The Green Mountain Driver: Your 2025 Step-by-Step Guide to a Vermont License

Getting your first driver's license in Vermont is an exciting journey, opening up scenic drives through the Green Mountains and newfound independence. To ensure all new drivers, especially young ones, are safe and prepared, the state follows a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. This system is designed to introduce driving privileges in stages, allowing teens to build skills in lower-risk environments. For adults, the path is more direct but still requires careful adherence to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you know exactly what to expect on your path to becoming a licensed driver in Vermont.

For Teen Drivers: The Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program

Vermont's GDL program is a proven method for reducing crashes among young drivers. It's broken down into three main stages, each with its own set of rules and responsibilities.

Stage 1: The Learner's Permit

This is your official entry into the driver's seat. The Learner's Permit allows you to legally practice operating a vehicle under the supervision of an experienced adult.

Eligibility and How to Apply:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old.
• Application: You will need to complete the Learner Permit Application (Form VL-021).
• Parental Consent: If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application.
• Documentation: You must visit a DMV office and provide the required documents to prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and Vermont residency.
• Tests: You must pass two tests at the DMV:
  • Written Knowledge Test: A 20-question, multiple-choice test based on the Vermont Driver's Manual. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly (an 80% score) to pass.
  • Vision Screening: A basic eye exam to ensure you meet the state's minimum vision requirements.
• Pay the Fee: Once you pass the tests, you will pay the required fee for the learner's permit.

Learner's Permit Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You must always be accompanied by a licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian, a licensed driving instructor, or another licensed individual who is at least 25 years old. The supervising driver must be in the front passenger seat.
• 40-Hour Driving Log: Before you can take your road test, you must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving. At least 10 of these hours must be at night. A parent or guardian must sign a form certifying this.
• Validity: The permit is valid for two years.
• Cell Phone Use: All use of handheld electronic devices is strictly prohibited.

Stage 2: The Junior Driver's License

After gaining experience with your permit, you can apply for a Junior Driver's License, which allows you to drive alone but with some very important restrictions.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have held your Learner's Permit for at least one year.
• You must have maintained a clean driving record for the six months prior to applying (no violations).
• You must have completed the 40-hour driving log.
• Driver Education: You must provide a certificate of completion from a state-approved driver education course.

How to Apply:

1. Schedule a Road Test: You must schedule your road test appointment online through the DMV's public portal.
2. Pass the Road Test: This is the practical, behind-the-wheel test where a DMV examiner will evaluate your ability to safely control a vehicle and perform specific maneuvers, including parallel parking.
3. Get Your License: Upon passing the road test, you will be issued your Junior Driver's License.

Junior License Restrictions:

• Passenger Limit: This is a key safety rule.
  • For the first three months, you cannot carry any passengers. The only exceptions are your parent/guardian, driving instructor, or the licensed adult (25+) who supervised your practice.
  • After the first three months, you may begin carrying family members (like siblings).
  • After six months, the passenger restriction is lifted.
• Cell Phone Use: The ban on handheld electronic devices continues.

Stage 3: The Senior Driver's License

This is the final stage, granting you full, unrestricted driving privileges.

How to Get It:

• Your Junior Driver's License automatically converts to a Senior Driver's License after you have held it for one year, or when you turn 18, whichever comes first, provided you have maintained a clean driving record.

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are a new driver aged 18 or older, you are not required to participate in the GDL program.

1. Get a Learner's Permit: You will follow the same application process as a teen (application, documents, knowledge test, and vision test) to obtain your permit. A parent's signature is not required.
2. Practice Driving: It is highly recommended that you practice with a licensed driver who is at least 25 until you are completely confident in your ability to safely handle all common driving situations.
3. Take the Road Test: You can schedule and take your road test once you feel you are ready. There is no mandatory holding period for the permit for adults.
4. Get Your License: After passing the driving test and paying the fees, you will be issued your full, unrestricted Operator's License.