Vehicles Accommodating 16 or More Passengers

To operate a vehicle that accommodates 16 or more people―including yourself―such as a bus or shuttle, you need a Class A, B, or C commercial driver's license (CDL).

Refer to our entire Commercial Drivers section for:

• Details about applying for your first CDL.

• Where you can get commercial driver education.

• Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about CDLs.

School Buses: Licenses, Endorsements, and Certificates

There are two kinds of school buses you can drive―full-sized and restricted. To drive a:

• Full-sized school bus, you need a CDL with endorsements P (Passenger) and S (School Bus), a School Bus Driver Certificate from the Department of
  Public Utilities (DPU).

• Restricted school bus, you need a regular Class D driver's license with a restricted School Bus Driver Certificate from the DPU.

The RMV provides an informational school bus brochure as well as the Massachusetts School Bus Manual to guide you through the application process.

Vehicles Accommodating Fewer Than 16 Passengers

To operate a vehicle that accommodates fewer than 16 passengers, such as a taxi or limousine, you only need a regular Class D driver's license.

The company for which you're interested in working may require you to undergo special training; your municipality may have certain requirements in place, too.

Sports Vehicles

Motorcycles

You must have a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your Class D license to legally operate a motorcycle in Massachusetts. In order to get either, you must be at least 16 years old.

Get specifics about motorcycle licenses in our Motorcycle License section.

Mopeds and Scooters

To operate a moped, you must be 16 and have a driver's license.

If your scooter is made for highway travel, it's considered a motorcycle and you will need a Class M license to operate it.

Visit Other Types for more details.

ATVs and Snowmobiles

There are no special licenses to operate all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles in Massachusetts; however, there are age requirements:

• No child younger than 10 years old can operate a recreational vehicle.

• 10- and 11-year-olds can operate under an 18-year-old's supervision on their own property.

• 12- and 13-year-olds can operate under an 18-year-old's supervision.

• 14-year-olds can participate in events such as rallies and races as long as local authority approves the events.

• An operator must be at least 16 years and six months old to cross a public way.

For more details check out the Massachusetts Recreation Vehicle Safety Laws.

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