Mass RMV Offering Learner’s Permit Exams in Spanish, Portuguese

BOSTON — The Massachusetts RMV is pleased to announce it is expanding the number of languages offered for individuals interested in taking commercial learner's permit exams. Effective immediately, the knowledge exams are now available in Spanish and Portuguese, as well as in English.  

To apply for a commercial learner's permit, the applicant must be a Massachusetts resident, be at least 18 years of age, have lawful presence in the United States, and have an active passenger (Class D) driver's license.  

"We hope to encourage more residents to consider applying for a Commercial Driver's License by offering the exam in Spanish and Portuguese, along with English," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.?"Making the exam available in additional languages will give more residents an opportunity to get a credential which will make them eligible for many job opportunities and will also support the needs of businesses, school systems, and other employers who need CDL holders to provide essential services."   

Applicants for a commercial license are issued a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) only after passing the requisite tests for the type of commercial vehicle the resident wants to operate.  

"Transit ridership is continuing to tick upwards as industries recover from the impact of the pandemic, so anything we can do to make more transit bus drivers available goes a long way in supporting regional economies," said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. "The Commonwealth's Regional Transit Authorities have been advocating for this change and I am pleased that we have been able to accommodate this commonsense initiative." 

The commercial general knowledge and all endorsement tests are now available in the three languages. The language is selected at the time the applicant starts the knowledge test on the testing station computers at the RMV Service Center. There is also an audio component where the CLP applicant will see and hear the questions and answers during the testing session. Commercial testing is not available remotely, only at the Service Centers.  

The road test, or driving skills test, that follows the knowledge test must be administered in English, per federal regulation. Also, per federal regulation, the use of a foreign language interpreter is not permitted. 

There are other federal requirements that applicants must meet to qualify for a commercial operating privilege: 

• Prove lawful presence in the United States by providing documentation such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport, a permanent resident card or employment authorization card prior to being issued a commercial learner's permit or driver's license. 
• Complete an entry level driver training (ELDT) education course from an approved vendor  
• Meet federal physical and vision standards 
• Complete the self-certification requirement 
• Supply a medical certificate 
• Pass a background check to be authorized to transport hazardous materials, if applicable. 

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.