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Massachusetts driving lesson · Getting Your License

Driving With Your Permit

A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Getting Your License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
26, 27

A permit grants conditional driving privileges. Follow its limits every time you drive, and carry the permit until you earn a Junior Operator's License or a full driver's license.

Class D permit: you must be accompanied by a driver who:

  • Sits in the front passenger seat next to you
  • Is at least 21 years old
  • Holds a valid driver's license from Massachusetts or another state
  • Has at least one year of driving experience
Handbook p. 26 ↗

Know the rule

Under 18 with a Class D permit, you may not drive between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is a licensed operator with at least one year of driving experience.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Class M (motorcycle) permit limits:

  • No passengers
  • Ride only in daylight hours (between sunrise and sunset)
  • Wear a US DOT standard helmet
  • Wear eyeglasses, goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen
Handbook p. 26 ↗

Know the rule

With a Class D or Class M permit you may drive in another state as long as doing so doesn't violate that state's laws.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Know the rule

The RMV requires drivers under 18 to take professional driving lessons at a local high school or driver school. Every driver school, public or private, must be licensed and monitored by the RMV; if in doubt, ask to see its RMV license certificate.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

Learning at a licensed school lets you use the school's vehicle for your road test and a school instructor as your test sponsor.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

Moved here after finishing driver's ed in another state? File an Application to Convert Out-of-State Driver Education Certificate. If that state's requirements meet or exceed Massachusetts' minimums, a new certificate is filed and you can book your road test.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 17 with a Class D permit, and your 19-year-old licensed cousin offers to ride along. Not allowed: your supervising driver must be at least 21, have a year of experience, and sit in the seat next to you.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

How old must a sponsor be to accompany a Class D learner's permit holder while driving?
  1. At least 18
  2. At least 21
  3. At least 25
  4. At least 19

Answer: At least 21

A Class D permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed operator at least 21 years old.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
What driving experience must a Class D permit sponsor have, in addition to a valid license?
  1. At least five years of driving experience
  2. A clean driving record only
  3. At least one year of driving experience
  4. No experience requirement exists

Answer: At least one year of driving experience

The sponsor must have a valid license and at least one year of driving experience.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
When can a Class M learner's permit holder legally ride a motorcycle?
  1. Any time, day or night
  2. Only after 9 p.m.
  3. Only on weekends
  4. Only during daylight hours

Answer: Only during daylight hours

A Class M learner's permit only allows riding between sunrise and sunset.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
An under-18 Class D permit holder wants to drive at 2 a.m. Under what condition is this allowed?
  1. Only with a parent or guardian
  2. If accompanied by any licensed adult
  3. If a driving instructor is present
  4. It is never allowed under any condition

Answer: Only with a parent or guardian

Under-18 permit holders may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
With a Class D learner's permit, where must your sponsor sit while you drive?
  1. In the back seat
  2. The front passenger seat
  3. Anywhere in the vehicle
  4. Outside supervising by radio

Answer: The front passenger seat

Your sponsor must occupy the passenger seat next to you while you drive with a permit.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
A Class M (motorcycle) learner's permit holder may carry a passenger as long as the passenger wears a helmet.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

A Class M learner's permit does not allow any passengers.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
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