Vermont Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

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
      
      
• 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.

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.

Child Passenger Safety