Where to Get Your Driver's License in Andover

In Andover, you obtain your driver's license through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Andover does not have its own licensing authority — the state handles all driver's licenses. You can visit the Andover RMV branch in person, or you can go to any other RMV location in Massachusetts if that is more convenient for you.

The Andover RMV office is located at 2 Elm Street, Andover, MA 01810. It is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by day. Before you go, check the RMV website or call ahead, because wait times can be long and some services require an appointment.

If you cannot reach the Andover location or prefer not to wait there, you can visit any RMV branch across the state. The closest alternatives are in Lawrence, North Andover, and Lowell. Each location handles the same services and accepts the same documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Massachusetts RMV in Andover issues all driver's licenses; you cannot get one from a local town office.
  • You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • First-time drivers must pass a written test and a road test; the written test can be taken the same day you explore, but the road test is scheduled separately.
  • Road tests in Massachusetts have long wait times that vary by location and season; booking early is important if you have a important date.
  • You can make an appointment online through the RMV website, which usually reduces your wait time compared to walk-ins.

Documents You Need to Bring

The RMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bringing the wrong documents will send you home to get them, so check the list before you go.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, or a military ID. A driver's license from another state also works. The document must be current and not expired.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and Andover address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your current address.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The Written Test and Road Test

Massachusetts requires two separate tests: a written knowledge test and a road test. You can take the written test on the day you explore at the RMV office. The road test must be scheduled separately and happens weeks or months later, depending on wait times in your area.

The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Massachusetts RMV manual, which is free on the RMV website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail, though you may have to wait and pay the fee again.

The road test is administered by an RMV examiner who sits in your car while you drive. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed driver must accompany you to the test location, but they cannot be in the car during the test itself.

Wait times for road tests vary widely. In some months, you might get an appointment within two weeks; in others, it could be two to three months. Check the RMV website to see current wait times for the Andover location before you schedule.

Making an Appointment vs. Walking In

You can schedule an appointment online through the Massachusetts RMV website, or you can walk in without one. Making an appointment is usually faster and reduces your wait time significantly.

To book an appointment online, go to the RMV website, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose the Andover location, and pick a date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation number. Bring that number with you when you go.

If you walk in without an appointment, you will take a number and wait your turn. Wait times for walk-ins can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early mornings and Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Fridays.

Fees and Payment

The RMV charges separate fees for the written test, the road test, and the license itself. The total cost varies depending on your age and the type of license you are getting.

For a standard adult driver's license, the written test fee is $30, the road test fee is $35, and the license itself costs $50. If you are under 18, the fees are different and the license has restrictions. Bring a debit card or credit card; the RMV accepts cards but not cash at most locations.

If you fail the written test, you pay the $30 fee again to retake it. If you fail the road test, you pay the $35 fee again to schedule another one.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass both the written test and the road test, the RMV will issue your license. In most cases, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Your new license is valid for five years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, it expires on your 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever comes first. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before it expires.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Massachusetts, you do not have to take the written and road tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Massachusetts license by visiting the RMV with your current license, proof of residency in Andover, and proof of your Social Security number.

The exchange process is faster than getting a license for the first time. You will not take any tests, and you will receive your temporary license the same day. The fee for an exchange is usually lower than the fee for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of going to the RMV?

No. Massachusetts requires you to take the written test in person at an RMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the test material online using the free RMV manual before you go.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

If you pass both tests on your first try, the written test takes about 15 minutes and the road test takes about 20 minutes. The wait time before you are called depends on whether you have an appointment. The longest part is the gap between passing the written test and getting a road test appointment, which can be weeks or months depending on demand.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it. You pay the $35 fee again and schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee. Many people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. The car must be registered in Massachusetts, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The RMV will not provide a car. A licensed driver must drive you to the test location, but they cannot be in the vehicle during the test itself.

What if I move out of Andover after I get my license?

Your Massachusetts license is valid anywhere in the state. You do not need to update it if you move to another town in Massachusetts. If you move out of state, you will need to get a license from your new state.