How Adaptive Driving Works

• What is an adaptive driving program?

  An adaptive driving program is a specialized driver education program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, or learning challenges. It ensures every student can learn to drive safely and confidently by incorporating personalized instruction and, when necessary, adaptive equipment. 

• Who can enroll in adaptive driving?

  Our adaptive programs are available to individuals of all ages, from teens to seniors, who require specialized assistance. 

• How to enroll in adaptive driving?

  All clinical assessments must be completed at CMSC West Boylston office  

  All new clients must meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. 

  • Provide a doctor’s referral if unable to obtain a permit due to a medical condition. 

• What assessments are offered in adaptive training??

  All clinical assessments must be completed at CMSC West Boylston office 

  All new clients need to have a valid driver’s license or permit or a referral from a doctor due to a medical reason for not have having a permit 

• Who will be getting these assessments?

  Your referring doctor will receive copies of both assessments. A copy will also be mailed to the client.

• Can someone come with me on the evaluations and/lessons?

  With the client’s permission family member or support person may ride along in the back seat to observe and learn rehabilitation strategies or observe driving performance. The observer will need e to sign a liability waiver prior to joining you in the CMSC school vehicle.

• Does insurance cover any of the adaptive driving assessments?

  This is a self -pay program. At this time driving assessments and other services are not covered by insurance. Please check out our link to Funding Resources that may relate to your needs.

• "I have a medical condition in which I feel I may need adaptive equipment to drive. Where do I start?"

  If a medical condition affects your ability to use standard driving controls—such as the gas, brake, steering, or secondary functions like signals and wipers—we can help. Conditions like neuropathy, amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, or multiple sclerosis may impact driving access. Start with a pre-driving assessment and an in-vehicle assessment to explore adaptive equipment tailored to your needs—and try it out for yourself. Discover what mobility and independence can look like behind the wheel.

• Are vehicle modifications available?

  Yes, some programs include vehicle adaptations, such as hand controls and pedal extensions, often in collaboration with specialists. 

• If I need adaptive equipment to drive, When will I will able to modify personal vehicle?

  Previously licensed drivers will not have their personal vehicle’s adapted until they have passed the RMV competency road exam and have their license code for mechanical equipment use. New drivers being sponsored by parents may be provided with a recommendation to have AE added to the family vehicle prior to licensure so the individual may participate in the 40 hours of at home parent driving hours as required by the MA RMV under the JOL program. Mobility dealers require an equipment prescription written by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist in order to modify any vehicle per state regulations. They will only install NMEADA approved crash-tested equipment. They will not install equipment that is bought elsewhere and not certified by NMEADA.

• "If I do need adaptive equipment what does that process look like?"

  If you’re a good candidate for adaptive equipment, CMSC will guide you through the entire process. Training is tailored to your learning pace to help you master the equipment. Massachusetts requires a road test at the RMV using the adaptive equipment—CMSC will sponsor you for this step. Once completed, you Driver Rehab Professional or Adaptive instructor will issue a mobility prescription so you can work with a NMEDA-certified QAP dealer to install the same equipment in your vehicle.

• What if my license is suspended for a medical related reason? What is the process to have reinstated?

  This will include a hearing with a Medical Affairs Officer after your Pre-driving Clinical Assessment. If you pass the clinical assessment, CMSC may sponsor you for a Learners permit with an “A” restriction and you will then continue to the in-vehicle portion of the assessment. “If you are a previously licensed driver who has had a license suspension or a license that has been inactive/expired for more than two years, you will need to take the written permit exam at a MA RMV location. CMSC has experience with these cases, but each case will be reviewed individually by MA RMV and the RMV may have unique requirements.”

• "Do I need a doctor's order for testing?"

  Our policy is to have a doctor’s order, indicating a diagnosis for all those requiring driver rehabilitation services. The client may choose the most appropriate physician, NP, or PA to complete the prescription. It is helpful to have your medical provider know what you are seeking and be part of your team. This keeps them informed and aware if any medical forms for driving are required for them to complete. The referral should state: “Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment at CMSC Auto School”” We will send you a blank order form to have them fill out.

• How do I register my son/daughter for driver's ed?

  We offer easy Online Registration (keep this link) for classes at all CMSC convenient locations.

• How to obtain a learner's permit?

  Learner’s permits are issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Here’s how you can get started: 

  1. Resources for Studying: 

  • Visit our Resources page for helpful tools like permit test apps and the RMV Driving Manual. 

  • Focus on Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the manual to prepare for the test. 

  1. Scheduling Your Appointment: 

  • You can make an appointment online using myRMV page.

  • In Person at your local RMV branch. Be sure to arrive before 4:00 PM to ensure your application is processed. 

  1. REAL ID Documentation Requirement: 

  • Beginning March 26, 2018, obtaining a driver’s license in Massachusetts requires additional documents to prove U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. 

  • For details on acceptable documents, visit www.mass.gov/REALID or call the RMV at (857) 368-8000. 

  • Important: After this date, everyone applying for a license in Massachusetts must provide these documents, or their application will be denied. 

• Do you have the RMV driver's manual to study for the permit test?

  No, but it can easily be downloaded in PDF format for free from the RMV website, or you can purchase a copy for $5 at any RMV branch. 
  Additionally, when you sign up for CMSC Driver’s Education, you’ll have access to all the necessary classroom materials. 

• Can you take away my license?

  Although therapists cannot grant or revoke licenses, they have an ethical duty to notify the RMV if testing reveals a serious risk to the client or public safety. Ultimately, licensure decisions rest with your physician and the RMV.

• Do parents need to take a class?

  Yes, at least one parent must complete the state-required 2-hour Parent Class before students can begin on-road driving lessons. This class is valid for five years. All classroom and driving lessons must be completed before the expiration date. With proof of attendance, a parent class taken for a sibling can be applied to other teens within the 5-year period. 

  For CMSC students, log into your Student Portal to book your Parent Class. For non-CMSC students, schedule here Non-CMSC Parent Class.

• I've finished my classroom & driving sessions. Where is my driver's ed certificate?

  Certificates are issued by the RMV,  and will became visible on myRMV “profile” within  3 to 5 business days after completion of you Driver’s Ed Program 

  By the end of your Road Test Assessment (lesson 12), the instructor will provide you with all the necessary information to obtain your Driver’s Education Certificate. If you have not received this information, please contact us at skant@cmscautoschool.com 

• Are the pre-driving and in-vehicle assessments mandatory?

  Yes, the Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment consists of two parts. The results of those assessments are combined to come up with the best recommendation for each individual.

• Where can I get more information on JOL restrictions and penalties for infractions?

  Registry of Motor Vehicles JOL Information

  Notice: The links above lead to external websites not controlled by CMSC. They are provided for informational purposes only. CMSC is not responsible for the content or opinions expressed on these sites.