Driving in Massachusetts as a new immigrant

[EmmaZunz 0]

I am writing this for the information of other users based on what I have discovered, and in case anybody has relevant experience to share.

 

According to the manual of the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles, a resident with a driving license from a foreign country (with some countries excepted) must take the learner's permit and road tests in order to gain a State driving license (p. 30). Furthermore, although foreign visitors may drive for one year on a foreign license, once you establish residency in MA, you must obtain a MA license in order to have the right to drive (p. 2). Putting these two statements together, these laws imply that between your beginning residence in MA, and gaining your MA license, you do not have the same right to drive as a visitor or State-licensed driver would have (although once you have your learner's permit you may drive with certain conditions, such as having a licensed driver in the passenger seat). Given how many weeks it can take to get a driving test appointment, this leaves a period in which the immigrant may not drive.

 

However, there is another element of the law that goes unmentioned by the manual: chapter 90, section 8 of the laws of MA states:

 

Quote

If for any reason the registrar or his agents are unable to examine an applicant for a license promptly, the applicant may be issued a receipt for the fee paid, provided that the applicant shows that he is duly licensed in a state or country which state or country the registrar has finally determined prescribes and enforces standards of fitness for operators of motor vehicles substantially as high as those prescribed and enforced by this commonwealth. Said receipt shall be carried in lieu of the license, and for a period of sixty days from the date of its issue said receipt shall have the same force and effect given to the license by this chapter.

I cannot find any evidence online that anybody has resorted to this receipt in lieu of a license. I wonder if many immigrants in MA are simply unaware they are in violation of the law by driving as if they were a visitor, with the possible further consequence that their car insurance may be invalidated. When I pass the learner's permit test and if I find I cannot get an early driving test date, I shall request such a receipt and see whether I am able to obtain one.

 

MA RMV manual: https://www.massrmv.com/Portals/30/docs/dmanual/Drivers_Manual.pdf

MA laws chapter 90 section 8: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section8

Edited January 14, 2018 by EmmaZunz