Vermont DMV · Learner's Permit 2026

How to Get Your Vermont Learner's Permit

A step-by-step guide to getting your Vermont Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.

📋 Vermont GDL Program Overview

Vermont uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for new drivers age 15-18. The program has three phases: Phase 1 — Learner's Permit (age 15+), Phase 2 — Junior Driver's License (age 16+), and Full Driver's License (age 18+). Each phase has specific restrictions designed to give new drivers experience in lower-risk situations before unrestricted driving. The GDL is intended to save teen lives by addressing the major risk factors: age, lack of driving experience, passengers, and other distractions (Vermont Driver's Manual p.20-22).

Phase 1 — Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15. Hold for at least 12 months before Phase 2. Permit fee: $24 (combined with $39 knowledge test = $63 total).

Phase 2 — Junior Driver's License

Age 16. Phased passenger restrictions until 6 months pass and you turn 18. Fee: $39 (with $23 road test = $62 total).

Full Driver's License

At age 18. All GDL restrictions lifted. Valid 4 years ($62) or 2 years ($39).

🪪 Phase 1 — Getting Your Learner's Permit

Confirm Eligibility (age 15+)

You must be at least 15 years old. Applicants under 18 must have maintained a "clean" driving record for the previous 2 years (no recalls, suspensions, revocations). A parent/guardian must sign the application for any applicant under 18 (p.12).

Schedule the Knowledge Test Online

The Vermont knowledge test is taken entirely online at mydmv.vermont.gov — not in a DMV office. You can also use the DriveVermont web tutorial at dmv.vermont.gov for guided study with quizzes and a practice exam (p.2, p.18).

Gather Your Documents

Bring the following to your appointment or upload them via mydmv.vermont.gov:

Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, passport, or other primary ID)
Social Security number
Proof of Vermont residency (e.g., utility bill, lease, bank statement)
Proof of lawful U.S. presence
Parent/guardian signature on the application (for applicants under 18)
Correction lenses if you wear them — Vermont vision standard is 20/40 (p.8-11, p.18)

Pass the Vision & Knowledge Tests

The vision test screens for 20/40 vision (with or without correction). The knowledge test has 20 questions — pass with at least 80% (16 correct out of 20). Each question is multiple-choice with 4 answer options. If you fail, wait at least one day before retaking (p.18).

Pay the Fee

The combined Learner's Permit fee is $63: $39 knowledge test + $24 Learner's Permit. Fees as of July 1, 2024. Verify current amounts at dmv.vermont.gov (p.23).

📜 Phase 1 Driving Rules (Learner's Permit)

While Holding a Vermont Learner's Permit

Supervisor in the front seat must be ONE of: a licensed and unimpaired parent/guardian, a licensed/certified and unimpaired driver education instructor, OR a licensed and unimpaired person at least 25 years old (p.20).
Wireless device — prohibited: Vermont prohibits ALL drivers (including Permit and Junior holders) from using a portable electronic device on a public highway, including when stopped at a red light. Junior Operator texting (JRT) carries a 30-day recall + $100+ fine + at least 2 points (p.21, p.55).
Driver education: complete a Vermont approved course — 30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel + 6 hours observation (p.13).
Supervised practice: complete 40 hours total of behind-the-wheel practice with at least 10 hours at night (30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise) — these hours are in addition to the 6 BTW hours from driver-ed (p.13).
Must hold the Learner's Permit at least 1 year (12 months) before applying for a Junior Driver's License (p.13).
Maintain a clean driving record with no recalls, suspensions, or revocations for the 6 months prior to applying for a Junior Driver's License (p.20).
The Learner's Permit is "provisional" — it can be recalled. As a parent/guardian you may suspend your child's provisional license by writing to the Commissioner of the DMV (p.21, p.73).

🚗 Phase 2 — Getting Your Junior Driver's License

Meet Phase 1 Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old, have held a Learner's Permit for at least 1 year, completed Vermont approved driver education, completed 40 hours of supervised practice (10 at night), and maintained a clean driving record for the prior 6 months (p.13, p.20).

Have an Authorized Adult Certify Your Practice Hours

Your supervised-practice hours must be certified by one of the authorized supervisors (licensed parent/guardian, certified driver-ed instructor, or licensed person 25+). Bring this certification when applying for the Junior Driver's License (p.13).

Pass the Vermont Road Test at the DMV

The road test evaluates your ability to drive safely, courteously, and correctly. The examiner will direct you to perform standard maneuvers including stopping and starting on a hill, turning around using a side street, parallel parking, and following the rules of the road. You must furnish the vehicle, which must be properly registered, insured, and inspected. No animals are allowed during the test. If you fail the road test, wait at least one week before retaking; if you fail three times, the wait is at least one month. Road test fee: $23 (with $39 license = $62 total) (p.18-19, p.23).

📋 Phase 2 Restrictions (Junior Driver's License)

While Holding a Vermont Junior Driver's License

First 3 months: drive ALONE only — no passengers UNLESS an authorized adult (licensed parent/guardian, certified driver-ed instructor, or licensed person 25+) is in the front seat. With an authorized adult present, no passenger limit (p.20).
Second 3 months: immediate family only (siblings + parents) (p.21).
After 6 months: no passenger limit, but never more passengers than there are safety belts (p.21).
No driving for an employer for 1 year after issuance (or until age 18, whichever comes first) — e.g., no pizza-delivery driving (p.20).
No carrying passengers for hire — ever (p.20).
Wireless device — prohibited: Vermont prohibits ALL drivers from using a portable electronic device on a public highway, including when stopped. Junior Operator texting (JRT) = 30-day recall + at least $100 fine + at least 2 points (p.21, p.55).
State curfew: Vermont does NOT impose a state-mandated nighttime curfew for Junior License holders. Parents are urged to set family rules around driving after 9 PM (p.73).
Recall triggers (provisional license): Carrying Passengers for Hire (CPH) = 90-day recall; Driving for Employer (DFE) = 90-day recall; Junior Operator Points Accumulation (JRP) = 90-day recall (single 3-pt speeding or 6-pt total); Junior Operator Texting (JRT) = 30-day recall + fines + points; Diversion/Reparative Board recommendation (DRB) = 30-day recall (p.21).

🗓️ After Age 18 — Full Driver's License

Full Driver's License — Unrestricted

All GDL restrictions lifted at age 18+, provided you have no recalls/suspensions/revocations during the prior 6 months (the 6-month period commences on the date of reinstatement if applicable) (p.16).
License options: 4-year ($62) or 2-year ($39). License photo is valid for 8 years and is updated at every in-person renewal (p.16, p.23).
Adult first-time applicants (18+): driver-ed is NOT required, but you must pass the vision, knowledge, and road tests. Vermont recommends at least 40 hours of actual driving experience (with 5 hrs in traffic) before the road test (p.18).
New residents: get a Vermont license within 60 days of becoming a resident (CDL holders: 30 days) (p.12).
Renewals: the DMV mails a renewal application about a month before your license expires. You can also renew online at mydmv.vermont.gov, by mail, or in person. A license expired more than 14 days is not valid; expired more than 3 years requires re-testing (p.23-24).
Name or address change: notify the DMV within 30 days. Address changes can be done online; name changes require an in-person visit. Replacement fee: $24 (p.24).
Enhanced Driver's License (EDL): additional $36 — visit dmv.vermont.gov for details (p.23).

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