Northeast · Learner’s Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Massachusetts
Massachusetts issues learner’s permits at 16. Junior operators complete driver education plus 40 parent-supervised hours — and parents must attend part of the driver ed program too.
Massachusetts permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 16 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner’s Permit |
| Supervised practice | 40 hours (30 if the teen completes an approved skills development program) |
| Minimum holding period | 6 months |
| Issuing agency | Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Massachusetts?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 16
- Practice hours
- 40 hours (30 if the teen completes an approved skills development program)
- Waiting time
- 6 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 33/100. Easiest in the Northeast: New Hampshire (#5) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Maine requires 70 supervised hours — the most of any state. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Massachusetts permit date · ⚔️ Compare Massachusetts with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Massachusetts
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 16 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Massachusetts driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Massachusetts’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Massachusetts residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Massachusetts requires 40 hours (30 if the teen completes an approved skills development program). Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Massachusetts, that's 6 months. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts requires a parent or guardian to attend a 2-hour class as part of the teen’s driver education program.
Massachusetts learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Massachusetts?
The minimum age is 16. Massachusetts calls this credential the Learner’s Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Massachusetts require?
Massachusetts requires 40 hours (30 if the teen completes an approved skills development program). A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Massachusetts?
The minimum holding period is 6 months before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Massachusetts?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Massachusetts an easy state to get licensed in?
Massachusetts ranks #36 of 50 on our Ease Score (33/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.