What is included in a driver training program?
+
- 30-hours classroom instruction
- 12-hours behind-the-wheel driving
- 6-hours in the car observing another student
- 2-hour parent class, attended by at least one parent (parent certificate is valid for 5 years; if the student is 18 years of age or older the parent is welcome to attend the class, but not required to)
- Upon completion of the driver's education program and obtaining their license, each student will receive a one year AAA Basic Primary Membership or will be added as an Associate on a parent's membership (parents will be asked to approve the associate membership option) as a graduation gift from AAA
How much does AAA Driving School cost?
+
- The cost for AAA Members is $700; a deposit of $300 is required to sign up for class.
- The cost for Non AAA Members is $800; a deposit of $400 is required to sign up for class.
- The balance can be paid weekly online in the student portal or by calling 413-785-1381 ext. 475.
- The balance is expected by completion of Classroom Instruction and no later than when the 1st in-car instruction is scheduled.
- All students can start booking driving lessons as soon as they attend the first class of the 30 hours classroom instruction, have a permit and the balance is paid.
How old do I need to be to start Driver Education?
+
You must be at least 15 years, 9 months of age.
Do I need to have my learner's permit to begin classroom instruction?
+
No, you do not need a learner's permit to begin classroom instruction, but you do need it for both Observation and Behind the Wheel lessons.
How do I get my learner's permit?
+
When you have reached age 16, you can go to a full service Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) office and take the 25 question permit exam. You will have 25 minutes to answer 18 out of 25 questions correctly. Testing is first come first served; you cannot schedule an appointment. You must bring a completed Learner's Permit Application, certified birth certificate, and your social security card. The cost of a learner's permit exam is $30.00. If you pass the test, you will then have to take an eye exam and have your photo taken.
Learn How To Apply
How long are learner’s permits good for?
+
Learner’s permits are good for two years. If you don’t get your license within two years of obtaining your learner’s permit, you must retake the learner’s permit exam.
What if I fail my learner's permit exam?
+
If you don't pass, you can retake the exam immediately. There is no waiting period to retake the exam. However, the RMV charges a fee of $30.00 for each exam.
What fees are charged by the RMV?
+
Permit test |
$30 |
Driver Education Certificate |
$15 |
Road test Appointment |
$35 |
Driver’s License |
$50 |
What if I lose my learner's permit or it becomes damaged?
+
If you lose your permit or it becomes illegible, you will need to go to the RMV and pay a fee of $15.00 for a duplicate learner's permit. (You do not need to retake the test.) Please note: a learner's permit may not be photocopied, laminated or taped. The RMV will not allow a student to take a road test with a learner's permit that is considered to be illegible.
Where can I take driver's ed classes?
+
When are classes offered?
+
Five-week sessions are held after school, evenings and Saturdays. One-week accelerated classes are offered during school vacation weeks. Parent classes are scheduled in conjunction with each 30-hour session.
View current class schedule.
Does my parent have to take a Parent Class?
+
Yes, there is a state-mandated two-hour Parent/Guardian Class for parents of students under 18. The class is not required for students over age 18, but parents are welcome to attend. There is no charge for parents of enrolled students. The class will provide valuable information on the state's Junior Operator Law (JOL), preview the upcoming driver education course, and provide parents with the knowledge and tips they will need to assist in their young driver's development. A Parent Class is required to be taken once every five years. If your parent has taken the class with another school, please provide a copy of the certificate on the first day of class for our records.
AAA Driving School enrollment: https://www.myeform3.net/AAAPV/Student/StudentLogin.aspx
Non Student Enrollment: https://www.myeform3.net/AAAPV/Student/OnlineSignup.aspx
When can I schedule my Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) driving lessons?
+
After you have taken the first class, obtained your learner's permit and paid your balance in full, you can schedule your six BTW driving lessons by using the student portal. Behind-the-Wheel lessons are offered during the day, after school, evenings or on weekends. All lessons are booked on a first come, first served basis. BTW lessons are typically booked 4+ weeks in advance. It is important for students and/or parents to check the student portal daily for available lessons. Please note: you must carry your learner's permit for all in-car lessons.
**If your pickup location is in a remote or rural area or is located a distance that is deemed too far from an AAA Office, arrangements will be made to meet at a location suitable to the instructor and student.
How do I schedule my Observation (OBS) lessons?
