Massachusetts Driver's Manual Summary

The speed limit enforced for a certain road.

A sign indicating you must come to a complete stop before proceeding.

A sign indicating you must yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding.

The suspension of your driving privileges for failing a chemical test for alcohol or drugs.

A device that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking.

The law that says you must pull over and stop for an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on.

Driving at a speed that is unsafe for the conditions.

A serious offense that can lead to your license being revoked.

A Massachusetts driver's license is valid for a maximum of five years, expiring on your birthday.

A driver's license may include restrictions, indicated by code letters on the license.

If you obtain or renew your license under 21, you will receive a vertical license. This license is valid until expiration, even after turning 21.

A horizontal license can be obtained after your 21st birthday.

A REAL ID license or ID card can be issued for less than 5 years if your lawful presence is shorter, with a minimum period of 12 months.

You can't hold driver's licenses from multiple states simultaneously.

A program that verifies the validity of driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards across participating states.

If you obtain a Massachusetts license or ID card, any existing license or ID card issued by other participating states will be automatically canceled.

A type of driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards, allowing access to federal facilities and air travel within the U.S. after May 7, 2025.

A standard driver's license or ID card issued by Massachusetts that is NOT compliant with federal REAL ID requirements.

A passport or other forms of identification accepted for air travel and federal facilities.

You'll need a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable ID to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities after May 7, 2025.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a list of alternative forms of identification that can be used for domestic flights and federal facilities.

To convert an out-of-state driver's education certificate, your program must meet or exceed Massachusetts' minimum requirements for classroom and in-car instruction.

You can schedule, cancel, or reschedule your road test online at Mass.Gov/RMV or by calling the RMV Contact Center.

If you fail a road test or miss your scheduled test, you must wait at least 14 days before taking another test.

For a Class D license, you are not allowed to attempt more than six road tests in a 12-month period.

For a Class M license, if you fail two road tests, you must enroll in and successfully complete a beginner rider course before you can schedule another test.

If you successfully complete the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP), approved by the RMV, you do not have to take a motorcycle road test.

You must have a learner's permit of the proper class to schedule a road test.

There is no additional fee if you cancel or reschedule with more than 72 hours notice.

Passing an MREP course means you don't have to take the RMV's Class M road test.

An MREP basic rider course is mandatory for anyone under 18 to obtain a Class M license. They also need a driver's education certificate.

The RMV's Motorcycle Manual is available online, focusing exclusively on motorcycles. Studying it is essential for getting a Class M learner's permit or adding a motorcycle class to your Class D license.

Road tests are automatically canceled when the Governor declares a state of emergency, or in specific regions if an emergency is declared there. Road tests can also be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions.

If you fail the test, are unprepared, your vehicle fails inspection, lack a qualified sponsor, don't show up or are late, or cancel with less than 72 hours' notice, you will have to pay the road test fee again.

Signs of alcohol or substance impairment in you or your sponsor, alcohol or marijuana odor, presence of unsupervised children, babies, or animals (except trained service animals) can lead to rejection of the road test.

The program aims to decrease motorcycle-related deaths and injuries by increasing access to MSF-approved training courses for riders and enhancing awareness for both riders and other drivers.

The RMV offers motorcycle rider courses for both beginners and experienced riders. Contact them for information on these courses.

For a Class M motorcycle road test, you don't need a sponsor. You just need to show your learner's permit, a completed application form, and your registered motorcycle.

To take a Class D (passenger vehicle) road test, you must have a sponsor who is 21 years old, has a valid driver's license, and has been driving for at least a year.

The car you bring to the Class D driving test needs to be safe, in good order, and have enough seats for the examiner, the applicant, and the sponsor.

The vehicle you use for the Class D road test must have a parking brake that the examiner can access in an emergency. To help ensure access, bring a vehicle with a centrally located parking brake.

The vehicle you bring to the Class D road test must be registered and have passed inspection. The examiner may cancel your test if the vehicle appears unsafe.

If you're under 18, you're not eligible to take a motorcycle road test (Class M). Instead, you must take the MREP basic rider course to get your license.

If you have a valid foreign driver's license, you still need to obtain a sponsor to take a Class D road test. Foreign driver's license holders are not eligible to be sponsors.

A sponsor can only sponsor a maximum of three different applicants within a one year period without approval from the RMV Road Test Program.