If you are an international student and plan to have a car on campus or drive any automobile, a driver’s license is required. While a car isn’t needed to get around campus, you may wish to drive to an off-campus job or internship or for personal travel. Below are state requirements for Foreign Licenses and International Driver’s Permits and a step-by-step checklist for obtaining a Massachusetts driver’s license.
Can I drive in Massachusetts with my home country’s license?
Yes, you can drive in Massachusetts using your home country’s license for up to one year from the day you arrive in the U.S., as long as:
- Your license is valid
- Your home country is officially recognized by Massachusetts driving rules
- Your license is in English, or you carry an official English translation (like an International Driving Permit).
Foreign License
If you have a foreign license and wish to drive in Massachusetts, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license from your home country
- May drive a vehicle in Massachusetts of the same class indicated on the foreign license
- Driver’s license must not be suspended or revoked
If your foreign driver’s license is not in English, you must bring one of the following:
- An International Driving Permit (IDP)
- An official English translation of your license
IDP and Acceptable Alternative Documents
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of a driver’s license into 10 major languages. It does not convey any driving privileges but must accompany a foreign license if the license is not in English.
If a foreign-licensed driver does not have an International Driving Permit (IDP), the license holder must obtain the Translation into English of a Foreign Driver License alternative document (.PDF) located in the documents section of the Mass.gov/RMV website.
Either an IDP or the alternative document must accompany any foreign license that is not in English.
How to Obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License
If you do not have a state-approved Foreign License or International Driving Permit, you will be required to obtain a Massachusetts Driver’s License. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to do so.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents
- A valid passport, visa and I-20
- Your most recent I-94. This can be printed it from the Department of Homeland Security website
- An Enrollment Verification Letter from the Registrar’s office (Please make sure it includes your updated, current address)
- A valid Social Security Card or Denial Letter from the Social Security Administration
- A Student ID Card from Wheaton College
- Money to take the written exam. Cost is approximately $30 (not including road tests and extra fees; varies by state).
Step 2: Apply for Learner’s Permit
Complete the online application for a “Class D” (passenger vehicle) Learner’s Permit on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicle’s website. You will need the printed application or the QR code generated at the end.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
After you submit the online application, schedule an appointment at an RMV Service Center for “Permit/License/ID Related Transactions.”
RMV Location Closest to Wheaton
75 Park Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
857-368-8000
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch)
Step 4: Day of Your Appointment
Bring the original, unlaminated physical copies of the required documents to your appointment (see the checklist under Step 1). A staff member will verify your documents and give you a vision screening. You will then pay a $30 fee to take your written learner’s permit exam (which you can choose to take there or online within 30 days).
Step 5: Schedule a Road Test
Once you pass the written exam, you can schedule a road test within 3 months. Please hold onto your test card because it also serves as your driving permit. The license costs approximately $50.
Questions?
For help navigating license requirements and paperwork, contact [email protected]. If you have specific questions about foreign license validity or International Driving Permits, please contact the Massachusetts RMV, Attleboro, MA location, at (857) 368-8000.