The graduated driver's licensing (GDL) process in Massachusetts starts with obtaining learner's permit and then moving up to a Junior Operator's License (JOL) which must be the conditional license you are referring to. You can apply for a permit when you are 16 years of age. One must have a valid learner's permit for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test to move up to the JOL. Any suspension will invalidate the permit and the six months will start to run anew when the suspension is lifted.

During the permit stage one must maintain a clean driving record for at least six consecutive months before taking the road test and successfully complete a Registrar-approved driver education and training program, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction; six hours of in-car, behind-the-wheel training; and six hours of in-car experience observing other student drivers.

You must Complete at least an additional 12 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel driving as shown by a certified statement provided by a parent or guardian and must complete at least an additional 40 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel driving 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.

Your parent or guardian must participate in two hours of instruction on the driver’s education curriculum (unless they have participated within the past five years) so that they are aware of what they need to do as you progress through the licensing process to make you a competent driver. You must pass a final exam to have a driver’s education certificate electronically filed with the RMV.

When you are at least 16 and half years of age and held a learner's permit you can apply for a Junior Operator's License with the MA Registry of Motor Vehicle.

In Massachusetts 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 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.

For more information on the GDL process in Massachusetts contact the MA RMV and try reading through the driver's manual the RMV has online at their website.