General Definitions/Rules

Question 1

Requirements to obtain a JOL

Answer 1

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 a Registrar-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

Question 2

JOL License Restrictions

Answer 2

• You may not operate a motor vehicle within the first six months after receiving your JOL while any person under age 18 is in the vehicle (other than you or an immediate
family member), unless you are accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old, has at least one year of driving experience, holds a valid driver’s license from Massachusetts or another state, and is occupying a seat beside you. Disabled Veterans do not pay any fees for driver’s license transactions if they have Disabled
Veteran plates or if they have qualified for Disabled Veteran plates with the Medical Affairs Branch.

General Rule: The passenger restriction that applies to you as a JOL holder under age 18 is lifted once you complete the six-month period (or the portion that applies to
you) or you reach age 18, whichever occurs first. The six-month passenger restriction period will stop running,
temporarily, during any suspension. When your JOL is reinstated, you will still have to complete the remainder of the six-month restriction period that existed at the beginning of the suspension period, unless you have already turned 18.

• As the holder of a JOL, you may not operate a motor vehicle between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless you are accompanied by one of your parents or your legal guardian. If you are found operating a motor vehicle in violation of this restriction, you may be charged with operating a motor vehicle without being licensed. This is a criminal violation.

Note: The law states that between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. and between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., the provisions of the law shall be enforced by law enforcement agencies only when a Junior Operator of a motor vehicle has been lawfully stopped for a violation of the motor vehicle laws or some other offense. This is called “secondary enforcement.” However, it is still illegal for you to operate during those times without a parent present in the car.

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Question 3

Civil violations

Answer 3

Noncriminal, ex: speeding, not obeying traffic signals. Must pay required fine or request a hearing to dispute it. Parking violations are not CVs, are handled by city that issued them.

Question 4

Speeding Violations

Answer 4

First 10mph = $105
+ $10(next mph)

Work zone = doubled

Question 5

Criminal violations

Answer 5

May be arrested immediately, car towed, license suspended. Ex: DUI, driving with suspended license, leaving scene of a crash.

Question 6

Surchargeable events

Answer 6

Violations and at-fault accidents count toward a possible license suspension.