Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Massachusetts. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Massachusetts who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than one year

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local RMV Full Service Office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain parental consent. A parent or guardian must sign the front of the application form.
3. Visit your local RMV Full Service Office to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity and date of birth as specified by the RMV. If over 18 years of age, proof of residency and signature verification is required. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The correct fee for the permit.
7. You need to have your photo and signature captured electronically.
8. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the RMV Office. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for two years.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. You must have your permit with you when operating a vehicle.

THE JUNIOR OPERATOR LICENSE

You are eligible for a Junior Operators License (JOL) if you are least 16 ½ years old and meet the following requirements:

1. You have held the learner's permit for at least six months.
2. You have successfully completed an approved driver education course consisting of 30 hours class room instruction, 12 hours behind the wheel training, six hours observing other drivers in a care, and a 2 hour class attended with a parent or legal guardian on the content of driver education.
3. You have completed an additional 40 hours (30 hours if you have completed a Driving Skills development program) behind the wheel training under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver and your parent/guardian must certify to this.
4. You have had no violations (moving or drug or alcohol related) in the last 6 consecutive months.
5. The correct fee for the license.

Once you have completed all the above requirements you can schedule a road test by calling the RMV Telephone Center. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a junior operator license. The junior driver's license in Massachusetts includes the following restrictions:

1. Junior drivers are not permitted to drive between 12.30 am and 5 am unless accompanied by parent or guardian.
2. For the first six months, you cannot drive with passengers under 18 years of age unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.
3. See additional information on consequences of JOL violations.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. You may apply for a full license when you are 16 ½ years old provided you meet all the JOL requirements. If you are under 18, you need parental consent to apply for the full license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Check the FAQs of Massachusetts' Leaner Permits and JOL.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Massachusetts, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.