VT Permit Practice Test

In Vermont you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Learner’s Permit. This age applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Vermont you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Vermont residency
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card or W-2 form)
• Payment for the application fee
• If your name has changed, documents showing that change

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the Vermont DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Be present at the DMV when you apply for your permit
• If your parents or guardians share joint custody, either parent with lawful custody can sign

The application process in Vermont is as follows:

1. Fill out a Driver’s License Application (Form VL-021)
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the non-refundable application fee
4. Pass your written knowledge test
5. Pass a vision test
6. If you’re under 18, have a parent or guardian present to sign your application and provide proof of school enrollment or completion

Vermont allows you to start the application process online by downloading the necessary forms, but you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the application, submit your documents, take your vision test, and complete your written test.

The Vermont DMV charges a non-refundable application fee for a permit. This fee covers processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Check the Vermont DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Vermont, you must pass:

• A vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Vermont permit written knowledge test contains 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly (80% correct) to pass the test.

The Vermont permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Vermont permit test:

• Study the Vermont Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Vermont Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Vermont permit test:

• You can retake the test after waiting at least one day
• Each retest requires payment of the test fee
• You may need to schedule another appointment to retake the test
• There is no limit on the number of retests, but you must pay the fee each time

With a Vermont Learner’s Permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old
• This supervising driver must have held a valid license for at least three years and sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in Vermont you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 25 years old in the front passenger seat
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• Cannot transport more passengers than there are safety belts in the vehicle

In Vermont the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your Learner’s Permit for at least 12 months before taking the road test for a Junior Driver’s License
• You must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period; just practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

Vermont has different driver education requirements based on your age:

• If you are under 18: No, you don’t need to complete driver education to get your permit. However, you must complete an approved driver education course before getting your Junior Driver’s License.
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In Vermont, before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 18, you must complete:
  • An approved driver education course that includes at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
  • 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• If you are 18 or older: No formal driver education is required, though it is still beneficial.

You can find Vermont-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Vermont DMV website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Contacting your local DMV office for recommendations

The Vermont road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signals
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The test is conducted by a DMV examiner and may include various driving maneuvers such as turning, stopping, and parking.

To convert your Learner’s Permit to a driver’s license in Vermont:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 12 months
• Complete an approved driver education course
• Log 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• Pass the road test
• Pay the required fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Pass the road test
• Pay the required fees

Vermont’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 15 years old. This permit allows you to practice driving with a supervising adult.
• Junior Driver’s License: Must be at least 16 years old, hold your permit for 12 months, complete driver education, and log 40 hours of practice driving.
• Full License: Junior license restrictions end when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in Vermont, your Junior Driver’s License will have these restrictions:

• No driving between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless you’re driving to or from work or school
• For the first three months, you can only carry immediate family members as passengers
• For the next three months, you can only have one non-family member passenger
• No use of phones or electronic devices while driving
• All passengers must wear seat belts

These restrictions end when you turn 18.

Vermont does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to Vermont with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Vermont Learner’s Permit
• If you’re under 18, you must hold a Vermont permit for the required time before taking the road test

You can download the Vermont Driver’s Manual from our website at this link. Physical copies are available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free Vermont-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Vermont permit process:

• Visit the Vermont DMV website at dmv.vermont.gov
• Call the DMV at 802-828-2000 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV office
• Call 711 for Relay Service if you have hearing difficulties

If you lose your Vermont permit:

• You can get a replacement at a DMV office
• You will need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee
• You might need to fill out a new application form

A parent or guardian can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the Vermont DMV. The request should include the minor’s name, date of birth, license number (if known) and the reason for cancellation.