Junior Operator,

Any motor vehicle operator or motorcyclist between the ages of 16 1/2 and 18 is considered a Junior Operator.  The Junior Operator Law has several requirements and restrictions that significantly affect the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who has a Junior Operator's License (JOL).

The basic purpose of the law is to provide new drivers supervised opportunities in which to develop good driving skills, while keeping those drivers free of the possible distractions caused by friends under age 18 who are present while the drivers are behind the wheel.

REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A JOL

1. Have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months before taking thwe road test (any suspension will invalidate the permit and the six months will start to run anew when the suspension is lifted) (click for the learners permit restrictions and violations penalties)
2. Maintain a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test.
3. Successfully complete a Registrar-approved driver education and training program, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, twelve hours of behind the wheel instruction, and six hours of observing another student driving.
4. You must complete at least 40 hours of supervised behind the wheel instruction as shown by a certified statement provided by a parent or guardian.  The RMV will accept 30 hours of driving supervised by a parent or guardian if the applicant completed a driver skills development program.
5. Your parent or guardian has completed the two hour curriculum portion of the driver education course.
6. You must pass a final exam as part of your driver's education course.