Where to get your Andover driver license

In Andover, you get your driver license through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). There is no separate Andover office — you must visit one of the RMV's regional locations. The closest full-service RMV branch to Andover is in Lawrence, about 10 miles away. You can also visit the RMV office in Leominster or Worcester if those are more convenient, though all three handle the same services and follow the same rules.

You cannot renew or obtain a license at the Andover Town Hall or any local municipal office. The RMV handles all driver license transactions statewide, so you will need to travel to one of their locations during their business hours. Most RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. Check the RMV website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go, because they sometimes close for staff training or administrative work.

Key Takeaways

  • Andover residents must visit a Massachusetts RMV branch office; the closest is in Lawrence, about 10 miles away.
  • You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of your Social Security number and current address to get a new license.
  • First-time driver licenses require a written test, vision test, and road test at separate appointments — you cannot do all three on one day.
  • The RMV allows you to book appointments online, which is faster than walk-in service and reduces wait times significantly.
  • If you already have a valid license from another state, you can exchange it for a Massachusetts license without retaking the road test.

Documents you need to bring

Massachusetts requires you to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address. Bring one document from each category. For identity, the RMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or state ID from another state. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal — a photocopy will not work.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The document must show your current Andover address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count, so check the RMV website for the full list of acceptable documents before you go.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian's signature on the process. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may not need all these documents — the rules are different for renewals than for new licenses.

The three-step process for a new driver license

Getting a Massachusetts driver license is not a single appointment. You must complete a written test, a vision test, and a road test, and they happen at different times. You cannot do all three on the same day, even if you book them back-to-back.

First, you take the written test at an RMV office. This tests your knowledge of traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which the RMV publishes free online. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a vision test at an RMV office. This is a quick screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a report before you can proceed.

Once you pass both the written and vision tests, you schedule a road test with an RMV examiner. This is the test where you actually drive. The examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a car that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car does not have to be yours, but the owner must be present or give you written permission to use it. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as you pass your vision test.

How to book your appointment

The RMV lets you book appointments online through their website. This is the fastest way to get a specific date and time rather than waiting in line. Go to the RMV's online appointment system, select your location (Lawrence is closest to Andover), choose the service you need (written test, vision test, or road test), and pick an available date and time. You will get a confirmation number by email.

If you cannot book online or prefer to call, you can phone the RMV directly. The phone number for the Lawrence office is on the RMV website. Wait times on the phone can be long, especially on Mondays and during lunch hours, so try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

You can also walk in without an appointment, but expect to wait. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day. If you walk in, arrive early — most RMV offices stop taking walk-ins a few hours before closing time.

Costs and payment methods

The written test costs $10. The vision test is included with your license fee. A new five-year driver license costs $50. A new six-year license (available to drivers 65 and older) costs $60. The road test itself is free, but you pay the license fee when you pass. The RMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations, though some older offices may accept cash only. Check ahead if you plan to pay by card.

If you fail the written test, you pay $10 each time you retake it. If you fail the road test, you pay $10 to schedule another one. These fees add up if you need multiple attempts, so studying the manual before your written test and practicing driving before your road test can save you money.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Massachusetts, you can exchange it for a Massachusetts license without retaking the road test. You still need to pass the written test and vision test, but you skip the driving portion. This process is called a license transfer or reciprocal exchange.

Bring your current out-of-state license, your documents proving identity and address (the same ones listed above), and your Social Security number proof. The fee is the same as a new license. The written test covers Massachusetts-specific traffic laws, so study the Massachusetts Driver's Manual even though you have driven in another state — the rules may be different.

What to do if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test on your first try, you can schedule another one. There is no waiting period — you can book your next road test when ready if you want, though most people take a few weeks to practice more. You pay $10 each time you schedule a road test. You do not have to retake the written or vision tests unless they have expired (usually after a year).

The examiner will tell you what you did wrong during the test. Common reasons for failing include hitting the curb while parking, not checking mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting a cone during the driving course. Ask the examiner for specific feedback so you know what to practice. Many driving schools in the Andover area offer lessons focused on road test preparation if you want professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The RMV offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. When you book your appointment online or call, tell the RMV which language you need. Not all locations offer all languages, so you may need to travel to a larger office.

How long does it take to get your license after you pass the road test?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass the road test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

You can replace a lost or damaged license at any RMV office. Bring your identity and address documents. The replacement fee is $25 for a five-year license. You do not have to retake any tests.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid and you have not had any major violations. The RMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice. If you cannot renew by mail or online, you must visit an RMV office in person.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Massachusetts?

A Real ID is not required to drive in Massachusetts, but it is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. When you get your driver license, the RMV will ask if you want a Real ID. It costs the same as a regular license and is recommended if you travel by plane.