Learn about MA driver education requirements, permit, and Junior Operator's License. Then register with Kendal Green Driving School and get on the road to earn your driver's license today.
DRIVER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
In Massachusetts, driver's education is required for new drivers under 18. This consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of actual behind-the-wheel driving, and 6 hours of back-seat observation. Parents are also required to attend a separate 2-hour parent class.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations allow students to start classroom instruction at 15 years and 9 months. However, for actual behind-the-wheel instruction and in-car student observation, students must be at least 16 years old and have a valid learner's permit.
FACTS ABOUT YOUR PERMIT
- Your permit is valid for two years and allows you to practice your driving skills while preparing for your road test.
- You must carry your permit whenever you drive until you earn a Junior Operator's License or a full driver's license.
- You must always be accompanied by a licensed operator who occupies the passenger seat next to you. This person must be at least 21 years old, have a valid license, and have at least one year of driving experience.
- If you are under 18, you may not drive between 12 AM and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian.
- A class D learner's permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle in another state as long as it does not violate the laws of that state.
- You may only operate a passenger car.
- The law requires that you be at least 16 1/2 to obtain a Junior Operator's License. You must obtain your Learner's Permit at age 16, complete a driver's education course, and drive for six months without any surchargeable incidents or motor vehicle offenses before you are eligible to apply for a Junior Operator's License at age 16 1/2.
MASSACHUSETTS JUNIOR OPERATOR LICENSE (JOL)
- Complete a Massachusetts-approved driver education program.
- Be issued a driver's education certificate.
- Hold a valid learner's permit for at least six months.
- Have a clean driving record for the six consecutive months prior to the date of the license test.
- Completed 40 hours of supervised driving.
- Successfully pass a road test exam.
- Pay the required fees directly to the RMV.
If you want additional information, check out the RMV's Junior Operator License requirements page.