To our Massachusetts students and families,

As some of you are aware, the Massachusetts RMV recently announced that it will be eliminating remote (Zoom) Driver’s Education classes. Beginning 9/22/25, all driving schools in the state of Massachusetts will now be required to conduct in-person classes only. I am writing today to express my deep concern and disappointment with this decision and the considerable burden it would place on driving schools, the families we serve, and the hard-working residents of the Bay State.

While I understand that the intent may have been to address concerns about instructional quality or oversight, this sweeping change fails to acknowledge the effectiveness of remote education when led by experienced, qualified instructors. Online classes consistently provide students with the same level of engagement, accountability, and comprehension as in-person instruction. This one-size-fits-all mandate overlooks the success many programs have achieved remotely—and, in doing so, it jeopardizes accessibility, flexibility, and the sustainability of both small businesses like ours and our industry as a whole.

Our family-run business has spent years building a responsible, community-focused operation—creating jobs, supporting local families, and contributing meaningfully to the local economy. This new legislation not only threatens our ability to continue that work, but also undermines the progress that small businesses like ours have achieved through innovation and long-term investment. The increased costs, strict constraints, and operational uncertainty could force many driving schools—particularly small and mid-sized ones—to scale back, lay off staff, or shut down entirely.

This decision doesn’t just affect one company; it impacts an entire industry of dedicated, honest professionals who are now being penalized for broader concerns about remote learning quality—issues that stem from inadequate oversight, not from the work of responsible, high-quality educators. I urge policymakers to reconsider this legislation and engage directly with the businesses it affects. We remain committed to working collaboratively toward solutions that uphold public interest without jeopardizing the livelihoods of those who have worked tirelessly to serve their communities.

Sincerely,

Brandon Dufour
Founder/CEO, The Next Street