This Step: Take Driver Training

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Take Driver Training in Massachusetts

With your permit, you can begin the second portion of your driver’s education course: driver training. During this phase, you’ll get professional driving lessons and supervised driving practice under your belt. By the time you finish this step, you’ll be fully prepared to take the road test.

Complete Drivers Training

Teens younger than 18 must take professional driving lessons at an RMV-approved driving school or local high school. For those older than 18, you should still consider enrolling because the benefits could greatly enhance your chances of passing the road test the first time around:

  • Become a more knowledgeable driver
  • Get direct feedback and hands-on instruction on your vehicle handling skills
  • Only have to complete an additional 30 hours (instead of 40) of supervised driving practice; see the next step for more
  • Be able to use a school vehicle (rather than your own) for the road test, and a school instructor as your test sponsor

Find a Local Driver Education Provider

Find local driving school locations in Massachusetts along with business profiles, reviews and contact information.

B) Clock Supervised Driving Practice Hours

On top of completing driver training, teens younger than 18 must clock (and keep track of) 40 additional hours behind the wheel with a qualified supervising driver. If you passed a driver skills development program, the requirement drops down to 30 hours. Plus, your parent or guardian must participate in two hours of the driver’s ed curriculum. The only exception is if he or she has done so within the past five years.

If you are older than 18, the state doesn’t require you to practice driving for a set number of hours. However, learner’s permit restrictions still apply to you whenever you practice.

Know Your Learner’s Permit Restrictions

Any time you get behind the wheel to practice, you must carry your learner’s permit with you and abide by these restrictions:

  • You must only practice in a passenger vehicle
  • You must be accompanied by a licensed driver sitting the passenger seat next to you who is at least 21 years old, holds a valid Massachusetts drivers license (or another state) and has at least one year of driving experience
  • If you are younger than 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by your parent or legal guardian who has a valid license and at least one year of driving experience

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