Driver's Manual Summary

Driver’s Manual

General Information

  • The Driver's Manual is provided by the MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
  • A driver’s license is a privilege with responsibilities to follow laws for road safety.
  • Stay updated on safety changes online at Mass.Gov/RMV.
  • The manual is available in multiple languages.
  • Public ways are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

Chapter 1: Obtaining Your License

  • A valid Massachusetts license is required to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.
  • Out-of-state US residents can drive in Massachusetts with a valid out-of-state license.
  • Out-of-country visitors may drive with a valid foreign license if the issuing country has equivalent standards to Massachusetts.
  • New Massachusetts residents must obtain a Massachusetts license; there is no grace period.
  • Active military personnel may have exceptions regarding license validity.
  • Applicants must be at least 16 years old and not have a revoked license.
  • Minors (under 18) need parental/guardian consent.
  • REAL ID will be required to to fly domestically starting May 7, 2025.
  • The Work and Family Mobility Act allows Massachusetts residents to obtain a Standard Class D or M Driver’s License without providing proof of lawful presence beginning July 1, 2023.
  • A Massachusetts driver's license is valid for a maximum of five years.
  • Junior Operators (16 1/2 to 18) have specific requirements and restrictions.
    • Valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months.
    • Clean driving record for at least six consecutive months.
    • Complete RMV-approved driver education and training program.
    • Additional 40 hours of supervised driving (30 hours if a driver skills development program is completed).
    • Parent or guardian participation in two hours of instruction.
    • Pass a final exam.
  • JOL restrictions:
    • No operating a vehicle with a person under 18 (non-family) for the first six months.
    • No operating a vehicle between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a parent or guardian.
  • Identification Requirements:
    • REAL ID: requires lawful presence in the U.S., SSN, identity/DOB proof, and Massachusetts residency proof.
    • Standard Driver's License: requires Massachusetts residency proof and SSN.
  • A learner’s permit is required before applying for a license.
  • Must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Class D or M learner’s permit.
  • Learner's Permit Restrictions:
    • Class D learner's permit allows you to drive a passenger vehicle only when accompanied by a licensed operator who occupies the passenger seat next to you and meets certain requirements.
      • Limitations: Must be accompanied by a licensed operator who occupies the passenger seat next to you and is at least 21 years old, holds a valid driver’s license from Massachusetts or another state, and has at least one year of driving experience.
      • Learner's Permit Restrictions:
    • Class M learner’s permit
      • Class M learner’s permit allows you to operate a motorcycle
      • Limitations: You may not carry a passenger, drive only during daylight hours with a US DOT standard helmet and protective eye-wear unless the motorcycle you are driving has a windshield or screen.
  • Junior Operator License Conversion:
    • Must provide a certified driving record from the state they are leaving from.
    • In addition to documents for learner's permit, an additional 40 hours of supervised driving is required (30 hours if skills development program completed).
  • To convert an out-of-state driver’s education certificate, the program completed must meet or exceed Massachusetts minimum requirements for classroom and in-car instruction.
  • Veteran's Indicator: Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, honorably discharged, can have “Veteran” printed on their license or ID card.
  • Organ and Tissue Donor Program: Massachusetts residents can register as an organ and tissue donor.

Chapter 2: Safety First

  • Massachusetts law requires seatbelts for all passengers.
  • Children must be in federally approved child passenger restraints until they are at least eight years old or 57 inches tall.
  • Air bags work with safety belts and do not replace them.
  • Hands-free mobile device use is required for drivers 18 and older; handheld device use is only allowed if the vehicle is stationary and is not located in a public travel lane.
  • Drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile electronic device for any reason while driving, with the exception of reporting an emergency.
  • Leave a safe passing distance of at least four feet between your vehicle and vulnerable road users.
  • A new section was added about the dangers of speeding and how it increases the risks of crashes and serious injuries and fatalities for everybody on the road.
  • Look far ahead so you have enough time to break and stop safely.
  • The ONLY true way to protect yourself from drowsy driving is to get enough sleep and to not drive when you feel tired. Drinking coffee and pulling over to a safe place for a nap can only help temporarily, but only for a short time period.
  • The law requires you to use your headlights and taillights whenever you use your windshield wipers; daytime running lights are not sufficient.
  • In fog use your low beam headlights to reduce glare.

Chapter 3: Keeping Your License

  • The RMV tracks driving history, which includes civil motor vehicle infractions, criminal violations, and at-fault crashes.
  • Failure to respond to a citation within 20 days results in a finding of responsibility and a late fee.
  • A citation carries a $5 public safety surcharge.
  • Motor vehicle violations and at-fault crashes are called surchargeable events.
  • If you get three or more surchargeable events on your driving record within a two-year period, you must complete the Massachusetts Driver Retraining Course, or your license will be suspended.
  • Points against license for violations also apply for out-of-state violations.
  • The RMV can suspend or revoke your driver's license for several reasons, including:
    • Three speeding violations within one year.
    • Seven surchargeable events within three years.
    • Operating under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs.
    • Suspension or revocation in another state.
  • Massachusetts has an Implied Consent Law. Every licensed driver in the state must agree to consent to a breathalyzer or blood test in certain cases.

Chapter 4: Rules of the Road

  • Always adjust your speed based on weather, traffic, and road conditions.
  • Always obey traffic signals and signs.
  • When a traffic light shows a steady yellow circle, you must stop if it is safe.
  • Flashing yellow lights are warnings to proceed with caution.
  • When you pass a vulnerable road user (such as a pedestrian or bicyclist), you must leave a safe passing distance of at least 4 feet between your vehicle and the road user.
  • Unless posted otherwise:
    • Speed limit in a thickly settled district is 30 mph (unless it is a school zone) or 25 mph in some communities per local ordinance.
    • Use extra caution at school zones.