Vermont has a Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no license to full license.
Completing the VT GDL program takes at least a year. You can apply for an instructional permit at 15. Drive for 6 months and complete driver education and supervised hours for your intermediate license. 6 more months, turn 16 and 6 months, and you’re eligible for a full VT driver’s license.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know to get your full, unrestricted Vermont driver’s license.
You can start the process to get your Vermont driver’s license at 15 years old. To get ready for driving, you can download the Vermont Driver’s License Manual and start reading through it. Next, you’ll want to contact Central Scheduling at Vermont DMV Scheduling, or call 1-802-828-2000, to arrange your written test.
You’ll need to provide your date of birth, the type of test you’re scheduling, and the location of the Vermont DMV where you’d like to take it. Make sure to bring proof of identity, social security, and Vermont residency. The testing fee is $50 and there is a $20 fee for your VT learner permit. Both are payable by debit card or check. There will also be a vision test so if you need glasses, make sure to bring them.
You will be given an official paper which is your Vermont driver’s permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You need to have your permit for at least 12 months before you can apply for a regular license. During that time, you’ll need to have 40 hours of driving practice with 10 of those being at night. Additionally, you’ll need to maintain a clean driving record for 6 months before applying for your road rest.
If you’re under 18, you will also need to get professional driving instruction, but it’s a good idea at any age.
When you’re ready to enroll, find a driving school to get started.
After a year, once you’ve completed the required amount of instruction, supervised hours of practice, and have maintained a clean driving record for 6 months, you can apply for your Vermont junior driver’s license.
Receiving your VT junior driver’s license requires that you’ve met certain requirements. You need to be 16 years of age and have completed a Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s education course. You may apply at 18 without having complete one, but it’s still recommended.
Driving Skills Tests: You will be required to pass a road test with an evaluator who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely. Don’t forget to bring proof of identity and social security, as well as residency and your valid learner’s permit. A registered, insured, and inspected vehicle is required to drive for the test. You will also need to be accompanied by a licensed driver.
The fee for your Junior Driver’s license is $32.
Your license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This license will come with the following restrictions:
The three months after that only family members are allowed in the car.
There are no passenger restrictions once you reach 6 months with your VT Junior License.
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach 16 and 6 months and have had your VT junior license for 6 months, or have reached the age of 18, you can apply for your full, unrestricted Vermont driver’s license.
In Vermont, you will have the choice of a 2-year driver’s license for $32, or a 4-year for $51.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
Whether you’ve just finished your Vermont graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.
The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.
Here are some other details which are good to know as you start out on your VT graduated licensing journey.
Can I drive in Vermont with an out-of-state learner’s permit?
Yes. You may drive in Vermont with an out-of-state learner’s permit or junior license, but you will have to abide by Vermont’s graduated licensing restrictions, as well as those issued by your issuing state.
What happens if my learner permit or junior license is lost or stolen?
It’s a simple process to replace a lost or stolen Vermont learner’s permit or junior license. You’ll need to complete a Replacement License Form (VL-040).
For comprehensive information on everything related to the Vermont graduated licensing program, visit the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. For scheduling call (888)-970-0357.
Prepare for your license journey by reviewing the Vermont Driver’s License Manual.
