What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the RMV office — start to finish.
A Massachusetts Class M learner's permit lets you practice riding while you prepare for the Class M (Motorcycle Only) license or a motorcycle endorsement on an existing license. The motorcycle manual is a supplement to the regular Driver's Manual, and the RMV recommends you study both.
The steps below follow the official Massachusetts RMV motorcycle permit and license process. Always confirm current fees and accepted documents on mass.gov before you go.
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for the Class M learner's permit. The Class M license itself is issued once you are at least 16½. Applicants under 18 face additional Junior Operator requirements.
Study the Massachusetts Motorcycle Manual and the Driver's Manual. The Class M knowledge test has 25 questions with a 25-minute time limit — you need 18 correct (72%). If you do not already hold a Class D license, you must pass both a Class D and a Class M knowledge test.
Complete an application, present valid identification, and pay the $30 permit application fee. The Class M learner's permit is valid for two years.
Permit holders may ride only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, and may not carry any passengers. Riders under 18 must hold the permit for at least six months and keep a clean record before the road test.
If you are under 18 you must complete the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) basic rider course — about 15 hours (5 classroom + 10 on-cycle) — to get the license. Any rider may use the MREP course in place of the RMV road test.
Bring a safe, registered, inspected motorcycle (or proof of insurance at Massachusetts minimums if out-of-state). The examiner checks your equipment knowledge, then watches figure-eights and 360-degree circles in both directions, starts and stops, turns, riding in traffic, and hills. Pass, and you receive the Class M license; the 5-year Class M license fee is $50.
Check the official RMV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Some test details are confirmed by the state agency; the rest reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources. 18 of 25 (72%) to pass, with a 25-minute time limit. Massachusetts has one of the lowest passing thresholds in the country.