Massachusetts Online Driver Education and Massachusetts Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Massachusetts? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Massachusetts has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You need to be at least 16 years old in order to apply for an instruction permit in Massachusetts. When you go to get your instruction permit, you will need to take the following items with you to the local Mass. RMV office:

• Valid forms of ID (for a listing of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Mass. RMV website)
• A signed application (if under 18, your parents/guardians must sign it, also)
• $30 to cover the test fee

You will need to pass a vision screening test and then a written test (covering material from the Mass. Driver's Manual).

After you receive your instruction permit (which is valid for 2 years), you may begin to practice driving, however, there are some restrictions:

• You must always have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat actively supervising your driving.
• If you're under 18, you cannot drive between 12 midnight and 5am unless your parent/guardian is with you.

Massachusetts Junior Operator License (aka--provisional license)

In order to be eligible to apply for a junior operator license, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• You must be at least 16 years and 6 months old
• Completed 40 hours of supervised driving
• Completed a state-approved drivers education program which includes 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 6 hours of observing other students, 2 hours of your parent/guardian attending drivers education

When you are ready, then head back down to the local Mass. RMV office with your instruction permit and the same ID forms you took with you the last time. You will need to pass a road test and then you'll be issed a Massachusetts Junior Operator's license.

With a junior operator's license, some restrictions still apply:

• For the first six (6) months, no passengers under the age of 18 (except family members) may ride with you unless a licensed 21-year-old driver with at least one (1) year of driving experience is sitting in the front passenger seat actively supervising your driving.
• You may not drive between 12:30am and 5am unless your parent/guardian is with you.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Massachusetts is as follows:

• $20,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $40,000--personal injury (2 persons)
• $5,000---property damage
• $8,000--personal injury protection

Driving without auto insurance coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Massachusetts Drunk Driving Laws

If you drive drunk in Massachusetts--assuming you're not killed in an accident--you will face very severe consequences.

Upon your FIRST conviction of a Mass. DUI, this is what you will face:

• Two-and-a-half years in prison
• $250 fine
• $50 for DUI Victim Trust Fund
• 1-year license suspension
• Court-assigned treatment program

Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Massachusetts Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Currently, there are no laws regulating the use of cell phones or text-messaging devices while driving. However, this does not mean it's safe to use them! Please wait until you reach your destination before reading or sending a text-message. If you can't wait, please find a safe place to park your car first.

Massachusetts Drivers Education

Masschusetts requires teen-aged drivers to enroll in a state-approved drivers education course which includes:

• 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training
• 6 hours of observing other student drivers
• 2 hours of parent/guardian attending drivers education

For a list of approved drivers education courses in Massachusetts, please visit the Mass. RMV website.