vermont drivers permit - VT

General Information

If you want to learn to drive in Vermont, you will have to get a Learner Permit. You must be at least 15 years old to take the test. Your parent or guardian must sign your application giving permission for you to be tested. If you are 18 years of age or older, only your signature is required on the application. You will be required to pass a written test and a vision test.

A Junior Operator License is issued to persons 16 or 17 years old who pass the required examination. Your parent or legal guardian must sign your application giving permission for you to be tested. Before getting a license, all 16 and 17 year olds must have passed a driver education and training course. The Vermont Department of Education, Driver Education Division, has Driver Education courses at high schools. There are also Vermont Commercial Driver Training Schools that offer driver training courses. A wallet-sized certificate will be issued to those who pass the course.

Fees

See License/Permit/ID fees

Learner Permit (written) exams/tests   $28.00

Learner Permit (including renewal, replacement or corrected learner permit)  $17.00

Junior Operator License  $28.00

 

Who needs a Learner Permit ?  

If you want to learn to drive in Vermont, you will have to get a Learner Permit. You must be at least 15 years old to take the test. Your parent or guardian must sign your application giving permission for you to be tested. If you are 18 years of age or older, only your signature is required on the application. You will be required to pass a written test and a vision test.

What do I need to do to get a learner Permit ?  

1. Each applicant for an original learner permit, operator license or non-driver ID is required to show proof of Vermont residency (See Below), documentary proof of identity (See Below) and date and place of birth. Proof of identity shall be one primary document and one secondary document. A primary document must contain the full name and date of birth and must be verifiable (i.e., we must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine the authenticity of the document).
2. If you are 15, 16 or 17 years old, you need your parent's or legal guardian's permission. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application before you can take the test. If you are a foreign exchange student, you may obtain in advance a Foreign Exchange Parental Authorization Form, to be signed by a parent or legal guardian. This form is available at Motor Vehicle offices.
3. If you do not have a Social Security Number you cannot apply. The only document that can be accepted in place of a Social Security Number is a J2 Visa.
4. Make an appointment for an exam.
5. Your permit will be issued after you pass the vision test and the written test.

 

Note for Non-US Citizens:

Non-US citizens who wish to obtain a Learner Permit or Driver License must provide proof of valid legal presence in the United States for at least 180 days from the date of the Learner Permit or Driver License Issuance forward. Examples of acceptable proof include a Permanent Resident card (I-551), or a foreign passport with a US visa and I-94, showing class and expiration date. Further documentation may be required for some classes, such as students and exchange visitors. Any license or permit issued to a citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her authorized duration of stay.  See Vermont Statutes, Title 23 Motor Vehicles, Chapter 9 Operators' Licenses, Subchapter 1 General Provisions, §603. Application for and issuance of license, Subsection (d)

 

Do I need an appointment to get a Learner Permit ?

We recommend that you contact the department to schedule an appointment for tests. Having an appointment means that you will be taken care of as quickly as possible. See about making an appointment for your test . If you appear at the motor vehicle office without an appointment, you may be processed as a "walk-in". All persons with appointments will be taken care of first. If there is still enough time to give you the test, then you will be tested. If there is not enough time to test you, you should schedule an appointment for a later date. Remember, as a "walk-in" you may not receive the service you seek.

If you are unable to keep the scheduled appointment, please notify Central Scheduling at 1-802-828-2085 as soon as possible so that we may make the scheduled time available for someone else.

 

When can I drive with a Learner Permit ?

An individual fifteen years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle if they hold a valid learner's permit and are accompanied by one of the following people in the vehicle, who is riding beside the driver:

1. A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian,
2. A licensed and unimpaired driver education instructor, and/or
3. A licensed and unimpaired person at least twenty-five years of age.

 

If I have a medical problem can I still get a Learner Permit ?

If you have a medical problem such as epilepsy, diabetes (requiring insulin injection), or any other condition which may result in a loss of consciousness, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Improvement Section at             1-802-828-2050       prior to making an appointment for an examination. You will be sent a medical evaluation form which must be completed by your doctor. When the doctor has completed the form, mail it back to the Department of Motor Vehicles for review. You will be notified in writing if approval is given or not given for you to be issued a learner permit.

If you are not sure if a medical condition that you have will affect your ability to obtain a learner permit, please call the Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Improvement Section at            1-802-828-2050       for advice.

