According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) if you have recently moved to Massachusetts, you must obtain a valid MA driver's license upon becoming a resident.

The Driver's Manual for MA states that once you have established residence in Massachusetts, you must obtain a MA driver's license to retain your driving privileges, there is no grace period. The same is also said for registering your vehicle, again no grace period once you have established residency. Having a Massachusetts bank account or a utility bill is enough to show MA residency.

So it would appear that even if you are staying in Massachusetts for only a year, you would still be a resident during that time and need to change over your registration and license. Also if your vehicle is going to be garaged (kept) in MA for this time period, you would need to obtain Massachusetts auto insurance on it.

If you are a college student or have extenuating circumstances of why you are only going to be in Massachusetts for a year, you might check with the MA RMV to find out for certain if obtaining a MA driver's license and registration are necessary for your situation.