Massachusetts Permit Test: 35 Languages, ASL, No Interpreter (2026)

The Massachusetts permit test is offered in 35 languages, plus American Sign Language. The Registry of Motor Vehicles lets you select your language directly on the testing kiosk or online platform. No advance request needed.

Massachusetts Permit Test Offered in 35 Languages: Full List

The Massachusetts permit test is available in 35 languages. When you start your exam at a Service Center kiosk or online, the first screen prompts you to choose your preferred language from the list.

• Commonly Requested: Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), Haitian Creole, Vietnamese
• European: Albanian, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian
• Asian/Middle Eastern: Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Urdu
• African: Cape Verdean Creole, Somali

Download the Driver's Manual in your language from the RMV's translated documents page to study before your test.

Massachusetts's wrong-language lock-in is permanent once confirmed. A Worcester applicant selected 'Portuguese' at the kiosk but accidentally confirmed 'Spanish.' The test started immediately with no option to switch. They failed and had to wait 7 days to retake.

Double-check the language selection screen before clicking 'Start Test.' Once confirmed, you're locked into that language for the entire exam, no redo button exists.

Bringing a Personal Interpreter to the Massachusetts Permit Test

You cannot bring a translator or interpreter for the written permit test. Use the RMV's built-in language options, which are official and reviewed by the state.

• RMV staff will not allow another person to assist you during the knowledge test at a kiosk or online
• For the behind-the-wheel driving test, you can bring your own interpreter if you and the examiner don't share a common language
• Some phrasing may differ from colloquial speech, the term 'right-of-way' in the Vietnamese test uses a formal legal translation that confused a Lowell driver, causing missed questions on that specific traffic rule topic

For foreign language oral exams or special interpreter requests, email the RMV at [email protected].

A Springfield parent was turned away from the testing area for trying to whisper translations to their child during the exam. This counts as cheating and results in an automatic fail.

Does Massachusetts RMV Offer Audio or ASL for the Permit Test?

Audio support is available for all 35 languages on the Massachusetts permit test via the Text-to-Speech feature built into the Atlas kiosk. ASL is not available as a separate video interpretation track, but applicants with documented hearing disabilities can request accommodation through the Massachusetts RMV ADA coordinator at least 10 business days before their scheduled test appointment.

1. At a Service Center kiosk, use headphones to hear questions and answers read aloud in your chosen language
2. Bring your own wired headphones with a standard 3.5mm jack. Bluetooth or wireless headphones don't work with the RMV system
3. The American Sign Language video exam is available in-person at RMV Service Centers, but not for the online test

ASL exam requires self-scheduling by 2:30 p.m. at any RMV Service Center offering testing. Email [email protected] for ASL or Certified Deaf Interpreter requests.

At the Boston Haymarket Service Center, one applicant had to reschedule because they only brought wireless earbuds. The kiosk only accepts wired headphones for audio assist. Test your wired headphones on your phone before the appointment to confirm they work, showing up without compatible headphones means rescheduling and losing your test slot.

Review the Learner's Permit Knowledge Test FAQs for complete details on testing accommodations.

English Requirement for Massachusetts Licensing: What Law Says

While the permit test is multilingual, all road signs and the eventual driving test are in English. Understand basic English commands and signage to drive safely.

• All official highway and traffic signs use English words like STOP, YIELD, EXIT
• Practice recognizing standard English road sign shapes and colors, a red octagon always means 'Stop,' regardless of language
• Study the official Massachusetts Driver's Manual in your language first, then review English traffic terms

A Quincy resident passed the permit test in Chinese but struggled during the road test because they didn't recognize the written English instruction 'parallel park' from the examiner.