 

Graduated Driver License Program (Learner Permit)

To apply for a Learner's Permit, an individual (who is 15, 16, or 17 years old) must have maintained a "clean" driving record in the previous two (2) years.

If you are under the age of 18 when you are issued your Vermont Learner's Permit, you fall under the requirements of the Graduated Driver License law.

The main requirements of this law that affect a person who is under 18 years of age and has a valid Vermont Learner Permit are:

• You may operate a motor vehicle if you are accompanied by one of the following people in the vehicle, who is riding beside you when you are the driver:

1. A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian.
2. A licensed or certified and unimpaired driver education instructor.
3. A licensed and unimpaired individual who is at least 25 years of age.

• A Learner Permit is considered to be a "provisional license" which is recallable. Any of the following will result in the recall of your Learner Permit:

1. Carrying passengers for hire - 90 day recall
2. Driving for employer/employment - 90 day recall
3. Recommendation from a Diversion/Reparative Board - 30 day recall
4. Points accumulation (for a single 3 point speeding violation or a 6 point total) - 90 day recall
5. Passenger age violation - 90 day recall
6. Passenger restrictions - 90 day recall

• While a recall is in effect, you cannot drive (at all) and you cannot apply for a Junior Operator License or an Operator's License.
• When a recall is issued, you have the right to a hearing.
• When a Learner Permit is recalled, it will be restored at the end of a specified period of time, and (if required), when you have passed a re-examination.
• No reinstatement fee will be due when a Learner Permit recall is restored.

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Junior Operator License

Preparation For Getting Your Junior Operator's License

• You must possess a valid Learner's Permit for at least one year prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License.
• Prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License, you must complete an additional forty hours of practice behind the wheel, with at least ten hours being night-time driving, while accompanied by one of the individuals indicated above who is riding beside the driver. Proof of this additional practice must be submitted to DMV at the time of application for a Junior Operator License, on a Driving Practice Log Sheet (247.83KB) and certified by one of the individuals indicated above.
• An individual must have maintained a "clean" driving record without any Learner Permit recalls, suspensions or revocations for a six-month period prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License.

General Information

What is a Junior Operator License ?  A junior operator license is issued to persons 16 or 17 years old who pass the required examination. Your parent or legal guardian must sign your application giving permission for you to be tested. Before getting a license, all 16 and 17 year olds must have passed a driver education and training course. The Vermont Department of Education, Driver Education Division, has Driver Education courses at high schools. There are also Vermont Commercial Driver Training Schools that offer driver training courses. A wallet-sized certificate will be issued to those who pass the course.

What do I need to do to get a Junior Operator License ?

1. A learner permit that is not expired. Note: Must have held a valid learner permit for one (1) full year if applicant is under the age of 18.
2. A driver education certificate showing you have passed the class at a high school or an approved commercial driving school. Note: If you have lost your driver education certificate you may apply for a duplicate by contacting the high school where you completed your driver education course. If you took the course at a commercial driver training school, contact that school for a duplicate.
3. A completed log sheet (signed by a parent or legal guardian) stating that you have completed at least 40 hours of driving - including at least 10 hours of night-time driving.
4. You must have maintained a clean driving record (without any Learner Permit recalls or any suspensions) for a period of at least 6 months prior to applying for your Junior Operator's License.
5. Proof of Vermont residency.
6. You need your parent's or legal guardian's permission. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application before you can take the test. If you are a foreign exchange student, you may obtain in advance a Foreign Exchange Parental Authorization Form, to be signed by a parent or legal guardian. This form is available at Motor Vehicle offices.
7. If you do not have a Social Security Number you must provide us with a letter from the Social Security Administration, stating why you could not obtain a Social Security Number.
8. Make an appointment for an exam.
9. If you do not have a Vermont learner permit and took driver education in another state you must provide proof of successful completion of a state-approved driver education program. You may take the vision, written and road test in one day. Be sure to tell the scheduling operator when you make your appointment.
10. Have a car that is clean and in good mechanical condition with a valid inspection sticker. Be sure the emergency brake is working properly.
11. An automobile insurance identification card is required by Vermont law. The card must state 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.
12. A valid registration certificate for the vehicle is required.
13. Your license will be issued after you pass the road test and pay the fee.

