Getting Driving License in Massachusetts

As an international student in MA, I am required to get a MA driving license in order to drive in Massachusetts. Most students apply for Class D driving license. In order to get your driving license, first you need to apply for "Class D Learners Permit". Once you have permit, you can drive provided you are accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years old and hold a valid Class D driving license.

Here are the steps to get your driving license -

Step-1: Go to http://www.massrmv.com/ and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. Its a good idea to go through the "Drivers manual" (link - http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/dmanual/Drivers_Manual.pdf). Be aware, there are many privately own website with similar domain names.

Have a look at massrmv online services -

http://www.massrmv.com/OnlineServices.aspx

You can apply for permit, schedule your road test etc in above page.

Step-2: Apply for Class D learners permit online here

https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/prestageas/PST_IntroAndTermsAndConditions.aspx?Transaction=NewPermit

You will be asked for documents verifying your date of birth, signature and residency. Not that you can not use same document to verify two things. For example, you can not use passport to verify both date of birth and signature.

I selected following documents when asked

1) Date of Birth - Non US passport

You will be asked if you have I-94 and class of Visa. You will also need I-20 when you will visit the MASSRMV office.

2) Document providing signature - Social Security card

3) Proof of residency - Bank statements etc (no older that 60 days)

 You can also book an appointment before saving the document.

Step-3: Visit the office at your appointment time with following documents

1) Passport
2) I20
3) SSN Card
4) Bank Statement (no older than 60 days)
5) Completed Application Form

Remember to bring or wear your corrective vision lenses for vision test. You will need to give following tests

a) Class D Learner's Permit Exam
b) Vision Test

Step-4: Prepare for Class D Learner's Permit Exam

The exam consist of 20 objective type questions. You must score 70% (i.e. 14 correct answer) to pass the exam. The duration of the exam is 20 minute. The questions are asked from "Drivers Manual". You can download the copy of drivers manual from here.

http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/dmanual/Drivers_Manual.pdf

Its very helpful if you give some online test before appearing for actual exam. Some of the online test can be found out here

http://driving-tests.org/massachusetts/massachusetts-dmv-practice-test-3/


Step-4: Road test.

Fill the "Road Test Application" form which can be found here - http://www.massrmv.com/rmv/forms/21844.pdf

Or you can also apply online