Adaptive Driving School –
Evaluation and Training

How Adaptive Driving Works

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

  We offer convenient online registration for classes at all of our 6 convenient locations. If you need additional assistance, call us at 508-835-2333.

• Can I get my learner's permit through CMSC?

  Learner’s permits are obtained from the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) .  See our Resources page for Permit test apps and the RMV Driving Manual – Check out Chapters, 2, 3, 4. You can make an appointment at an RMV Branch but also visit in person; just make sure to arrive BEFORE 4:00 PM :-)! Beginning March 26, 2018, getting a driver’s license will require additional documentation to prove U.S. Citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. Please visit www.mass.gov/REALID or call the RMV at (857) 368-8000 for more information. Please be aware after 3/26/18 everyone MUST provide the additional documents or you will not be issued a license in the state of MA.

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

  No, but it can easily be download in PDF format, free of charge, from the RMV website or you can pick up one for $5 at any RMV branch.

• I missed a classroom session. What should I do?

  If the student misses any amount of classroom time they cannot attend the last day of class and take the classroom test. They must makeup the missed hours 1st and then they can make up the last day of class. You will need to make up the lost time during the appropriate class session of the next available course. Please call us at 508-835-2333 to find out when this will be possible.

• Do parents need to take a class?

  Yes, at least one parent must complete a state required 2 hour Parent Class before students can start on-road driving lessons. This class is good for five years. All classroom and driving lessons must be completed before the expiration date. With proof of attendance, a previously attended class for a sibling, can be applied to your other teens if 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.

• How do I schedule road lessons?

  You can log into your online account and conveniently schedule your road lessons for any smartphone, tablet, or desktop.  Once you have completed the classroom portion, obtained your learner’s permit and a parent has taken the parent class, please email the following information to cmsc@centralmasafety.org:

  • Full legal name including middle name(no nicknames)
  • Numeric portion of the permit number
  • Permit issue date
  • Telephone number
  •  Glasses/contacts required?
  • High School currently attending

  Please be aware that students have 2 years to complete ALL requirements including classroom and road lessons.

• How do I cancel road lessons?

  Road lessons can be conveniently cancelled through your online student account. Drive times may be cancelled at any time; however, a cancellation fee will be charged for all cancellations within 24 hours of the originally scheduled drive date and time. This fee is subject to change.

• How long will it take to complete all 12 road lessons?

  Begin your classroom session when you are at least 15 years and 9 months old. Obtain your permit on your 16th birthday, then spread out your road lessons over the next 4-5 months.

  To give everyone a chance to find availability and to encourage practice at home in-between lessons with us, especially during periods of peak demand, we may restrict students from scheduling on consecutive days.

• Why don't I see any lessons for next month?

  We add available lessons to the portal every week and schedule our 60+ instructors on the 24th of each month. We also try to have 3 months of lessons out at all times. If there’s difficulty finding a lesson, try a different location in your student portal or call 508-835-2333 to schedule up to 2 lessons by phone per month. If you don’t see availability it may be because the max number of lessons are already booked. After completing a lesson another will become available. Booking about a lesson a week or every other week allows you to practice the skill or maneuver we teach you before your next lesson. The state requires supervised driving practice for 6 months with your learner’s permit so spreading your lessons out also saves some as you approach your road test. We recommend 4 hours a week to meet the state-required 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian. Thanks!

• How do I schedule observation time?

  In the very unlikely event that you need to make up observation time, please call us at 774-450-1007. Most students will receive more than enough observation time while completing the 12 hours of driving.

• Can I be dropped off at home instead of at the pickup location?

  This is a decision made by the instructor on the day of the lesson, and cannot be promised in advance. It is therefore best to plan on getting a ride home from the pickup location after the lesson is over.

• I already have 6 hours of observation. Can I drive the first hour and end my lesson early?

  This is a decision made by the instructor on the day of the lesson, and cannot be promised in advance. If the instructor agrees to do so, we prioritize by which student has completed more lessons. Therefore, even if you have already completed 8 or 9 hours of driving, you might lose out to a student who has 10 or 11 hours already done.

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

  Once you have completed all of your lesson requirements in full, please call (774) 450-1005 or email ccruz@centralmasafety.org to order your Driver’s Education Completion Certificate. In addition to the student’s lessons, one parent must attend a 2-hour parent class. For CMSC students, log into your Student Portal to book your Parent Class! For non-CMSC students schedule here: Non-CMSC Parent Class. This class is good for 5 years and can be used for future children when proof of attendance is given. The Driver’s Education Certificate fee of $15 can be paid over the phone with a credit card if taking the test at an RMV branch on your own or you can pay CMSC the day of the Road Test if taking it with us. Certificates are issued by the RMV and it may take them up to 14 days to process the certificate. It will then be posted on the RMV website. They no longer mail out hard copies.