Each applicant for an original learner's permit, operator's license or non-driver ID is required to show documentary proof of identity (See Below) and date and place of birth. Proof of identity shall be one primary document and one secondary document (click on "Identity Documents" in menu at left for details). A primary document must contain the full name and date of birth and must be verifiable, i.e., we must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine the authenticity of the document.

What about High School Driver License Testing ?

Driver license road tests are now being conducted by high school driver education instructors. This service is provided only at schools which have enrolled in the testing program, and by those instructors who have been certified as examiners by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Road tests will be administered only to students who attend a participating school. A student who passed the road test which was given by the high school driver education instructor, will be issued a Driver Education Examination Certificate. This certificate, in addition to the other items required for license issue, must be submitted in person to any Motor Vehicle examination office. Complete information regarding this program will be provided to students by the instructors at participating schools.

Do I need an appointment to get a Junior Operator's License ?

We recommend that you contact the Department to schedule an appointment for tests. Having an appointment means that you will be taken care of as quickly as possible. See about making an appointment for your test . If you appear at the Motor Vehicle office without an appointment, you may be processed as a "walk-in". All persons with appointments will be taken care of first. If there is still enough time to give you the test, then you will be tested. If there is not enough time to test you, you should schedule an appointment for a later date. Remember, as a "walk-in" you may not receive the service you seek.

If you are unable to keep the scheduled appointment, please notify Central Scheduling at            1-802-828-2085       as soon as possible so that we may make the scheduled time available for someone else.

If I have a medical problem can I get a Junior Operator's License ?

If you have a medical problem such as epilepsy, diabetes (requiring insulin injection), or any other condition which may result in a loss of consciousness, you must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Improvement Section at             1-802-828-2050       prior to making an appointment for an examination. You will be sent a medical evaluation form which must be completed by your doctor. When the doctor has completed the form mail it back to the Department of Motor Vehicles for review. You will be notified in writing if approval is given or not given for you to be issued a junior operator license. If you are not sure if a medical condition that you have will affect your ability to obtain a learner permit, call the Department of Motor Vehicles, Driver Improvement Section at             1-802-828-2050       for advice.

When can I drive with a Junior Operator's License ?

A junior operator's license is considered a Provisional License. You cannot operate a motor vehicle in the course of your employment, for compensation received either directly or indirectly, carry persons for hire or permit an unlicensed person to operate on your license. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may revoke or take your license away if you show through your actions that you are an unsafe driver. Speeding, collisions or committing careless acts while driving may result in the loss of your junior operator license. Your license may also be taken away if your parent or legal guardian withdraw their permission for you to drive.

Note for Non-US Citizens:

Non-US citizens who wish to obtain a Learner Permit or Driver License must provide proof of valid legal presence in the United States for at least 180 days from the date of the Learner Permit or Driver License Issuance forward. Examples of acceptable proof include a Permanent Resident card (I-551), or a foreign passport with a US visa and I-94, showing class and expiration date. Further documentation may be required for some classes, such as students and exchange visitors. Any license or permit issued to a citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her authorized duration of stay.  See Vermont Statutes, Title 23 Motor Vehicles, Chapter 9 Operators' Licenses, Subchapter 1 General Provisions, §603. Application for and issuance of license, Subsection (d)

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Junior Operator (Graduated Driver License Program)

When you are issued your Junior Operator's License (if you are under 18 years of age) you fall under the requirements of Vermont's Graduated Driver License law.

The main requirements of this law that affect a person who is under 18 years of age (and has a valid Vermont Junior Operator's License) are:

• While holding a Junior Operator's License, you may not operate a vehicle in the course of your employment for one year following the issuance of your Junior Operator's License. For example, you cannot act as a pizza delivery driver until having had a Junior Operator's License for one year, or until reaching the age of eighteen (whichever comes first).
• While holding a Junior Operator's License, you may not carry passengers for hire.
• During the first three months of driving under a Junior Operator's License, you are restricted to driving alone, or with:

1. A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian, and/or
2. A licensed or certified and unimpaired driver education instructor, and/or
3. A licensed and unimpaired individual who is at least 25 years of age.
   If one of these individuals is in the vehicle with you there is no restriction on the number of passengers you can transport in the vehicle. However, you (as the driver) are not allowed to transport more passengers than there are safety belts.

