How Adaptive Driving Works

• Who can enroll in adaptive driving?

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

• 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. 

• What is difference between mobility and adaptive program?

  The both programs are same and both mobility and adaptive driving specialized in 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. 

• What evaluations 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 

• Are vehicle modifications available?

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

• What are adaptive driving beam headlights?

  Adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights are Innovative 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. 

   

• 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 are the costs?

  Costs may vary depending on customization and are generally higher than standard programs due to the need for specialized equipment and instructors. 

• 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. For further assistance, please call us at 508-835-2333.  

• 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. 

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

  If a student misses any classroom time, they cannot attend the final class or take the classroom test. They must first make up for the missed hours, and then they can attend the last day of class. The lost time should be made up during the appropriate session of the next available course. Please call us at 508-835-2333 to find out when this can be arranged. 

• 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.

• How do I schedule road lessons?

  Once you’ve completed the classroom portion, obtained your learner’s permit, and a parent has attended the Parent Class ,you can log into your Student Portal to easily schedule your road lessons from any smartphone, tablet, or desktop 

  Please note: Students have 2 years to complete all requirements, including classroom and road lessons. 

• How do I cancel road lessons?

  Road lessons can be easily canceled through your online student account. Driving or observation times may be canceled at any time; however, a cancellation fee will apply for cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled date and time. Please note, this fee is subject to change. 

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

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

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

  We add lessons to the portal regularly to ensure at least one lesson per week or every other week. If no availability is shown, it may be fully booked, but new spots will open once you complete a lesson. 

  Spacing out your lessons helps you practice skills and meet the state’s 6-month supervised driving requirement. To reach the 40-hour total, we recommend 4 hours per week with a parent or guardian 

• How do I schedule observation time?

  Online using your  Student Portal or by calling CMSC at 508-835-2333  

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

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

  The instructor can make this decision on the day of the lesson, and it cannot be guaranteed in advance. It’s best to arrange a ride home from the pickup location after your lesson. Although CMSC also offers “Home Pick Up” services for your convenience, please contact us for more details. 

• 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 

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

  Once you’ve completed all the requirements, email skant@cmscautoschool.com to order your Driver’s Ed Certificate and schedule your Road Test at CMSC. The CMSC road test includes a local route, RMV Examiner, professional sponsor, and a certified test car with examiner brakes. CMSC road test fees are separate from RMV fees.  

  You can also schedule your Road Test at Worcester or Leominster RMV locations through the myRMV website. If you need a car and sponsor for your Road Test, contact Andrea at amanzi@cmscautoschool.com. Please schedule at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure availability. 

• When can I get my license?

  To get a driver’s license in Massachusetts, drivers under 18 must complete a licensed driver’s education program and a parent or guardian supervised driving: 

  • Classroom instruction: 30 hours of classroom instruction 

  • Behind-the-wheel driving: 12 hours of driving 

  • Back seat observation: 6 hours of observation at a state-approved driving school 

  • Parent class: 2-hour parent class 

  • 40 Hours supervised driving practice with Parent or Guardian 

  Once you’ve completed your Driver’s Education requirements, CMSC will request your Driver’s Ed Certificate from the RMV to schedule your Road Test. After passing the Road Test and paying all RMV fees, you will receive your Driver’s License within 7 to 10 days. 

  The Driver’s Ed program is not required for drivers over 18.  

  CMSC also offer flexible adult driving lessons tailored to fit your busy schedule. Our programs are designed to help you achieve your driving goals, no matter your learning preferences. Please refer to our website CMSC Adult Driver’s Ed for more information or call office at 508-835-2333 

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

  If you are under 18: 

   

  • Register for Driver’s Education (must be at least 15 years, 9 months old): CMSC Driver’s Ed  

  • 30 hours of classroom training 

  • 2-hour Parent Class (Free! Must be completed before starting road lessons) 

  • 12 hours of road lessons 

  • 6 hours of Driver Observation 

  • Obtain your Learner’s Permit (test available any time after turning 16, either before or after completing Driver’s Ed). RMV Appointments  

  • Pass your Road Test 
  • Pay all RMV fees 

  •  

• When will I receive my valid driver’s license?

  After passing the Road Test and paying all RMV fees, you will receive your Driver’s License by mail within 2 weeks. 

  If there are any delays, you can check RMV My Profile for updates or any actions you may need to take.   

• 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.