts at 16. Massachusetts' driver manual says you can apply for a learner's permit at age 16.
How much does a Massachusetts permit cost?
The Massachusetts permit fee is $30. Mass.gov, directly confirmed: "Learner's Permit Application Fee: $30".
How long do you have to hold your permit in Massachusetts?
You must hold your Massachusetts permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Massachusetts require?
Massachusetts requires 40 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Massachusetts permit test?
Right here — take a free Massachusetts practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full RMV-format experience with a readiness score.
