FAQ'S About Driver's Education
Requirements to Obtain a Junior Operator's License
An applicant for a driver's license between ages 16 1/2 and 18 must comply with several requirements to obtain a JOL:
• Have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test. (Any suspension will invalidate the permit and the six months will start to run anew when the suspension is lifted.)
• Maintain a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test.
• Successfully complete an RMV-approved driver education and training program, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction; 12 hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel training; and six hours of in-car experience observing other student drivers.
• Complete at least an additional 40 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel driving as shown by a certified statement provided by a parent or guardian. The RMV will accept 30 hours of driving supervised by a parent or guardian if the applicant completed a driver skills development program.
• A parent or guardian must participate in two hours of instruction on the driver’s education curriculum (unless they have participated within the past five years).
• Pass a final exam to have a driver’s education certificate electronically filed with RMV.
An applicant for a driver's license between ages 16 1/2 and 18 must comply with several requirements to obtain a JOL:
• Have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test. (Any suspension will invalidate the permit and the six months will start to run anew when the suspension is lifted.)
• Maintain a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test.
• Successfully complete an RMV-approved driver education and training program, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction; 12 hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel training; and six hours of in-car experience observing other student drivers.
• Complete at least an additional 40 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel driving as shown by a certified statement provided by a parent or guardian. The RMV will accept 30 hours of driving supervised by a parent or guardian if the applicant completed a driver skills development program.
• A parent or guardian must participate in two hours of instruction on the driver’s education curriculum (unless they have participated within the past five years).
• Pass a final exam to have a driver’s education certificate electronically filed with RMV.
Permit Information
When can I get my permit? You are able to get your permit when you turn 16. You are required by the State of MA to show proof of residency. You must get an official copy of your transcript. Please email Mrs. Stanley at [email protected] and ask for your transcript. You must include your address for verification. Please give at least a 48 hour notice!
What are the fees for my permit? The RMV charges $30.00 for your permit. For more information, click this link: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit
When can I get my permit? You are able to get your permit when you turn 16. You are required by the State of MA to show proof of residency. You must get an official copy of your transcript. Please email Mrs. Stanley at [email protected] and ask for your transcript. You must include your address for verification. Please give at least a 48 hour notice!
What are the fees for my permit? The RMV charges $30.00 for your permit. For more information, click this link: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit
Classroom Information
How many classes do I need to take? The RMV requires 30 hours of classroom time, and has broken the coursework into 15 "modules". Each module is 2 hours long. each module is a different topic. A student is required to have completed all 15 modules, including a final exam, before applying for their license.
What if I miss a module? If you miss a module, it is YOUR responsibility to reach out to your teacher and figure out a make up time. We offer courses throughout the year, and you would be able to attend another session during the year. Again - it is YOUR responsibility!
How many classes do I need to take? The RMV requires 30 hours of classroom time, and has broken the coursework into 15 "modules". Each module is 2 hours long. each module is a different topic. A student is required to have completed all 15 modules, including a final exam, before applying for their license.
What if I miss a module? If you miss a module, it is YOUR responsibility to reach out to your teacher and figure out a make up time. We offer courses throughout the year, and you would be able to attend another session during the year. Again - it is YOUR responsibility!
I did my classroom portion at another school. Can I drive with your school? Absolutely! As long as you have not done ANY driving with another school, you can drive with us. (This is a state law.) You can go to the Form Tab and fill out the "Driving Only" application!
Driving with an Instructor
When can I start to drive with an instructor? Please fill out this form driving_portion_letter.pdf and return it to Mrs. Stanley in the School Counseling office with the requested information.
How long do I drive with an instructor? You are required to do 12 hours of "behind the wheel" and 6 hours of "observation".
What do I need when I drive with the instructor? You must have your permit with you or you will not be able to drive.
What if I can't make a driving session? You have 24 hours to cancel an appointment. You must contact the instructor within this time frame or you will be charged $35.00. If you are a "no-show" you will be charged the $35 fee. If you "no-show" 2 times in a row, your driver has the right to return your card and you will be put back into the rotation for available drivers.
When can I start to drive with an instructor? Please fill out this form driving_portion_letter.pdf and return it to Mrs. Stanley in the School Counseling office with the requested information.
How long do I drive with an instructor? You are required to do 12 hours of "behind the wheel" and 6 hours of "observation".
What do I need when I drive with the instructor? You must have your permit with you or you will not be able to drive.
What if I can't make a driving session? You have 24 hours to cancel an appointment. You must contact the instructor within this time frame or you will be charged $35.00. If you are a "no-show" you will be charged the $35 fee. If you "no-show" 2 times in a row, your driver has the right to return your card and you will be put back into the rotation for available drivers.
I did my classroom portion at another school. Can I drive with your school? Absolutely! As long as you have not done ANY driving with another school, you can drive with us. (This is a state law.) You can go to the Form Tab and fill out the "Driving Only" application!
Parent Class
Can I start my driving hours without a parent class certification? Absolutely not! It is a state law that a parent certificate must be on file with the school before you can start any driving hours with an instructor.
My parents took a parent class for my older sibling. Does that count? Yes, only if it was within 5 years. Again, you need to provide a copy of their certificate in order to start driving.
When can my parent take the class? There will be at least 10 times a year that a parent class will be offered. You will be able to find the dates for the parent class on this website under "Parent Classes".
Can I start my driving hours without a parent class certification? Absolutely not! It is a state law that a parent certificate must be on file with the school before you can start any driving hours with an instructor.
My parents took a parent class for my older sibling. Does that count? Yes, only if it was within 5 years. Again, you need to provide a copy of their certificate in order to start driving.
When can my parent take the class? There will be at least 10 times a year that a parent class will be offered. You will be able to find the dates for the parent class on this website under "Parent Classes".
Getting My License!
What do I need before I can apply for my driving test? The following MUST be completed before the RMV will issue your certificate. Once they issue the certificate, you will be able to schedule your road test.
When can I apply for a driving test? If all of the above requirements are met, you will be notified via email from us letting you know that the RMV has issued your certificate.
How long can this whole process take before I can get my license? Remember that the state law is that you must have your permit for at least 6 months and one day before you can apply for the road test.
Are there any other fees that need to be paid before I get my license? The RMV has fees that you are required to pay before being able to schedule your road test exam. Click this link for more information: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/schedule-your-road-test
What do I need before I can apply for my driving test? The following MUST be completed before the RMV will issue your certificate. Once they issue the certificate, you will be able to schedule your road test.
- Complete all 15 modules of classroom work, including passing the final exam (must score at least an 80%). If you failed, please speak with your instructor.
- Competed 12 hours of behind the wheel driving and 6 hours of observation.
- You must have 6 months of clean driving - in other words, no accidents, tickets, etc.
- Driven at least 40 hours with a parent or adult over the age of 21 who has had a license for at least 2 years.
- Gave the $15.00 certificate fee to your instructor - IN CASH.
When can I apply for a driving test? If all of the above requirements are met, you will be notified via email from us letting you know that the RMV has issued your certificate.
How long can this whole process take before I can get my license? Remember that the state law is that you must have your permit for at least 6 months and one day before you can apply for the road test.
Are there any other fees that need to be paid before I get my license? The RMV has fees that you are required to pay before being able to schedule your road test exam. Click this link for more information: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/schedule-your-road-test
For More Information Regarding the State of MA requirements, please click the link below.
https://www.mass.gov/guides/first-time-driver-start-here
https://www.mass.gov/guides/first-time-driver-start-here