Massachusetts license renewal for older drivers
Drivers 75 or older must renew in person (by appointment at an RMV Service Center or AAA) and pass a vision test, or present a completed Vision Screening Certificate. No age-based knowledge or road test. Licenses are valid up to 5 years.
Preparing for the renewal test
If you need to take a written or signs test to renew, it covers the same handbook as new drivers' tests. Our Massachusetts practice tests and road signs test are free to use, and the read-aloud button can help if small print is hard to read.
Rules that may have changed since you first got your license
Some of the rules in today's Massachusetts handbook are newer than many drivers' first test. Worth a look before renewal:
- Phones: Hands-free only for drivers 18+: device mounted, touched only to activate hands-free; no handheld use even at red lights or stop signs; no reading/sending messages. Drivers under 18: no mobile electronic device use at all except to report an emergency. Fines $100 / $250 / $500 (pp.39-40).
- Move over: Move-over law: slow to a reasonable and safe speed when approaching a stationary emergency, highway maintenance or recovery vehicle with flashing lights; on a highway with 4+ lanes (2+ your way) move to a lane not next to it. Yield to moving emergency vehicles by pulling right and stopping; do not follow closer than 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle answering an alarm; no driving or parking within 800 feet of a fire (pp.104, 120-121).
- School buses: Stop for a school bus or school pupil transport vehicle with flashing red lights and stop sign extended, no matter which side of the road you are on; stay stopped until lights stop and sign folds. Only exception: bus on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier. First violation: $250 fine and license suspension. No stopping distance stated (p.105).
- Alcohol: the limit for adult drivers is 0.08%.
Vision standard
At least 20/40 in the better eye (corrected) and at least 120 degrees horizontal peripheral vision (both eyes) for a full license; 20/50 to 20/70 in the better eye may qualify for a daylight-only license. Screening covers acuity, color and peripheral vision; a Vision Screening Certificate from an eye doctor may be accepted instead.
Source: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MassDOT), checked 2026-10-27.