Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            The changes to the junior operator law have resulted in many inquiries.  In addition to the increased penalties for speeding and other offenses I mentioned last week, the education and training requirements have also been updated.  I was asked to explain more on this topic.
            Chapter 428 of the Acts of 2006 is the legislation which amended the junior operator law in Massachusetts.  Driver education programs will include several revisions.  All driver education schools or programs must be licensed by the Registry.  Classroom instruction will consist of at least 30 hours.  In addition to the classroom, students must complete the supervised driving portion.  This consists of a minimum of 12 hours of supervised driving time with their instructors.  This was increased from six hours previously.  In addition, there is a requirement of 6 hours of observation of another student driver.
            There are also greater requirements placed on parents and guardians.  In addition to their driver education time, a student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of parent supervised driving.  Parents or guardians must also complete a two hour class on driving skills and rules which their children should be observing and practicing while driving.  This program emphasizes the importance of parents to educate themselves on the existing laws and any changes in order to insure their children will be operating vehicles properly.
            The laws are becoming stricter and more comprehensive to assist younger drivers in protecting themselves and others.  A car is a large and potentially dangerous piece of equipment.  The entire junior operator education process should be taken seriously.  Greater amounts of training and education for young drivers can only improve their chances of driving safely and preventing accidents.

            The Dudley Police Evaluation Committee and our department are working with the Massachusetts Office of Human Resources to provide a written examination to aid in establishing an eligibilities list from which to fill vacancies on the Dudley Police Reserves.  The formal announcement is available on the Human Resources web site at Mass.Gov and applications are available at https://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/.   Applications can be filed by Monday April 2, 2007 for a fee of $75.  No applications will be accepted after April 23^rd.   This examination is the same as the standard civil service test.

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