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.

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:

• 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

• 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.

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:

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.

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.

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 .

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%.

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.