In Massachusetts, all drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license. One crucial requirement to obtain a learner’s permit is to pass two official tests: a vision test and a learner’s permit (knowledge) test on driving theory. You may take the permit test online or at an RMV Full Service Center. If you’re under 18, you must provide signed consent from a parent or guardian. You must also complete a driver’s education course before taking the road test for a Junior Operator License (JOL).
The official permit test includes questions on road signs, the rules of the road, drinking and driving, license suspensions, and JOL violations. All questions on the knowledge test are based on the official Massachusetts RMV driver’s 2025 handbook (Massachusetts RMV Handbook (MA Driver's Manual) 2025). The RMV currently publishes versions of this manual in 16 languages, of which we currently offer two for your convenience: English and Spanish. These versions of the manual can be easily downloaded from this webpage in PDF format.
You should study this manual, but even this may not ensure you pass the knowledge test. (In recent years, about 30% of applicants failed the RMV knowledge test on their first attempt.) Our test preparation program includes a graduated series of practice tests accompanied by our AI assistant. It can give you hints and explanations and answer your questions to help you learn driving theory. Our program works – guaranteed!
We have also created an audiobook of the English version of the official driver’s manual. It’s formatted as a downloadable series of five MP3 files, one for each chapter of the handbook: Obtaining Your License, Safety First, Keeping Your License, and so on. The longest chapter is Chapter 4: Rules of the Road, whose running time is 1 hour, 14 minutes, and 1 second. The total running time of this audiobook is approximately 4 hours, 16 minutes, and 14 seconds, so you should be able to go through the whole thing in a few days. Try listening to a chapter file while you follow along with the text of the PDF version. This technique can help you concentrate on the material.
In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide (available elsewhere on this website) to help you get ready for the day of your Massachusetts knowledge test. It covers what documents to take to the RMV, fees you may have to pay, frequently missed knowledge test questions, and other last-minute tips.