What are the steps toward obtaining a Driver's License for a Junior Operator (person under 18)?
1. Register for a Driver Education Program
2. Take 30 Hour Classroom at 15 years, 9 months old
3. Pass Final Exam on last day of classroom session
4. Parent/Guardian must participate in 2-hour Parent Class
5. Obtain Learner's Permit through RMV at 16 years old. Hold permit for 6 months.
6. Schedule 12 Behind-the-Wheel hours over a period of 6 months.
7. Drive 40+ Supervised Hours with a person over 21 years old and licensed for at least one year
8. Complete 6 Observation Hours
9. Pay $30 Certificate of Completion fee
10. Take a Road Test!
When can a student obtain a license?
A Junior Operator (person under 18) must hold a Learner's Permit for six months without infractions, meet all requirements of Driver Education, have a Driver Education Certificate of Completion processed by the RMV, and pass a Road Test to obtain a driver's license.
A person over 18 years old must hold a Learner's Permit and pass a Road Test to obtain a license.
How do I register my teen for a Driver Education Program?
Go to our Teen Program or Locations page. From there, choose the location where you want to take your Classroom Session. Choose the package you want to enroll into and follow the registration prompts.
Can a student get a Learner's Permit before they take their classroom session?
Yes. A student can obtain a Learner's Permit through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as soon as they turn 16 years old.
Can a student start scheduling and taking behind-the-wheel lessons before they take their classroom session?
Yes. A student can start scheduling and taking behind-the-wheel lessons as soon as they obtain a learner's permit and their parent has completed a Parent Class.
Why are their different package prices for locations?
CS Driving School has our own pricing. We also have contracts with various cities and towns in the area. Each contract denotes separate pricing.
When does my Driver Education package expire?
The Registry of Motor Vehicles states that Driver Education packages are valid for two years from your start date (first classroom or behind-the-wheel session). After two years, you will not be able to use any of the remaining driving lessons and you will not be eligible for a refund of the unused package items.
What if I need to miss a classroom session?
If you must miss a class due to a conflict, you cannot attend the last day of class and take the final exam. You will need to schedule a makeup class first, then schedule to take the final.
When do my parents need to take the Parent Class?
The parent class must be completed before you can schedule behind-the-wheel lessons.
How do I obtain a Learner's Permit?
You obtain a LP through the Registry of Motor Vehicles. You cannot get a permit through CS Driving School. The guide below will step you through the process to get a passenger (Class D) learner's permit and driver's license, which allows you to legally operate a passenger vehicle, van or small truck.
First Time Driver? Start here...
Do you sell the RMV Driver's Manual to study for the permit test?
We sell the manual for $5.00 at our Waltham office. It is also available in pdf format, free of charge, through the RMV website.
How do I schedule behind-the-wheel lessons?
All students will get a one-hour LIVE demonstration of how to schedule hours during their classroom session. To begin, go to your Student Portal, add your permit information into your Profile, and click on "Schedule My Drive."
Do you limit students to a certain number of driving lessons per month?
A Junior Operator must hold their permit for 6 months. We restrict lessons so they can be completed over that period. This gives everyone a fair chance to find availability and to encourage practice in-between driving lessons.
Where can you pick me up and drop me off for my driving lessons?
Our service areas include Arlington, Lexington, Newton, Waltham. We can pick you up and drop you off at any location if it is in one of these areas.
The only exception to this is for students who enroll through the Newton Community Education program. NCE Only Scheduling requires pick up and drop off at the high school only. No exceptions.
Can I change my pickup location after I schedule my lesson?
Yes. Your pickup location must be changed at least 24 hours in advance of your lesson time. We can only change your pickup location to another location in the same city/town as the original pick up spot.
How do I cancel behind-the-wheel lessons?
Behind-the-wheel lessons must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance through your Student Portal. If you do not cancel your lesson 24 hours in advance, there will be a $95 late cancelation fee.
Do you send reminders about our lessons?
Yes. We send 24- and 48-hour reminder emails.
How long will it take to complete all 12 lessons?
This answer varies based on individual situations and circumstances.
Why can't I see availability to schedule my first driving lesson?
Our 25+ instructors submit their monthly schedules in the middle of the month. The office staff then creates a permanent schedule. Adding these additional weeks of lessons at a time also allows beginning students to schedule their first lessons in a timely manner following their classroom participation. We recommend you check daily to secure your first lesson. We recommend you visit the Student Portal homepage for the next release date and continue to check for appointments daily to secure your first lesson.
Will you tell me when the monthly schedule opens?
Yes. There is a date posted on the homepage of your Student Portal.
What are Observation Hours?
Students are required to complete 6 observation hours of another student driver in the driving school vehicle. We will discuss this requirement during your classroom and parent class sessions.
I finished all requirements of my Driver Education Program. What's next?
Completion fees must be paid to initiate your completion process. You can find instructions to pay these fees on your Student Portal by clicking 'Enroll' or 'Marketplace.'
What is a Driver Education Certificate of Completion?
If you are under 18, you must successfully complete all portions of your driver education program before you can receive a Driver Education Certificate of Completion. This electronic certificate is required to be on file for a student who is under 18 to schedule a road test, and for any student to receive an auto insurance discount. You must complete all requirements of your driver education program before we request your certificate. The fee is $30.
Did I already pay my completion fees?
You had the option to pay these fees at the time of enrollment. You can verify payment on your Student Portal > My Account > Enrollment/Billing
Can I schedule my road test through CS Driving School?
Yes. We offer group road tests scheduled at CS Driving School, 2 Winter Street, Waltham approximately one month after you finish your requirements. Vehicle and Sponsor are provided. Weekend Road Tests are requested but not guaranteed. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the Road Test. All Road Test dates are tentative until approved by the RMV.
How much is the Group Road Test Sponsorship fee?
The Group Road Test Sponsorship fee varies based on the type of package that you purchase. You can view pricing on our Registration page or through your Student Portal.
What fees are charged by the RMV?
Learner's Permit Test: $30.00
Road Test Appointment: $35.00
Driver's License: $50.00
Driver Education Certificate of Completion: $30.00 (payable to CS Driving School)
What happens after I pass my road test?
If you paid your $50 license and $35 road test fees to the Registry, you will receive your hard copy license in the mail in 7-10 business days.
What are the Junior Operator Restrictions?
What is the Parent's Supervised Driving Program for Massachusetts?
The Parent's Supervised Driving Program for Massachusetts is designed to improve teen driver safety by providing parents and guardians with a methodical approach to teaching the requisite driving skills.
Parents or guardians are responsible for making certain that their teen has completed no less than 40 hours of supervised driving.
