Island Roads Spare Martha’s Vineyard Cops Full CDL Skills Test
Published Date: 12/31/2025
Notice
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of State Police got the green light to skip some parts of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test for drivers taking the test on Martha’s Vineyard. Since the island’s roads can’t handle certain test maneuvers, these drivers will get a special restricted CDL instead. This change starts December 31, 2025, and lasts until the end of 2027, keeping safety just as strong while making testing fairer for island drivers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Martha's Vineyard CDL test waiver
If you take a commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts may waive two on-road maneuvers: (1) signaling appropriately when changing direction in traffic (49 CFR 383.113(c)(2)) and (2) choosing a safe gap for lane changes, passing, or entering traffic (49 CFR 383.113(c)(4)). This exemption is effective December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2027, and drivers must take the skills test on the island to qualify.
Reduced off-island testing burdens for operators
Public and private operators of CDL vehicles on Martha's Vineyard (for example the Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority) will not have to transport vehicles off-island to complete CDL testing, which commenters said would 'cost manpower' and 'tie up equipment.' The exemption runs December 31, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
Restricted CDL valid only on island
Drivers who receive a CDL under this exemption will be issued a new State restriction code, 'R--Restriction,' with the back-of-license text 'Restricted to Martha's Vineyard' and may operate a commercial motor vehicle only on the island of Martha's Vineyard; these restricted CDLs are not valid elsewhere. The restriction applies for drivers tested on the island during the exemption period (Dec 31, 2025–Dec 31, 2027).
State preemption during exemption period
While the exemption is in effect (Dec 31, 2025 to Dec 31, 2027), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under it. Massachusetts must also provide FMCSA a list of drivers issued restricted CDLs upon request.
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