RMV Announces Enhancements to Commercial, School Pupil Permit Exams

Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced enhancements to its Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) General Knowledge Exam and its School Pupil Transport (7D) Learner's Permit Exam. The updates are designed to strengthen public awareness of human trafficking and expand language access for applicants across Massachusetts. 

"These enhancements reflect our continued commitment to both public safety and equitable access for Massachusetts' residents," said Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. "By equipping commercial drivers with tools to identify human trafficking and expanding language access for school pupil transport applicants, we are ensuring that these drivers are better equipped to be both safe and responsible when on the road."  

New Human Trafficking Awareness Content for Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) Applicants

The RMV has introduced a new public service announcement (PSA) at the start of the Commercial Learner's Permit General Knowledge Exam. The PSA is designed to help commercial drivers recognize and report signs of human trafficking, which is often hidden, affects and impacts individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities.  

Developed in partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), the PSA provides guidance on:  

  • Indicators of potential trafficking 
  • Questions to ask when encountering suspicious situations 
  • How to safely report concerns 

This content is now available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to ensure broad accessibility for commercial permit applicants. 

Expanded Language Access for School Pupil Transport (7D) Applicants

The RMV has also expanded the School Pupil Transport (7D) Learner's Permit Exam into Portuguese and Haitian Creole, which was previously only accessible in English and Spanish. These new translations will help ensure that more applicants responsible for transporting school-aged children can complete the exam in their primary language. 

In addition, the RMV is translating the 7D Driver's Manual into Portuguese and Haitian Creole. Once complete, these versions will be posted on the RMV website. 

For more information, visit Mass.Gov/RMV

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral Announces Closing

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Another North Street business has announced their sudden closure.

Thistle 'N Thorn Floral announced on Instagram that its doors will close. 

"What many people don't see behind a creative business is how much it grows, shifts, and eventually asks more of you than one person can realistically carry. Between the rising costs of flowers, increasing rent, and the sheer volume of work, the business has become almost too successful for one person to sustain alone."

Owner Ashley Davidson opened the shop at 393 North St. a couple years ago and was selling flowers long before that according to her social media history.

Thistle 'N Thorn sold floral arrangements for events like weddings, funerals, and more. She also sold gifts, bouquets and wreaths according to Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Davidson also hosted events and workshops for those to create their own arrangements. 

"While this chapter is closing, I want to be very clear about something. This is not the end for me," Davidson wrote on Instagram.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I built. It took vision, grit, creativity, and a lot of courage. Those things don’t disappear just because a business chapter ends. If anything, they’re the reason I’m confident stepping into whatever comes next."

She also said she will be honoring the weddings and events she has already scheduled and plans to offer more workshops.

 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories