How to Get a Driver’s License in Vermont

Driver’s licensing in Vermont is a three-stage process for minors, a two-stage process for adults. The process issues learner’s permits, junior driver’s licenses, and adult driver’s licenses.

Vermont Drivers License Requirements

Each applicant for an original driver’s license must show documented proof of identity, date of birth, lawful status in the USA, Social Security number, Vermont residency, and current residential address. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must pass the required examination. This license authorizes operation of any non-commercial vehicle except a school bus or motorcycle, for which there are additional examinations.

  • An applicant with a valid Vermont learner’s permit needs
  • an appointment for the road test,
  • an accompanying companion with a valid driver’s license,
  • a clean vehicle in good mechanical condition with a valid inspection sticker,
  • an automobile insurance identification card stating
  • the name of the insurance carrier,
  • effective and expiration dates of coverage,
  • name of insured, and
  • description of the vehicle including the vehicle identification number, and
  • a valid current registration certificate for the vehicle.

Vermont Drivers License Cost

The license issues after the applicant pass the vision, written, and road tests and pay the fees.

Applicants who pass the test and pay the $30 fee for two years or the $48 fee for four receive their driver’s licenses,

The fee to convert a foreign state license to a Vermont driver’s license is $66 for four years, $48 for two years.

Learner’s permits

A Vermont adolescent who wants to learn to drive must be at least 15 years old to apply to take a written test for a $30 fee and a vision test for an $18 fee to obtain a learner’s permit. Each applicant must show documented proof of identity, date of birth, lawful status in the USA, Social Security number, Vermont residency, and current residential address. A parent or guardian must endorse the application for anyone under 18 years of age. If the applicant passes these initial fees, there is a $17 fee for the learner’s permit itself.

Junior driver’s license

For a junior driver’s license for 16- and 17-year olds, the applicant needs

an unexpired learner’s permit,

a driver education certificate issued by the Vermont Agency of Education or the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles showing successful completion of an approved driver education course at a Vermont high school or commercial driver training school consisting of 30 hours of classroom study, six hours of observation, and six hours of training behind the wheel,

a driving practice log sheet (Form TA-VN-210) or equivalent showing completion of an additional 40 hours of practice behind the wheel with at least 10 hours of nighttime driving certified by a parent or guardian,

a parent’s or legal guardian’s permission,

the applicant’s Social Security number on the application, and

an appointment for a road test in a clean vehicle in good mechanical condition with a current registration certificate, an insurance card stating

the name of the insurance carrier,

effective and expiration dates of coverage,

name of insured, and

the description of the vehicle including the vehicle identification number, and

a valid inspection sticker.

Applicants who pass the road test and pay the $30 fee receive their junior driver’s licenses. A minor licensed in another state may convert the foreign license and obtain a Vermont junior driver’s license by submitting proof of successful completion of a state-approved driver education program with an additional 40 hours of driving and bypassing the required examinations. A vehicle with all documentation required of in-state applicants is necessary for the road test.

The state considers junior driver’s licenses provisional with the permission of parents or guardians and subject to forfeiture for misconduct or withdrawal of their permission. Junior drivers may not operate a vehicle in the course of employment for one year following the issuance of the junior driver’s license or until they attain the age of 18. Junior drivers may not use any portable electronic device while driving on a highway.

An applicant without a learner’s permit has no previous driver’s profile with the Department of Motor Vehicles and so needs more documentation of identity and residency. Otherwise, the process is the same. Written and road tests are on separate days. The applicant must pass the written test before making an appointment for the road test.

Every new Vermont resident must obtain a Vermont driver’s license within 60 days after establishing residency or before the newcomer’s foreign state license expires. Vermont law requires a vision test first for out of state applicants. The examiner may waive the written and road tests if the applicant holds a valid foreign state license, but, if that license expired more than one year before the application, the applicant must pass all three tests.

Any applicant whose license to operate a motor vehicle in any state is under suspension, revocation, or refusal cannot obtain a Vermont license until such suspension, revocation, or refusal resolves and the applicant can present proof of official notice of reinstatement.

Take Free Practice Test Now

Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 1 (Signs)
Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 2 (Signs)
Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 3 (Rules)
Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 4 (Rules)
Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 5 (Rules)
Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 6 (Rules)
Vermont DMV Practice Test – Quiz 7 (Rules)