Press Release  Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Launches New Safety & Educational Tools for First Time Drivers

Online portal provides educational resources, materials and safety videos to help prepare for passenger (Class D) learner's permit and driver's license

New practice exams for learner’s permit are now available; Massachusetts Drivers Manuals can be purchased online

QUINCY – The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing the availability of new resources and tools that individuals can use as they begin the critical process of learning how to drive safely and responsibly. A new informational online portal has been created to provide easy access to a variety of educational resources and materials that can be used to help guide first-time drivers, and parents and guardians of Junior Operators, through the detailed step-by-step process of securing a Massachusetts driving credential. The portal can be found at https://www.mass.gov/guides/first-time-driver-start-here.

The RMV is also for the first time offering online practice learner’s permit exams which can be accessed by customers through Mass.Gov/RMV or by logging into their myRMV account.  Customers now can also purchase a copy of the Massachusetts Class D (Passenger) Drivers Manual and Commercial Driver’s License Manual online using their myRMV accounts, instead of visiting a Service Center. Ordered manuals will be mailed to customers within 7-10 days of purchase.

“The RMV continues to look for ways in which we can support first-time drivers to ensure that the safety and educational tools they need are accessible and readily available,” said Acting Secretary and CEO of Transportation Jamey Tesler. “Learning to drive is a serious and thoughtful process, and we are pleased to provide a great deal of materials and resources which will help ensure that new drivers are safe, successful and ready for the road.”

“The RMV is pleased to offer these new valuable features and tools that can be used to help individuals learn how to drive safely and responsibly,” said Acting Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “There are many critical steps included in this sensitive learning process, and the new portal and other resources, including the new learner’s permit practice exams, will help ensure that individuals have access to key materials to support their understanding of the rules of the road, become fully prepared to drive and keep themselves and others safe.”

Highlights of the key features of the new online portal are as follows:

1. Steps to Getting a Driver’s License – Information regarding the requirements for RMV learner’s permits and road tests, and links that can be used to schedule appointments.
2. Parent/Guardian Information – Information regarding Driver’s Education Programs, the Parent Supervised Driving Program which provides a methodical approach to teaching requisite driving skills, and Junior Operator License (JOL) requirements including details on certain motor vehicle citation penalties which are imposed by the Junior Operator and the Safe Operator Law.
3. Safe Driving Tips – Links to educational YouTube videos that highlight MassDOT’s “Scan the Street for Wheels and Feet” campaign which addresses specific roadway safety topics such as being cognizant of pedestrians and bicyclists, mirrors and blind spots, and a “double threat” when pedestrians are crossing multiple lanes of traffic that are heading in the same direction.
4. Studying for Learning’s Permits and Road Tests – Links to helpful practice exams for learner’s permit exams and the option to download the Massachusetts Driver’s Manual at no cost or purchase a hard copy of the manual which will be mailed to the customer, informational videos to become familiar with maneuvers that are evaluated during road tests, and links to specific requirements for applicants and sponsors.
5. Time to Take Your Permit – Links to the learner’s permit application process, detailed instructions for taking the exam online, and alternative options that are available to take the exam.

For the latest RMV updates and information, follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV.

For additional information on RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information.

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