FMCSA to allow Massachusetts to waive portions of CDL exam in Martha’s Vineyard, issue ‘R-Restricted’ license

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has partially granted an exemption request regarding commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills testing in Martha’s Vineyard.

On December 31, 2025, FMCSA announced that an exemption request from the Massachusetts Department of State Police will be granted, effective immediately and lasting through December 31, 2027.

The Massachusetts Department of State Police asked federal authorities for permission to conduct a modified CDL skills test exams on the island of Martha’s Vineyard due to the fact that the island does not have the infrastructure for applicant drivers to demonstrate the two sets of lane changes required by the CDL skills test.

The FMCSA granted the request, but stipulated that the “State of Massachusetts must issue those drivers restricted CDLs limiting the drivers to operating a CMV on Martha’s Vineyard.”

Drivers who are granted a CDL under the terms of the waiver will operate under the “R-Restriction,” with the following description printed on the back of the license “Restricted to Martha’s Vineyard.” The R-Restricted CDLs will not be valid for use anywhere other than on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, FMCSA said.

All five public comments received on the exemption request were in favor of granting the request.

From FMCSA:

“All of the submitted comments emphasized the lack of infrastructure on Martha’s Vineyard. Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools said, “The Martha’s Vineyard community does not have the infrastructure for applicant drivers to demonstrate the two sets of lane changes required by the CDL skills test.” Island Energy, Inc., said, “The island has many rural roads that are narrow with posted low speed zones. There are no four lane roads anywhere on Martha’s Vineyard but it is a challenging area to operate trucking.”

Some of the commenters mentioned the cost burden of transporting commercial motor vehicles between Martha’s Vineyard and the mainland of Massachusetts. The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) said, “The VTA, as well as other public and private operators of CDL vehicles, would be significantly impacted if we have to travel off island to complete the CDL test. It would cost manpower as well as tie up equipment to go off island. The impact of not being able to road test CDL applicants on Martha’s Vineyard is an extremely expensive and a logistical nightmare.” Carroll’s MVRT commented, “We have a lot of interest from individuals wanting to obtain their CDL but are unable to because of the long commute time, expense and amount of effort.”“

“FMCSA does not believe that drivers covered by this exemption will experience any deterioration of their safety record,” the agency said.