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Obtaining Your License — Massachusetts Driver's License Practice Test

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144 questions in this topic · 30 drawn at random this round

Can you use a vehicle for a road test if a tire is a 'donut' limited-use spare?

Massachusetts Driver's Manual

All questions are based on the official Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (Class D). Study the relevant chapter to reinforce your knowledge.

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This Massachusetts Driver's License Obtaining Your License practice set has 144 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 72% on the real Massachusetts Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This section walks you through how to get a Massachusetts driver's license, from your very first learner's permit to the day you pass your road test. Massachusetts issues several license classes, but most people are after a Class D license for regular passenger cars. Getting comfortable with the steps here takes a lot of the mystery out of the process.

To qualify, you must be a Massachusetts resident and hold a learner's permit before you can apply for a license. You have to be at least 16 to apply for a Class D or M permit, and there are extra steps for anyone under 18 under the Junior Operator Law, including driver education and consent from a parent or guardian. When you take the learner's permit exam, you'll answer 25 multiple-choice questions and need 18 correct to pass.

Along the way you'll have your vision screened and choose between a REAL ID and a Standard license — both give the same driving privileges, but only a REAL ID works as federal identification for things like flying. The final step is the road test, where an examiner rides along while you show skills like parallel parking and a three-point turn. Pass it, and your license is on its way.

How old do I have to be to get a Massachusetts license?

You can apply for a Class D or M learner's permit at 16, but you can't get the full license until at least 16 1/2, after holding your permit in good standing for six months and finishing an approved driver education program.

Do I need a learner's permit before the road test?

Yes. You must get a learner's permit before applying for any license. It lets you practice while accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old, and it's valid for up to two years.

What's the difference between a REAL ID and a Standard license?

Both give you the exact same driving privileges and cost the same. The difference is that a REAL ID meets federal identification rules — so you can use it to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings — while a Standard license cannot be used for those purposes.

Written from the official Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Obtaining Your License ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Obtaining Your License bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

What does Massachusetts law require before you operate a motor vehicle on any public road, highway, or way permitting public access?
- A valid driver's license — Correct answer
- Only proof of insurance
- Only a vehicle registration
- Nothing, if you drive carefully
Explanation: Whether or not you are a Massachusetts resident, you must have a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle on any public way in Massachusetts.
Handbook: Obtaining Your License — Who Needs a License
How many driver's license classes does Massachusetts issue?
- Five (A, B, C, D, and M) — Correct answer
- Three (A, B, and C)
- Two (D and M)
- Seven
Explanation: Massachusetts issues five license classes: A, B, C, D, and M.
Handbook: Obtaining Your License — License Classes
What kind of licenses are Class A, B, and C in Massachusetts?
- Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for large vehicles — Correct answer
- Motorcycle licenses only
- Passenger car licenses
- Learner's permits
Explanation: Class A, B, and C are commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) that allow you to operate large vehicles such as trucks and buses.
Handbook: Obtaining Your License — License Classes