Where to take the test in Westwood

You can take your learner's permit test at the Westwood Registry of Motor Vehicles, located at 580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090. This is the only RMV office in Westwood itself. The Registry handles all written permit tests for the town and surrounding areas.

The Westwood Registry is open Monday through Friday, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours can vary seasonally. It closes on state holidays. Call ahead at (781) 326-4500 to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing changes can affect when they administer tests.

If the Westwood location is closed or fully booked, the nearest alternative RMV offices are in Dedham (about 5 miles away) and Norwood (about 8 miles away). Both offer the same written permit test and accept the same documents.

What you need to bring

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work). Bring proof of your Massachusetts residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address on it.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. Massachusetts law requires a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the Registry. You cannot complete the process alone.

Bring the completed process for a Learner's License or Permit (form DL 34), which you can fill out at home or at the Registry. You do not need to print it — the Registry has copies available. Bring payment: the learner's permit fee is $30 as of 2024, though fees can change. The Registry accepts cash and card.

Key Takeaways

  • The Westwood Registry of Motor Vehicles at 580 High Street is where you take the written permit test, open weekdays from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You must bring a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, proof of Massachusetts residency, and a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, and you must score at least 18 out of 25 questions correct to pass.
  • After you pass the written test, the Registry issues your learner's permit on the same day, valid for six years.
  • Call (781) 326-4500 to confirm hours and ask about wait times, since the Westwood office can have long lines during peak hours.

What the written test covers

The Massachusetts learner's permit test is a written exam with 25 multiple-choice questions. The test draws from the Massachusetts Driver's Manual, which the RMV provides free online and in print at the Registry. You must answer at least 18 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 72 percent.

The test covers road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules at intersections and rotaries, speed limits and safe following distances, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. It also includes questions about impaired driving, seat belt laws, and what to do if you are pulled over by police.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the Westwood Registry in advance to ask whether they can arrange it; some offices can, but not all.

How to prepare before test day

Read the Massachusetts Driver's Manual from start to finish. The RMV publishes it free on their website at mass.gov/rmv, and you can read it as a PDF or order a printed copy. The manual is about 80 pages and covers everything the test asks about. Most people who read it carefully pass on their first try.

Take practice tests online. The RMV website offers free sample questions that match the real test format. Practice tests help you get used to how the questions are worded and which topics appear most often. Spend extra time on road signs — those make up a large portion of the test.

Study with someone else if you can. Having another person quiz you from the manual helps catch gaps in your knowledge. Many high schools in Massachusetts also offer driver education courses that include test prep, though these are not required to take the permit test.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test, the Registry issues your learner's permit when ready, usually within the same visit. Your permit is valid for six years. You will receive a temporary paper permit that day and a plastic card in the mail within two weeks.

With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all other traffic laws.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your full license. During that time, log your supervised driving hours — Massachusetts does not require a minimum, but many insurance companies offer discounts if you log at least 50 hours.

If you fail the test

You can retake the written test the same day or return another day — the Registry does not impose a waiting period between attempts in Massachusetts. However, you will pay the $30 fee again for each attempt. Most people pass on their second try if they study the manual more carefully after their first failure.

Ask the Registry staff which questions you missed so you know what to study. The staff cannot tell you the exact answers, but they can point you to the sections of the Driver's Manual that cover your weak areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test without a parent if I am 18 or older?

Yes. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian present. You can take the test and receive your permit on your own, as long as you bring valid identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Massachusetts residency.

What if I fail the written test — do I have to wait before I try again?

No. Massachusetts does not require a waiting period between attempts. You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. Each attempt costs $30, so bring enough money if you plan to try again when ready.

How long does the whole process take at the Registry?

The written test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. However, wait times at the Westwood Registry can range from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.

Can I take the test online or by mail?

No. Massachusetts requires you to take the written permit test in person at an RMV office. You must also be present to sign your process and have your photo taken for your permit card.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Contact the Westwood Registry at (781) 326-4500 before you go. The RMV has alternative documents it will accept if you do not have a Social Security number, but you need to know what they are ahead of time so you bring the right paperwork.