<p>For a number of reasons, I didn't bother getting a driver's licence in Canada. One of those reasons is that it takes 20 months to get one's full, unrestricted licence in my province, and I was planning to leave the country sooner than that. Anyway, does anybody know how long the licensing process takes in Massachusetts? Does MA even have a graduating licensing system? Is driving school necessary or recommended?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for answering my seemingly dumb questions.</p>
<p>Btw, I will possibly be attending Harvard this fall, which is why I’m asking.</p>
<p>I’m not too sure about the licensing system, but it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need to drive anywhere if you do attend Harvard. The public transportation system can take you anywhere you would conceivably need to go and parking is extremely expensive, so very few people have cars at Harvard. Getting a license in MA might not be worth the trouble.</p>
<p>First, I don’t recall how bars handle carding (they stopped carding me years ago) but I feel like a MA license may eventually assist in that regard.</p>
<p>As for a license to use for driving, I think Mustafah is smart to consider getting it. You never know when you may wish that you had one. I remember my son’s freshman year at college, the ski team tended to party on their racing weekends away. Though the vehicle was not his, he was frequently used as designated driver. You never know so it is great to have options.</p>
<p>As for getting the license, I am unfamiliar after the 16 year old permit stuff plus the guidelines for those ages changed right after my daughter got hers. Since I don;t feel like reading everything, I am giving you the link to the RMV. Hopefully, you will find your answers there.</p>
<p>[Massachusetts</a> Registry of Motor Vehicles](<a href=“http://www.mass.gov/rmv/]Massachusetts”>http://www.mass.gov/rmv/)</p>
<p>BTW, I went to read the site. Boy it is awful. Anyhow, if you cannot find your answers then I noticed the “contact us” links in the bottom right corner.</p>
<p>If you’re just worried about getting carded at bars (and you dont’ want to carry your passport around), you could get a Mass state ID a lot easier than you could get a driver’s license.</p>
<p>^It can be difficult to use a Mass state ID at bars – technically, stores/bars are supposed to ask for a Mass liquor ID. I don’t really understand the fine distinction, and find the system incredibly annoying, but I have a Mass state ID and frequently have to drink on my passport.</p>
<p>Not that that would change the sense of what just<em>forget</em>me is saying – getting a state liquor ID is going to be simpler than getting a license, and probably more useful as well.</p>
<p>one time i fell asleep on the t and ended up in braintree</p>
<p>Here’s the direct link on getting a MA driver’s license:
[Massachusetts</a> RMV - Obtaining a Class D Permit and License](<a href=“http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/5classd.htm]Massachusetts”>http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/5classd.htm)</p>
<p>And here’s the link to getting a Liquor ID:
[Massachusetts</a> RMV - Obtaining a Massachusetts Liquor ID](<a href=“http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/13liqID.htm]Massachusetts”>http://www.mass.gov/rmv/license/13liqID.htm)</p>
<p>Thanks for the link; I had a hard time navigating that site. Looks like all you have to do is write a test and then pass a road test. So much simpler than what I’m used to.</p>
<p>the problem is finding a car to pass the road test in-- not many people have a car at harvard, and even if I did, i wouldn’t let my friend take a driving test in it.</p>