Drivers_Manual

Drivers With Monovision
Monovision is a method of visual correction (either through surgery or by contact lens) that
allows for the use of one eye for distance vision and the other eye for near vision. If you
have monovision, you may have trouble with the RMV’s vision screening examination. A
Vision Screening Certificate (VSC), completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and
indicating you are visually qualified to safely operate a motor vehicle, can be accepted in
place of the vision screening examination.
Driving Record Verification
When you apply for a permit or license, or renew a license, you will be required to provide a list
of the states you have been licensed in for the past ten years, as well as all out-of-state license
numbers you have had. The RMV's licensing computer system checks your name, birth date,
Social Security Number, and any out-of-state driver's license numbers with the Problem Driver
Pointer System (PDPS), which stores information about license suspensions and revocations
for drivers in all 50 states (The system is operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration -NHTSA). If your record matches PDPS, you will not be allowed to continue the
application process until all out-of-state suspensions or convictions are resolved.
License Classes
The table below summarizes Massachusetts license types. A Massachusetts driver's license
is valid for a maximum of five years and expires on your birthday. However, your first
license will expire on your fifth birthday following the date of issue. Your driver's license is
considered a primary form of identification, showing proof of identity, residence, age, and
signature. You can renew your license up to one year before its expiration date.
Massachusetts Driver’s Licenses
License Class
A
B
C
D
M
Vehicles Permitted
Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of
26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in
excess of 10,000 pounds. (Holders of a Class A license may, with any
appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Class B, C, and D.)
Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more
pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds
GVWR. (Holders of a Class B license may, with appropriate endorsements,
operate all vehicles within Class C and D.)
Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definition of
Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers
including the driver, or is required to be placarded for hazardous materials under
49 CFR 172.500 or any other federal regulation. (Holders of a Class C license
may operate all vehicles within 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. (Typically passenger vehicles such as
cars, SUVs, or family vans).
Any motor vehicle defined as a motorcycle in M.G.L. c. 90, § 1.
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