How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Massachusetts?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Massachusetts. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts intermediate license holders must be at least 16.5 years old. There is a curfew from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Massachusetts Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Massachusetts uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

16.5

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 16
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16.5
Curfew hours: 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No passengers under 18 unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older; immediate family exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

First offense: 60-day license suspension. Second offense: 180-day suspension. Third offense: 1-year suspension.

Massachusetts-Specific Information

Massachusetts requires parent participation in a 2-hour Driver Education Parent Night. No specific nighttime hours requirement for supervised practice. Has strict escalating penalties for GDL violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Massachusetts gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Massachusetts at age 16. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Massachusetts restricts driving between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Massachusetts at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.