How to Get Your Vermont Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Vermont license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Vermont learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Vermont residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Vermont residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Vermont permit knowledge test
The Vermont knowledge test has 20 questions; you must answer 16 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Vermont-specific rules. Retake policy: You must wait at least one day to retake the Vermont knowledge test. You may retake it as many times as you need to pass, but you pay the test fee each attempt.
The best prep path is to read the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free VT practice test and the full 20-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Vermont learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $40).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Vermont's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Vermont license
Schedule your Vermont road test through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $39 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Vermont steps in order
As listed by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Turn 15 and gather proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and parental consent (if under 18).
- Study the Vermont Driver's Manual from dmv.vermont.gov.
- Apply for your learner's permit online or at a DMV office and pay the $40 fee.
- Pass the 20-question knowledge test (80% to pass) and a vision screening.
- Hold your learner's permit for at least one full year while practicing with a licensed adult 25 or older.
- Complete a state-approved driver education course (required if you're under 18).
- Log at least 40 hours of supervised practice driving (10 hours at night).
- Schedule and pass the road skills test.
- Pay the road test fee and the Junior Driver's License fee and receive your license.
FAQ: Getting Your Vermont License
How old do I need to be to get a Vermont learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Vermont learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Vermont permit test?
The Vermont permit knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Vermont permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Vermont residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Vermont?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles driver manual lists Vermont's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Vermont driver license?
Yes — Vermont issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free VT practice tests mirror the real Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Vermont-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.