Douglas Olsen
As an international student in Massachusetts, there are a few steps you need to take to get your driver's license. First, you'll need to determine if your country has an international driving agreement with the US, which allows you to drive with your foreign license for up to a year. If not, you'll need to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license. This involves visiting the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and providing proof of identity, residency, signature, date of birth, and valid immigration status. You'll also need to pass a written test and an eye exam to obtain a learner's permit, after which you can schedule your road test. Once you've passed the road test, you can exchange your learner's permit for a driver's license by visiting an RMV full-service office.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa |
| Documents required | Social Security Card or Social Security Administration Form, Passport, Visa documents (Form I-20, IAP-66, or I-797), Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019), proof of residency (lease agreements, bank statements, utility bill, etc.), valid immigration status, signature, date of birth |
| Additional requirements | Valid driver's license from another state or country (must be in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit or English translation), must pass written, vision, and road tests |
| Fees | Learner's Permit: $30, Conversion from out-of-state license: $115, Driver's License: $50, Massachusetts State ID: $25 |
| Other information | Students must supply a car for the road test, must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, road test fee is non-refundable if the test is failed or missed without proper cancellation |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for a driving licence in MA
International students in Massachusetts who have an F-1 or J-1 visa are eligible to apply for a driver's license. If you are a new driver, you will need to contact a local driving school and arrange to take driving lessons. You must then apply for a learner's permit. To do this, you will need to go in person to a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location in Massachusetts and bring three forms of identification: a social security card, a passport, and all visa documents. You will also need to provide proof of Massachusetts residency.
Once you have your learner's permit, you will be able to schedule a road test, which is a requirement for the Massachusetts driver's license. To take the road test, you must be accompanied by a sponsor who is at least 21 years old, has at least one year of driving experience, and possesses a valid license issued by their home state. Foreign driver's license holders are not eligible to be sponsors. Upon passing the road test, you may exchange your learner's permit for a driver's license by bringing the stamped and signed permit to any RMV full-service office. The cost of the driver's license is $50.
If you have a valid license from your home country or another state in the U.S., different rules apply. If your license is from another U.S. state, you must convert your license to a Massachusetts license once you become a resident of the state. To do so, you must bring the same documents as when applying for a Massachusetts learner's permit, along with your out-of-state license, and pay a $115 conversion fee. If your license is from your home country, you may be able to drive with your foreign license for up to one year from the date of your arrival in the U.S. if your country is listed in the 1949 Road Traffic Convention or has an international driving agreement with the U.S. To drive in Massachusetts with your foreign license, you must also have a full translation of your license into English and carry your passport and visa documents with you when driving. However, this option is designed for short-term visitors and not for students who are establishing residency. Therefore, as an international student on a student visa, you are generally required to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license if you plan to drive a car.
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Documents required for the application
To obtain a Massachusetts driver's license as an international student, you must be prepared with the necessary documents. The specific requirements may vary based on your unique circumstances, such as whether you already have a valid license from another state or country. Here is a comprehensive list of documents you may need during the process:
- Proof of Identity: Bring your passport as a primary form of identification. Additionally, you may need to provide other forms of identification, such as a social security card. If you don't have a social security number, you can obtain a "Social Security Denial Letter" by visiting the Social Security Office in person.
- Visa Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary visa documents, including Form I-20, IAP-66, or I-797. These documents are crucial to verifying your legal status in the country.
- Proof of Massachusetts Residency: You need to establish your residency in Massachusetts. You can obtain a letter confirming your Massachusetts address by submitting a request through the International Portal.
- Proof of Valid Immigration Status: This includes documents that verify your legal presence in the country, such as your visa and any other relevant immigration paperwork.
- Signature Verification: You may be asked to provide a sample of your signature for comparison and verification.
- Date of Birth Proof: An official document confirming your date of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport, may be required.
- Previous Driver's License (if applicable): If you are transferring your license, you must bring your current driver's license. For out-of-state licenses, you will need to surrender it and pay a conversion fee.
- Road Test Documents: When scheduling your road test, you will need to provide proof of a valid Massachusetts inspection sticker for the vehicle you plan to use. Additionally, you must be accompanied by a sponsor who meets the state's requirements, including a valid license, at least one year of driving experience, and being at least 21 years old.
- Written Test and Eye Exam: Before obtaining your learner's permit, you will need to pass a written test and an eye exam. You will need to pay a fee for the learner's permit and another fee for the subsequent road test.