+
Email the Driving School Coordinator at
AAAdrivingschool@aaapv.com to schedule your OBS lessons. Please include in your email: your full name and the best days/times for scheduling the lessons. OBS lessons are typically booked 3-4 weeks in advance. The Coordinator will then email you a proposed schedule. All lessons are booked on a first come, first served basis. Please note: you must carry your learner's permit for all in-car lessons.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
+
If you need to cancel an in-car lesson, you must give a minimum 24-hour notice. Additionally, if the in-car lesson is scheduled for a Saturday through Monday, the cancellation notice must be made by 5 p.m. on the previous Friday. Students who cancel an in-car lesson without giving a 24-hour notice or do not appear for a lesson will be charged an automatic $40.00 fee. This fee must be paid prior to next scheduled in-car lesson.
How do I obtain my driver education certificate?
+
You need to complete the drivers’ education course within 2 years of your classroom start date. On the second to last in-car lesson, students must go to their student portal to the purchase tab and pre-pay the $15 Drivers Education Certificate fee. Once the student officially completes all DOT requirements, AAA Driving School will mail confirmation to the RMV that you have completed the program. The RMV will then issue a Driver Education Certificate, within 7-10 business days. The RMV no longer mails certificates.
When can I get my license?
+
If you are under 18 years old, you will need to have had a permit for 184 days without any infractions; meet all the requirements for driver education; have a Driver Education Certificate processed by the RMV; to schedule a road test. If you are over 18 years old, you will just need to have a valid permit.
How do I schedule my road test?
+
You have three options for scheduling your road test:
1. AAA Driving School offers an Alternative Off Hours Road Test option at the AAA West Springfield office.
- AAA requests testing on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Students may pre-register in good faith, as long as their lesson schedule and permit eligibility meets the completion/submission dates listed in the student portal.
- To qualify for a Saturday Road Test option: Students under 18 must complete all DE requirements and turn in the $15 Mass DOT check a full 30 days in advance to the test date. Additionally, they must have their permit for 184 day by the submission date listed in the portal.
- Pre-registration is required. It is recommended you register a minimum of 30 days in advance. Click Here
- There is a $50 fee for sponsorship and use of the Driving School vehicle on the day of the test; fee must be paid at time of registration.
- Once the off hours request has been submitted to the RMV, no additions or cancellations can be made.
- The RMV charges a $35 examination fee each time you take a road test and a one-time fee of $50 for the License
- The road test date is not confirmed until the RMV has approved our requested test date (we could be moved or bumped)
- You may not be register for more than one road test at the same time.
- Priority seating will be given to students of the AAA driving school program.
- Please contact the Driving School at AAAdrivingschool@aaapv.com for additional information.
2. Call AAA Driving School to sponsor your road test at a local RMV location.
- The appointment must be booked by AAA Driving School.
- There is a $100 fee payable to AAA for sponsorship and use of the AAA vehicle.
- The RMV charges a $35 examination fee each time you take a road test and a one-time fee of $50 for the License.
- Students under 18 must already have a DE certificate on file at the RMV, prior to scheduling a road test.
- Students must turn in the $15 Mass DOT check to AAA Driving School a full 30 days in advance.
- We cannot guarantee individual student road test availability. It depends on RMV testing appointments, AAA Instructor schedules and availability of our vehicles.
- Please contact the Driving School Supervisor for test availability AAAdrivingschool@aaapv.com.
3. Call or go to the RMV website to schedule your test at a local RMV location.
- The RMV charges a $35 examination fee each time you take a road test and a one-time fee of $50 for the License.
- Students under 18 must already have a DE certificate on file at the RMV, to schedule
- Students must turn in the $15 Mass DOT check to AAA Driving School a full 30 days in advance.
- DE Certificates are mailed to the RMV after you complete all your lessons. It typically takes the RMV 7-10 to process.
- You will be responsible for making the road test appointment and providing a RMV approved vehicle and sponsor.
Additional information may be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/road-test-for-passenger-motorcycle-and-commercial-licenses
Please notify AAA Driving School of your road test option by calling 413-785-1381 ext. 475 or email us at AAAdrivingschool@aaapv.com.
Do I have to take Driver Education?
+
If you want to obtain your driver's license before you turn 18 years old, you must complete a Driver Education program. You will receive a discount on your automobile insurance for completing Driver Education.
How long does it take to complete a Driver's Education course and get my license?
+
Driving school is designed by the RMV to be completed in a 6-9 month timeframe. There are several factors that may impact the length of time to complete the program:
- Your age (must be 15.9 to start class and 16 to obtain a permit)
- The length of time you have had your permit. (under 18, the minimum RMV requirement is 184 days and completing all the driving school requirements)
- In-Car Lesson availability (typically runs 4+ weeks in advance).
- Your individual skill level.
Newly permitted students will be required to spread out their lessons, based on when they are eligible for a road test
Students, who have already met the RMV minimum DOT requirements above, may be able to cut this time in half and complete the course within 4 months.
How do I register for Driver Education?
+