Failed the Massachusetts permit test? What happens next
Failing the learner's permit exam happens, and you can try again. Here is what the manual says about retakes and what to do differently this time.
Independent practice site. We're not the RMV and aren't connected to any government agency.
What happens now
- When
- The manual sets no waiting period before you take the learner's permit exam again. Ask the RMV about your next try.Source: Manual chapter 1, Obtaining your license, page 16; Manual chapter 1, License/ID fees, pages 31 and 32
- Fee
- $30 again for the next exam. License fees aren't refunded.Source: Manual chapter 1, License/ID fees, pages 31 and 32
- The exam
- Still 25 questions, 18 right to pass, in 25 minutes.Source: Manual chapter 1, Obtaining your license, page 16
What to change before your next try
- Write down what caught you out while you still remember: which topics, and which kinds of question.
- Answer questions instead of rereading. Practicing with questions and reading why each wrong answer is wrong helps more than going over the manual again.
- Check yourself on wordings you haven't seen. The real exam may ask a rule in a different way from any practice test.
- Go over the numbers. Distances, limits, ages and suspension times are easy to mix up. Each topic below has them.
Practice by topic
Sources
Checked against these sources on October 24, 2026.
We read these sources and wrote this page in our own words. The RMV has the final word, and rules change, so check anything important with the RMV before your appointment.