- Application Forms: You will need to complete and submit the required application forms for the Massachusetts driver's license or learner's permit. These forms can typically be obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
It is important to note that the requirements may vary, and it is always a good idea to contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Massachusetts or check their website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the specific documents needed for your situation.
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The written exam, eye exam, and road test
To obtain a driving licence in Massachusetts as an international student, you must pass a written exam, an eye exam, and a road test. Here's what you need to know about each:
The Written Exam
The written exam, also known as the Massachusetts RMV Test, consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 18 of them correctly to pass. The test covers a range of topics, including road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You will have 25 minutes to complete the test on one of the RMV's automated test stations (ATS). These kiosks have video screens that will visually present the test questions.
The Eye Exam
The eye exam includes a field vision and basic colour test. Both tests are administered on a walk-in basis at all full-service RMV offices. If you have mono-vision or the ability to see at a distance with only one eye, you may need to provide a vision screening certificate from an optometrist or ophthalmologist indicating that you can safely operate a motor vehicle.
The Road Test
To schedule your road test, you can book online or call the RMV Telephone Center at (857) 368-8000 or 1-800-858-3926. You will need to bring your own vehicle with a valid Massachusetts inspection sticker for the test. Note that road tests are typically scheduled 60 days in advance, and you must pay the road test fee before or after the test to avoid visiting an RMV Service Center.
It is important to note that passing the road test alone does not make you a licensed driver. You will remain a learner's permit holder until you have passed the road test, paid all fees, and provided the required documentation, including proof of lawful presence. Once you have fulfilled all these requirements, your learner's permit will serve as your temporary driver's license until you receive your permanent license in the mail.
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Obtaining a learner's permit
To obtain a learner's permit in Massachusetts, you must be at least 16 years old and a Massachusetts resident. If you are an international student, you must have an F-1 or J-1 visa to be eligible for a learner's permit and a subsequent driver's license.
You can start your application online and make an appointment at a Service Center or AAA location (if you're a member) to provide the required identification documentation. You will need to fill out a learner's permit application form and pay a $30 test fee. You will also need to take a vision test and have your picture taken.
The exam is available in 37 languages, including American Sign Language, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin (Simplified and Traditional), Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. The exam consists of 25 questions, and you must answer 18 questions correctly within 25 minutes to pass. Topics covered in the exam include alcohol misuse, suspensions, rules of the road, and identifying road signs.
Upon passing the exam, you will be issued a learner's permit. This permit is valid for 2 years or the length of your stay in the U.S. With the learner's permit, you can schedule a road test, which is a requirement for obtaining a Massachusetts driver's license.
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Getting a Massachusetts State ID
As an international student in Massachusetts, you may need to obtain a Massachusetts State ID for identification purposes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Documents Required:
Firstly, you will need to gather the necessary documents. For international students, this typically includes:
- Your passport and all visa documents, including Form I-20, IAP-66, or I-797.
- Proof of Massachusetts residency: You can obtain a letter confirming your Massachusetts address by submitting a request through the International Portal.
- Your Social Security card or a Social Security Administration form indicating that your application for a Social Security number was denied. If you need a "Social Security Denial Letter," you can visit the Social Security Office in person and receive it the same day.
Application Process:
Once you have gathered the required documents, you can proceed with the application:
- Visit a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) location in Massachusetts to complete your application in person. You can find the closest RMV office to your location.
- Present your documents and complete the application form. You will need to provide proof of identity, valid immigration status, signature, date of birth, and Massachusetts residency.
- Pay the required fee, which is typically around $25.
Additional Information:
- The Massachusetts State ID is not valid for driving purposes, but it is a recognised form of photo identification.
- If you plan to drive, you will need to obtain a separate driver's license or learner's permit.
- If you have a valid driver's license from your home country, check if your country has an international driving agreement with the United States. Some countries are part of the 1949 Road Traffic Convention, allowing their citizens to drive in the US with their foreign license for up to one year from their arrival.
- If you need to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license, you will need to follow a separate process, including taking a written test and an eye exam.
Remember to always carry your State ID or other accepted forms of identification with you, as it is essential for various transactions and activities in Massachusetts.
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Frequently asked questions
You must be in possession of a valid driver’s license when operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. You will need to bring three forms of identification: a passport, all visa documents (including your Form I-20, IAP-66, or I-797), and proof of residency. If your home country license is not in English, you should also carry either an International Driver's License or an English translation.
You will need to pass a written test, an eye test, and a road test.
The cost of the actual driver's license is $50. There is also a fee for each road test.
