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DRVN > Guide > Massachusetts

Massachusetts Teen Driving Guide

What parents need to know about the learn-to-drive process in Massachusetts

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6 steps for your teen to get their license in Massachusetts.
1
Enroll in a Driver's Ed Program
WHEN: Your teen can start classroom instruction as soon as they are 15 years 9 months old.
DURATION: Massachusetts law requires 30 hours of classroom instruction.
WHY: By knocking out some classroom hours beforehand, teens will be better prepared for the permit test.
WHERE: Classroom instruction can be done in person at a Massachusetts driving school or online.
2
Pass the Massachusetts Learner's Permit Exam
WHEN: Your teen can take the learner's permit exam any time after they turn 16 years old.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bring birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, and completed application form. A guardian must also be present to sign the documents.
WHY: This test covers knowledge of the Massachusetts driver's manual. Your teen must also pass a vision exam.
WHERE: Take the exam at a Massachusetts RMV location. Make sure to schedule an appointment in advance.
3
Practice Driving on Massachusetts Roads with a Parent
WHEN: This takes place during the time when your teen has their permit, and must be competed before taking the driver's license exam.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Your teen should always carry their Massachusetts learner's permit each time they drive. A parent or guardian is required to be present. Use the DRVN app to guide development and track time.
DURATION: Massachusetts law requires 40 hours of supervised driving time.
WHERE: Practice driving on a range of roads, from residential to city to freeways. Focus especially on roads in and around the area you live in Massachusetts to build familiarity with local traffic.
MOBILE COACHING APP FOR PARENTS AND TEENS:
DRVN
This Mobile App makes it easy for parents to guide skills development and track practice driving time.

4
Practice Driving with an Instructor in Massachusetts
WHEN: This takes place while your teen has their Massachusetts learner's permit, and at the same time as classroom instruction.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Your teen should carry their learner's permit, and you'll need to acquire the services of a licensed Massachusetts Driving instructor.
DURATION: Massachusetts law requires 12 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with an instructor and 6 hours of in car observation.
5
Take the Massachusetts Driver's License Exam
WHEN: After your teen has turned 16 and held their learner's permit for at least 6 months, schedule to take the driver's license test.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bring proof of identity, birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, a registered vehicle to use for the test and payment for the fees.
WHERE: Take the exam at a Massachusetts RMV location. Make sure to schedule an appointment in advance.
6
Purchase Car Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts for Your Teen
WHEN: Your teen is automatically covered under your policy when they have their permit, at no additional cost. However, once they get their full license and start driving, they will need a separate insurance coverage. Be prepared, this can be costly.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: You'll need to provide your insurance agent with a copy of your teen's driver's license, plus information on the primary vehicle that they will be driving. If your teen is a good student with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, many insurers will offer discounts if you provide a copy of their grade card.
WHERE: Start with your insurance agent, but make sure to shop around!

We have even more detailed
driving information available
for specific Massachusetts Cities.

This information includes local places to assist you in completing each of the steps necessary to drive in Massachusetts.
Click/tap on the most popular Massachusetts cities below:

To view the guides for other states, select a state below: