Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Massachusetts

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Massachusetts?


The minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Massachusetts are 16 years old. If you are under 18 years old, you must complete a driver’s education course and hold a learner’s permit for at least 6 months prior to applying for a license.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Massachusetts?


In Massachusetts, the GDL program requires teenagers to hold a learner’s permit for a minimum of 6 months and log a minimum of 40 hours of supervised practice driving (10 hours must be at night) before they can apply for a Junior Operator’s License (JOL).

Teens between 16 and 17 years old can apply for a learner’s permit after passing a written test administered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). To apply for a JOL, teens must be at least 16 ½ years old, have held their learner’s permit for at least 6 months, and have logged 40 hours of supervised practice driving (10 hours must be at night). Teens with a JOL are prohibited from driving between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM and from carrying more than 1 passenger (except immediate family) under 18 years old during the first 6 months they hold their license. In addition, all teens holding a JOL are prohibited from using handheld devices such as cellular phones while driving.

Once teens reach 18 years old with a clean driving record, they are eligible to apply for an unrestricted driver’s license.

3. How does the GDL program in Massachusetts define a supervised driving period?


In Massachusetts, the GDL program defines a supervised driving period as an individual under 18 years of age driving with a licensed parent/guardian, or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. During these periods, the driver is required to log at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Massachusetts?


In Massachusetts, drivers under 18 years of age are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 25 or over.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Massachusetts?


Common exceptions to the GDL program in Massachusetts include drivers 18 years of age or older who hold a valid out-of-state license, drivers who are members of the military and their dependents, and drivers taking a driver’s education course approved by the RMV.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Massachusetts?


In Massachusetts, drivers under the age of 18 must complete 40 hours of supervised driving in order to obtain a provisional license.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Massachusetts?


In Massachusetts, drivers with a provisional license must adhere to the following restrictions:

-Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older at all times.
-Must not drive between the hours of 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM.
-Must be limited to one unrelated passenger under the age of 18 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
-No use of a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. All occupants must use seatbelts.
-Must have completed at least 15 hours of supervised driving with a certified instructor prior to taking the driver’s license test.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Massachusetts?


In Massachusetts, a driver with a provisional license is only allowed to carry one passenger under the age of 21.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Massachusetts?


In Massachusetts, drivers must hold a valid provisional license for at least six months before they can apply for an unrestricted license. During this time, the driver must maintain a clean driving record and follow all of the conditions of their provisional license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Massachusetts?


Per Massachusetts law, drivers under the age of 18 must have an accompanying adult (who is age 21 or older and has at least one year of driving experience) in the car whenever they are driving.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Massachusetts?


Yes. Massachusetts has a restriction on cell phone use for drivers under the age of 18. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of handheld electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. The only exception to this rule is if the driver is using a hands-free device or if they are using the device to call 911 in an emergency situation.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Massachusetts?


No, drivers with provisional licenses are not allowed to drive on highways in Massachusetts.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Massachusetts?


Yes, there are restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Massachusetts. The primary restriction is that a driver with a provisional license can drive in Massachusetts only when supervised by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older and has a license valid for the type of vehicle being operated. In addition, the supervising driver must occupy the front passenger seat closest to the right of the driver, and the provisional driver must display a decal or emblem on the vehicle as prescribed by the Registrar.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Massachusetts?


In order to take a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Massachusetts, the applicant must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner’s permit for at least 6 months. The applicant must also bring proof of identity, registration, and insurance for the vehicle they are using for testing. Applicants must also pass a vision test, written knowledge test, and a road test to demonstrate their driving skills.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Massachusetts?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in Massachusetts are required to pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in Massachusetts require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


Yes. In order to receive a Junior Operator License in Massachusetts, an applicant must log at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours of night driving.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Massachusetts?


Yes, GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Massachusetts may be eligible for an commercial driver’s license (CDL) waiver. This waiver allows them to apply for a CDL without taking the knowledge or driving tests.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Massachusetts?


Yes, there are a few exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Massachusetts. These exceptions include those who are under the direct supervision of a licensed driver, those participating in an approved driver education course, and those participating in a work-related activity or errand. Additionally, drivers under 18 may be exempt from some of the restrictions if they have a valid out-of-state license or an approved Massachusetts hardship license.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Massachusetts?


Yes, drivers in Massachusetts who are over the age of 18 are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Massachusetts?


Penalties for violating Massachusetts GDL program rules can vary from a $100 fine to a suspended license. If a driver is caught breaking the rules more than once, they could be subject to more severe penalties, including having their license suspended or revoked.