• How do I schedule a road test and what will it cost?

  Once you have completed all your requirements, please call Caitlyn at (774) 450-1005 or email ccruz@centralmasafety.org to order your Driver’s Ed Certificate and schedule your Road Test at CMSC.  A road test at CMSC it is on a route near where you practice and comes with a Scheduled RMV Examiner, professional CMSC Sponsor and certified test car with examiner brakes. CMSC road test fees are separate from RMV test and license fees which can be paid on the RMV’s website. Road Tests are typically scheduled at least 4-6 weeks out.

  Warm-up lessons are available for CMSC students who have signed up for a Saturday Road Test. We recommend that you complete the warm-up lessons at least a week before your test. Please call Andrea at 774-450-1007 or email amanzi@centralmasafety.org to check availability and book a warm-up lesson.

• When can I get my license?

  You will need to fulfill the following criteria:

  1. Have a permit for six months. Get your permit on your 16th birthday!
  2. Have fully completed Driver’s Ed.
  3. Pass your road test.
  4. Pay your RMV fees and it will arrive in the mail 7-10 business days.

• What are the correct steps toward obtaining a driver's license?

  1. Register for Driver’s Ed and take the 30-hour classroom shortly before turning 16 (must be at least 15 years, 9 months old). Classroom is good for 2 years.
  2. Obtain learner’s permit on 16th birthday at the RMV.
  3. At least one parent MUST attend the parent class.
  4. Schedule and complete the required 12 hours of driving and 6 hours of observation with a licensed CMSC instructor and drive 40+ hours with family.
  5. Pay your balance in full.
  6. Order and Pay for Driver’s Ed Certificate through CMSC.
  7. Pay RMV license fee. Road tests on Saturdays at CMSC are an additional fee. Ordering driver’s ed certificate, scheduling Skidz school lesson and scheduling CMSC road test can be done at the same time by calling (774) 450-1005 You must complete ALL requirements before scheduling the road test and/or ordering the Driver’s Ed certificate.
  8. Relax, think positively,  take a deep breath and pass the road test!

• When do I receive a valid license to drive?

  If you pre-paid the RMV road test appointment fee no later than the Thursday before the test (pay this online mass.gov/rmv by calling (800)858-3926, you will have a valid license on the Monday or Tuesday after your test when the RMV examiner processes your paperwork. If you do not pre-pay the fee, you will have merely a stamped permit and cannot legally drive alone!

  DON’T FORGET: Valid insurance is also necessary! Although we may be able to answer general questions, you should always consult your own certified insurance agent. Your new license information should be available on the RMV website (which is usually needed to obtain insurance) within 7 to 10 days. Your new plastic license should arrive within 2 weeks. CMSC is not responsible for mistakes or delays at the RMV in regards to processing your license.

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

  I am a so called subtitle.

  Registry of Motor Vehicles JOL Information

  NOTICE: The links above take you to pages outside of the control of CMSC.  They are listed for informational purposes only.  CMSC is not responsible for any content or opinions expressed therein.

• What is an adaptive driving program

  It’s a specialized program for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, often involving modified vehicles and tailored instruction.

• What evaluations are offered?

  Many schools provide comprehensive driving assessments to determine needs and vehicle modifications conducted by certified specialists.

• Are vehicle modifications available?

  Yes, some programs offer vehicle adaptations like hand controls and pedal extensions, often in collaboration with specialists.

• Who can enroll?

  Adaptive programs are open to people of all ages, from teens to seniors, who need specialized assistance.

• What are the costs?

  Costs vary based on customization, often higher than standard programs due to the need for specialized equipment and trainers..

• What Are Adaptive Driving Beam Headlights?

  Adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights are cutting-edge lighting systems designed to enhance visibility and safety during nighttime or poor weather driving. These advanced headlights dynamically adjust their beam pattern in real time based on driving conditions, offering optimal illumination without causing glare to other drivers.

  How Do They Work?

  • Sensors and Cameras: ADB headlights use sensors to detect oncoming vehicles, road curves, and surrounding traffic.
  • Dynamic Light Adjustment: The system modifies the brightness, beam angle, and direction to ensure the road ahead is well-lit while avoiding dazzling other drivers.

  Key Benefits

  • Improved Night Vision: Enhance visibility by illuminating critical areas of the road.
  • Reduced Glare: Protect other drivers by automatically dimming or redirecting the beam.
  • Enhanced Safety: Navigate challenging conditions, such as rain, fog, or winding roads, with greater confidence.

  ADB headlights represent a significant step forward in automotive safety, making nighttime and adverse weather driving safer for everyone on the road.