Obtaining a Class D Permit and License

Any person who is at least 16 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar may apply for a Class D (passenger) permit at any RMV full service office.

Documentation Requirements

If you are under 18 years of age:

You must present the following:

• SSN Card or valid, current, U.S. or non-U.S. Passport
• 1 document proving date of birth
• Parental consent on the License application
• A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.

If you are 18 years of age or older:

You must present the following:

• SSN Card or valid, current U.S. or non-U.S. Passport
• Document proving date of birth
• Document proving signature
• Document proving Massachusetts residency
• A valid Social Security Number that verifies with the Social Security Administration or an acceptable written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

Note: The Social Security Administration does not include any Visa information on written denial notices, therefore, if you do not have a valid Social Security Number, you will have to provide evidence of an acceptable Visa code in addition to the written denial notice from the Social Security Administration.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.

A Massachusetts Liquor ID can be used to prove date of birth or signature.

Parental Consent

If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain the written consent of a parent, guardian, child guardian division or boarding school headmaster. Written consent must be given by signing the front of the License and ID Application. If the person giving consent is NOT a parent, proper documentation of authority must be shown at the time of the written test.

Obtaining your Class D Permit

Complete the permit application. This form can be found at any RMV service office or you may download it from our Forms and Files page.

You must present the application, the required ID documents, and the $30.00 fee, in person, to any RMV full service office to take the written test. The test is given on an automated testing system on a walk-in basis during posted branch hours.

The written test consists of twenty (20) questions. You must answer fourteen (14) questions correctly to pass.

At the time of your written test, you must also pass an eye screening for field vision and basic colors.

Please note that if you fail the written permit exam, you must present the required sources of identification documentation the next time you apply for a permit. Please refer to the list of identification requirements to ensure that you bring the necessary documents with you.

Simplified English, Oral, and Hearing Impaired Examinations

If you have a cognitive or physical disability that would prevent you from taking a standard knowledge test through ATS, you may contact the Registry to request an alternative extended time, paper, or oral test. To do so, please call (617) 351-4505 and leave a message that includes your name, your telephone number, the specifics of your request, and the Registry Branch Office where you would like to take your knowledge test. You will then be contacted by a Registry Customer Service Agent who will help you schedule a test.

When you arrive for your scheduled knowledge test, you must provide the Branch Manager with written documentation that confirms the nature of your disability. This documentation may be a Doctor's or Social Worker's letter, or a letter from a school on official letterhead. You will also need to provide all of the required identification documents (see Identification Requirements section).

An alternative knowledge test will only be provided if it has been scheduled in advance by calling the number above.

Obtaining a Duplicate Class D Permit

You must appear in person at an RMV office to have a duplicate permit issued for $15. If your permit has expired you need to present the required sources of identification, take and pass the written test and pay the $30 fee to obtain an updated permit. Please refer to the list of identification requirements to ensure that you bring the necessary documents with you.

Operation of a Vehicle with a Class D Permit

You may only operate a vehicle when accompanied by a licensed operator. A licensed operator is a person who is duly licensed by his or her home state, has at least one (1) year of driving experience, is at least 21 years of age and holds a valid license for the class of vehicle being driven. Your permit MUST be with you while you are operating the vehicle.

Limitations with a Class D Permit

If you are under 18 years of age, you may not drive between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian who is duly licensed in his or her home state and has one (1) year of driving experience. The parent/guardian must occupy the seat next to you. You may not operate a vehicle outside Massachusetts if that state's laws prevent you from legally doing so.

Renewing a Class D Permit

Permits expire two (2) years from the date of issue. If you need a new permit, the written test and the $30 fee are required.

Obtaining a Class D License

You may apply for a Class D license if you are at least 18 years old and have a valid Class D permit. You may also apply if you are 16 1/2 years old and have successfully completed all JOL requirements. Parental consent is required for applicants under 18 years of age.

Fees

The fee for each road test is listed on our fee chart.

Scheduling a Road Test

Once you have passed the written permit test and completed all necessary JOL requirements, you must call the RMV Telephone Center to schedule your road test. All road tests must be scheduled by the phone center. You may NOT make a road test appointment in person.

If you wish, you may use our automated phone system to schedule a road test by calling (866)-MASSRMV (866-627-7768).

Vehicle Requirements for Class D Road Tests

For all road tests, you are required to supply a properly equipped, legally registered and insured vehicle that has a valid inspection sticker. The vehicle must be acceptable to the examiner. The examiner must be able to reach the vehicle's emergency brake or foot brake. Any vehicle with a center console that does not have an emergency brake as part of the console cannot be used.

If the vehicle is rented, you must provide the rental agreement and written permission on the rental company's letterhead authorizing use of the vehicle for a road test.

Sponsor Requirements

To take the road test, you must bring a sponsor who is at least 21 years old, has at least one (1) year of driving experience and possesses a valid driver's license issued by his or her home state. Foreign license holders are not eligible to be sponsors.

To Obtain your Class D License

You must bring the following to the road test: a completed application for your license, your Class D permit, a vehicle and a sponsor.

You must successfully complete the road test before the expiration date on your permit.

Bring the stamped, signed permit and the appropriate fees to any RMV full service office to get your license.

Restrictions with a Class D License

Licensed Massachusetts drivers between 16 1/2 and 18 years of age may not operate a vehicle between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Also, you may not operate a vehicle requiring a commercial driver's license.

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