Massachusetts
What Massachusetts asks of a teen driver before the first license, from the practice hours to the road test.
40hours
of supervised practice, no separate night hours
- Permit
- Learner’s Permit
- License
- Junior Operator License
- Practice can start at
- 16 years old
Depends on your answer
Did your child finish an RMV-approved driving skills program?
- YesThe practice goal will be 30 hours.
- Not yetThe practice goal will be 40 hours.
Before the road test
- Permit held six consecutive monthsA disqualifying suspension can change the learner’s eligibility.
- Minimum age16 years, 6 months
- Six-month waitA ticket or suspension may change the date. Check before booking the road test.
- Classes and instructor timeComplete 30 classroom hours, 12 behind-the-wheel hours, 6 observation hours, and the parent or guardian class.
- Parent or guardian classA class taken in the past 5 years may still count.
When they can drive
- Midnight to 5 a.m.A parent or guardian must ride along.
Where this comes from
- Junior Operator License requirements
- Class D learner’s permit
- Driver’s education programs
- Supervised Driving Log
- Class D or M Road Test Application
- General Laws Chapter 90, Section 8
- General Laws Chapter 90, Section 8B
- Acts of 2016, Chapter 52
- RMV RoadReady announcement
Moonroof checked these sources on October 9, 2026. Rules change, so check with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles before booking the road test.