RMV Supervised Driving Receipt: Not a Learner’s Permit, But Close

Due to COVID, the MA RMV is allowing 16-year-olds to take the Learner’s Permit Exam online. Although these teens cannot get a Learner’s Permit until they visit an RMV location to present ID and get their photo taken, the RMV can issue a Supervised Driving Receipt. As outlined last week in the Governor’s Executive Order, a Supervised Driving Receipt temporarily allows the learner (after passing the online exam) to drive with a licensed adult driver. This privilege comes with several requirements and restrictions.  
Below is the content of the RMV’s Training Update on this topic, which spells out important details to be aware of:
Supervised Driving Receipt
RMV Training Update of 6/18/2020
Due to COVID, the RMV is allowing sixteen year olds to take the Learner’s Permit Exam online. A Learner’s Permit cannot be issued to these customers until they visit an RMV Service Center to provide identification documents.
Under an executive order signed by Governor Baker (COVID-19 Order No. 39), the RMV will soon begin offering a new Supervised Driving Receipt to eligible applicants who pass a Class D online exam before providing identification documents. These will be issued through August 12th (this date may be updated if the State of Emergency is lifted before August 12). See next page for a sample. The Supervised Driving Receipt:

• Is not a Learner's Permit. The customer must apply to complete the Learner's Permit process before their Supervised Driving Receipt expires by making a reservation for a Service Center visit to provide identity documents and have their picture taken. A Service Center reservation can be scheduled by visiting Mass.GOV/RMV.
• Does not count towards the 6 month safe driving eligibility requirement to be licensed.
• Is only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. The issuance date and expiration date are printed on the receipt.
• Is not valid until signed by the customer and parent/legal guardian.
• Is not a valid form of identification.
• Can be suspended, canceled, revoked, or recalled if it is determined that the customer was not qualified for, or has abused, this privilege.

When driving, a customer with a Supervised Driving Receipt:

• Must carry their Supervised Driving Receipt.
• Must carry proof that they are lawfully present in the United States, which may include a valid passport or an original or copy of a birth certificate. To the extent possible, a customer should carry a school identification card or other photo identification.
• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver from Massachusetts or another state who is seated next to the customer, is 21 years or older, and has had a valid driver’s license for at least one year.
• Is only allowed to drive in Massachusetts.
• May not drive between the hours of 12:00 am (midnight) and 5:00 am.