• During the second three months of driving under a Junior Operator's License you may begin transporting immediate family members. The family member is not required to be one of the individuals listed above.
• After holding a Junior Operator's License for six months there are no passenger restrictions (other than not having more passengers than there are safety belts).
• You must be eighteen years of age to obtain an Operator's License, and must not have had any recalls, suspensions or revocations during the previous six month period.
• If you have a Junior Operator's License from another state and apply for a Vermont Junior Operator's License you will be subject to Vermont's Graduated License provisionsunless you have held the Junior Operator's License in the other state for a period of at least six months. You may obtain a Vermont Junior Operator's License by: (1) successfully passing the required examinations; (2) providing proof of successful completion of a Driver Education program; (3) providing proof of completion of an additional 40 hours of driving. If you have held the Junior Operator's License in the other state for a period of at least six months you may surrender the out-of-state Junior Operator's License for a Vermont issued Junior Operator's License and will be exempt from the driving restrictions and provisions of Vermont's Graduated License laws.
• A Junior Operator's License is considered to be a "provisional license" which isrecallable. Any of the following will result in the recall of your Junior Operator's License:

1. Carrying passengers for hire - 90 day recall
2. Driving for employer/employment - 90 day recall
3. Recommendation from a Diversion/Reparative Board - 30 day recall
4. Points accumulation (for a single 3 point speeding violation or a 6 point total) - 90 day recall
5. Passenger age violation - 90 day recall
6. Passenger restrictions - 90 day recall

• While a recall is in effect, you cannot drive (at all) and you cannot apply for an Operator's License.
• When a recall is issued, you have the right to a hearing.
• When a Junior Operator's License is recalled, it will be restored at the end of a specified period of time, and (if required), when you have passed a re-examination.
• No reinstatement fee will be due when a Junior Operator's License recall is restored.

 

 

Required Identity Documents

Proof of Identity Required

Each applicant for a learner's permit, operator's license or non-driver ID is required to show documentary proof of identity and date and place of birth. Proof of identity shall be one primary document and one secondary document or two primary documents from the following lists. A primary document must contain the full name and date of birth and must be verifiable, i.e., we must be able to contact the issuing agency to determine the authenticity of the document.

NOTE:  Non-US citizens who wish to obtain a Learner Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver Identification Card must provide proof of valid legal presence in the United States for at least 180 days from the date of the Learner Permit or Driver License Issuance forward. Download information about "ID & Legal Presence Requirements for Non-Citizens". Examples of acceptable proof include a Permanent Resident card (I-551), or a foreign passport with a US visa and I-94, showing class and expiration date. Further documentation may be required for some classes, such as students and exchange visitors. Any license or permit issued to a non-immigrant citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her authorized duration of stay.

Primary Identity Documents

• Photo driver license (cannot be expired more than one year).
• State/province/territory issued photo ID card (cannot be expired more than one year).
• Certified microfilm/copy of driver license or ID card (cannot be expired more than one year).
• Certificate of birth (U.S. or Canadian issued). Must be original or certified copy, have a raised seal and be issued by the Bureau of Vital Statistics or State Board of Health. Hospital issued certificates and baptismal certificates are NOT acceptable.
• Canadian Immigration Record and Visa or Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
• Court order. Must contain full name, date of birth and court seal. Examples include adoption document, name change document, gender document, etc.
• Military ID
• Valid passport, U. S. or Canadian. If foreign, appropriate CIS document also is required.
• State issued photo learner permit. Out-of-state issued permit is NOT acceptable. Cannot be expired more than one year. A learner permit without a photo is NOT acceptable UNLESS accompanied by a primary document.
• Canadian Department of Indian Affairs issued ID card. Tribal issued card is not acceptable. U.S. issued Department of Indian Affairs card is NOT acceptable.

