New Teen Driver in the Family?

If you have a child who may be turning 16 years of age, here
are some questions you may be hearing or asking:

How old must my child be before they can be licensed?

Does my child have to have completed a driver’s education
course to get a driver’s license?

What is the youngest age that my child can get a driver’s
license?

For a complete explanation of the Massachusetts Junior
Operator Law, we recommend you visit the following website: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/jol/index.htm

Here is a summary:

If you apply for a driver’s license and are between the ages
of 16 ½ and 18 you must have possessed a learner’s permit for at least 6
months. You will only be issued a Junior Operator’s License (JOL) upon passing
a road test and only if:

1. 
   You have successfully completed a driver education and training
   program approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. The program will include
   Thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction, six (6) hours of behind the wheel
   instruction and six (6) hours of in-car as an observer
2. 
   You have completed at least an additional 12 hours of supervised
   behind the wheel driving as shown by a certified statement provided by a parent
   or guardian
3. 
   You have had a learners permit of at least six (6) months
4. 
   You have had a “clean driving record” for a minimum of six (6)
   consecutive months immediately preceding the date you took your road test

Some important issues related to the JOL?

1. 
   You may not operate a motor vehicle within the first six (6)
   months while any passenger under the age of 18 is in the vehicle (other than
   immediate family members)
2. 
   You may not operate during the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to
   5:00 a.m
3. 
   You may not operate a motor vehicle requiring a commercial
   driver’s license