Federal & State Regulations | Qualification of drivers - Massachusetts

Federal regulations

Massachusetts has adopted Part 391 of the Federal Regulations, with the exception of Sec. 391.11(b)(1) for intrastate drivers. The English language and physical qualification requirements also contain special provisions.

Applicability

Age

A Massachusetts resident may obtain an operators full time license at the age of 18; commercial vehicle operators must be at least 18 years of age.

Driver qualification file

A driver qualification file (Sec. 391.51) is required. There are exceptions to the physical qualification requirement. See Physical Qualification for details.

English language

The English language requirement in Sec. 391.11(b)(2) is not applicable to intrastate drivers that obtained an initial permit or initial commercial driver’s license on or before March 9, 2018.

The English language requirement in Sec. 391.11(b)(2) is applicable to intrastate drivers that obtain an initial permit or initial commercial driver’s license after March 9, 2018, and all drivers operating a vehicle used in the transportation of a hazardous material.

Operator’s license

The driver’s license classes are as follows:

Class	Description
Class A	Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B	Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C	Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either required to be placarded for hazardous materials or designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
Class D	Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class M.
Class M	Any motor vehicle defined as a motorcycle in M.G.L.c.90.
Endorsements
H	Hazardous Materials
N	Tank Vehicles
P	Passenger Transport
T	Doubles/Triples
X	Hazardous Materials and Tank Vehicles
Restrictions
A	CDL Intrastate Medical
B	Corrective Lenses
C	Mechanical Aid
D	Prosthetic Aid
E	Automatic Transmission
F	Outside Mirror
G	Daylight Only
H	Restricted Hours
I	Limited Other
J	Restriction Card Must be Carried
K	CDL Intrastate Only
L	Vehicles Without Air Brakes
M	Except Class A Bus
N	Except Class A and B Bus
O	Except Tractor Trailer
P	Use With Certified Driving Instructors Only (permit only)
Q	CDL Medical Waiver Required
R	Bioptic Telescopic Lens
S	Proof of Current Blood Sugar Level
V	Temporary - Cannot Renew or Convert
W	CMV Intrastate Only With Medical Waiver
Y	Restrict to 14 Passengers or Less
Z	Ignition Lock/Hours Restriction

If the registered gross weight or actual gross weight of a vehicle or of a combination of vehicles exceeds its GVWR or GCWR, then the registered gross weight or actual gross weight, whichever is higher, shall be used instead of the GVWR or GCWR to determine what license class is required under 540 CMR 2.06.

Physical qualification

Drivers are exempt from Sec. 391.49, pertaining to waivers of certain physical defects. Waivers of the provisions of Secs. 391.41, 391.43 and 391.45 will be granted by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

View agency contact information.

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Qualification of drivers - Massachusetts