Primary Identity documents include the following "Citizen & Immigration Services (CIS)" documents:

• Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570, or N-578)
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561, or N-645)
• Northern Marina Card (I-551)
• American Indian Card (I-551)
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Resident Alien Card (I-151, I-551, AR-3, AR-3A, or AR-103)
• Temporary Resident Identification Card (K-688)
• Non-resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card (I-185 or I-586)
• Record of Arrival and Department (in a valid Foreign Passport) (I-94 or I-94W visa waiver program)
• Record of Arrival and Departure w/attached photo stamped "Temporary Proof of Lawful Permanent Resident" (I-94)
• Processed for I-551 stamp (in a valid Foreign Passport)
• Permanent Resident Re-entry Permit (I-327)
• Refugee Travel Document (I-571)
• Record of Arrival and Departure (in a Certificate of Identity) (I-94)
• Record of Arrival and Departure Stamped "Refugee", "Parole", "Parolee" or "Asylee") (I-94)
• Employment Authorization Document (card) "EAD" Ins. form I-766

Secondary Identity Documents

• All Primary Identity Documents
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Card/Indian Treaty Card. Tribal ID card is NOT acceptable.
• Photo driver license/ID card, expired more than one year
• Court order that does not contain the applicant's date of birth.
• Employer photo ID card
• Foreign birth certificate. Must be translated by approved translator.
• Health insurance card, i.e., Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Kaiser, HMO.
• IRS/State tax forms W-2 NOT acceptable
• Marriage certificate/license
• Civil Union certificate
• Medical records from doctor/hospital
• Military dependent ID
• Military discharge/separation papers
• Parent/guardian affidavit. Parent/guardian must appear in person, prove his/her identity and submit a certified/notarized affidavit regarding the child's identity. Applies only to minors.
• Gun Permit
• Pilot's license
• School record/transcript (Must be certified)
• Social security card (Metal or laminated card is NOT acceptable)
• Social insurance card (for Canadian residents only)
• Student ID Card (Must contain photo)
• Vehicle title (Vehicle registration NOT acceptable)
• Photo Welfare card
• Prison release document

Source: Vermont Statutes, Title 23 Motor Vehicles, Chapter 9 Operators' Licenses, Subchapter 1 General Provisions, §603. Application for and issuance of license, Subsection (d)

(d) In addition to any other requirement of law or rule, a citizen of a foreign country shall produce his or her passport and visa, alien registration receipt card (green card), or other proof of legal presence for inspection and copying as a part of the application process for an operator license, junior operator license, learner permit, or non-driver identification card. Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, an operator license, junior operator license, learner permit, or non-driver identification card issued to a citizen of a foreign country shall expire coincidentally with his or her authorized duration of stay. A license or permit issued under this section may not be issued to be valid for a period of less than 180 days. Click here to find information about "ID & Legal Presence Requirements for Non-Citizens".

 

Additional documentation may be required at the department's discretion if documentation submitted is questionable or if there is reason to believe the person is not who s/he claims to be.

 

Foreign & International

 

Proof of Residency

Effective July 1, 2006 Vermont statutory law requires an applicant for a Vermont License/Permit/ID to be a Vermont resident. Below are the requirements for each of these items.

Proof of Residency Requirements for a Vermont License/Permit/ID

To prove Vermont residency, applicants must provide the Department with two pieces of mailwith their current name and street address. These are not considered identity documents, they are only used to prove residency.  If mail is not received at your street address, provide any two (2) of the following which show street address:

• Utility bill -- must list service address.
• Property tax bill with physical location.
• Lease or Landlord statement.
• Vermont EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card or Vermont AIM (Advanced Information Management) identification card.
• Homeowners/Renters insurance (policy/proof of claim).

If the applicant resides with others and gets no mail at their street address:

• Signed statement from the person with whom they reside, and one proof of residency document (above) from that person.

US Military, Active Duty:

• If residing in Vermont -- see above.
• If residing out-of-state -- military ID and proof Vermont is their residence in military records, such as Leave and Earnings Statement or orders.

Minors:

• Parental Residency Affidavit and one (1) parent residency document from above.
• Parent/Guardian evidence of relationship to applicant.

Note:  This is not an exclusive list.

This requirement pertains to new Licenses, Commercial Driver Licenses, Enhanced Driver Licenses or Non-Driver ID’s, however, upon renewal of an applicant’s Operator’s License, Commercial Driver’s License, Enhanced Driver’s License or Non-Driver ID, if the applicant has an out-of-state legal address, he or she is required to provide one of the above documents to prove Vermont residency. (An out-of-state mailing address is acceptable provided the applicant has a Vermont legal address.)

This does not affect visiting citizens of a foreign country. Any License or Non-Driver ID that may be issued to these applicants will expire coincidentally with their authorized duration of stay, provided that authorized stay has at least 180 days remaining.