Minimum Driving Age
- Learner’s Permit: Available at 15 years old.
- Junior Driver’s License: Eligible at 16 years old, after holding a learner’s permit for at least one year and meeting other requirements.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Available at 18 years old, granting full driving privileges.
Learner’s Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older, seated in the front passenger seat.
- Holding Period: Must hold the learner’s permit for at least one year before applying for a junior driver’s license.
- Practice Hours:
- 40 hours of supervised driving, including:
- 10 hours at night
- 10 hours at night
- 40 hours of supervised driving, including:
- Driving Restrictions:
- No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older.
- For the first three months, no passengers under 25 who are not immediate family members.
- During the second three months, may transport immediate family members.
- After six months, no passenger restrictions.
- No driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older.
Learner’s Permit | Vermont DMV
License Types
- Learner’s Permit: For practicing with a licensed adult.
- Junior Driver’s License: Allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Full driving privileges granted at 18 years old.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles; must be at least 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate commerce.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Vermont, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity and Date of Birth: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
- Proof of Vermont Residency and Current Address: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
- Lawful Status in the United States: Required for Real ID & Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Children under 2 years old: Must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children aged 2 to 4: Must be secured in a forward-facing car seat.
- Children aged 4 to 8: Must use a booster seat unless they are taller than 4’9″ or weigh more than 80 pounds.
- Children under 13: Should ride in the back seat if possible.
- Adults (18 and over): Required to wear seatbelts in all seating positions.
- Penalties: Violations may result in fines up to $100.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for all drivers while operating a moving motor vehicle.
- Texting While Driving: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Junior Drivers (under 18): Prohibited from using any portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, including while stationary.
- Penalties:
- First Offense: Fine of $100 to $200
- Subsequent Offenses within 2 years: Fine of $250 to $500
- Offenses in a Work Zone: Additional two points on the driver’s license
- First Offense: Fine of $100 to $200
DUI Laws
- Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Under 21: 0.02%
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Penalties:
- First Offense:
- Fine: Up to $750
- Imprisonment: Up to 2 years
- License Suspension: 90 days
- Mandatory enrollment in alcohol and drug counseling
- Fine: Up to $750
- Second Offense:
- Fine: Up to $1,500
- Imprisonment: Up to 2 years
- License Suspension: 18 months
- Mandatory enrollment in alcohol and drug counseling
- Fine: Up to $1,500
- Third or Subsequent Offense:
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- Imprisonment: Up to 5 years
- License Suspension: Lifetime
- Mandatory enrollment in alcohol and drug counseling
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- First Offense:
Speed Limits
- School Zones: 15–25 mph during school hours
- Residential Areas: 25 mph
- Urban Districts: 30 mph
- Rural Highways: 50–55 mph
- Interstates: 65–70 mph
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Penalties:
- Classification: Misdemeanor
- Fine: Up to $300
- Imprisonment: Up to 90 days
- License Suspension: Possible upon multiple offenses
- Classification: Misdemeanor
Points System
- Point Accumulation:
- Various traffic violations result in points added to the driver’s record.
- Accumulating 10 or more points within two years can lead to license suspension.
- Various traffic violations result in points added to the driver’s record.
- Point Reduction:
- Completing a defensive driving course can reduce points.
- Points remain on the record for two years from the violation date.
- Completing a defensive driving course can reduce points.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: Vermont requires minimum coverage of:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Proof of Insurance: Must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented upon request by law enforcement.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Under 70: Every 8 years
- 70 and over: Every 4 years
- Under 70: Every 8 years
- Vision Test: Required at each renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations.
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