What You Need to Get a Vermont Learner's Permit

Vermont's learner's permit is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.

You do not need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit in Vermont, though you will need one to eventually get a full license. If you do not have a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you have applied or are ineligible.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass the written knowledge test at your local DMV office to receive a learner's permit.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or visa, plus one document showing your current Vermont address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The knowledge test covers Vermont traffic laws and safe driving practices; the DMV provides a free study guide online and at all offices.
  • Your learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for two years; you can renew it once before you must take the test again.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents to prove your identity: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, visa, or permanent resident card. A school ID or library card alone will not work. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DMV will not accept it.

You also need proof that you live in Vermont. Bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your Vermont address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your current address.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of the DMV examiner. If your parent or guardian cannot come, they can sign the form ahead of time, but the DMV may still ask you to return with them.

The Knowledge Test: What to Study

The written test has 20 multiple-choice questions about Vermont traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you get the results when ready.

The DMV publishes a free study guide called the Vermont Driver's Manual, available online at the DMV website and in print at all DMV offices. The manual covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle weather and emergency situations. Most people study the manual for a few hours before taking the test.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office at least two weeks ahead to arrange an interpreter.

Fees and How Long the Permit Lasts

A Vermont learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You can renew it once for another two years without taking the test again. After that second permit expires, you must take the knowledge test again if you want another learner's permit.

Payment is cash, check, or debit card at the DMV office. Some offices also take credit cards. If you lose your permit or it is damaged, a replacement costs $10.

Restrictions While You Hold a Learner's Permit

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That driver must have a valid license and be able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. This curfew applies every day, including weekends and school breaks. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.

Vermont does not have a separate "junior license" phase after the learner's permit. Once you pass the road test and get your full license, these restrictions end.

Where to Go and What to Bring: Step-by-Step

Find your nearest DMV office on the Vermont DMV website. Most towns have one, and you do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary. Some offices are busier on certain days; calling ahead can tell you when to expect a short wait.

Bring all documents listed above: proof of identity, proof of Vermont residency, and if you are under 18, a parent or guardian. Arrive with time to spare before the office closes. The whole process—paperwork, test, and photo—usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

After you pass the knowledge test, the DMV will take your photo and issue your permit on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper permit that day and your plastic card in the mail within two weeks.

Moving Forward: From Learner's Permit to Full License

Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months and passed a road test, you can get your full Vermont driver's license. The road test is scheduled through the DMV and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the road test appointment.

The road test fee is $20. If you do not pass on your first try, you can schedule another test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a U.S. passport, passport card, visa, or permanent resident card instead. All of these are accepted as proof of identity. If you have none of these, contact your local DMV office to ask about other options.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you do not pay the fee again on the same visit. Most people pass on their second try after reviewing the manual.

Can I drive to school with a learner's permit?

No. You cannot drive alone at any time, even to school. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat. This applies to all driving, including short trips around town.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?

No. You can get a learner's permit without a Social Security number. However, you will need one to get a full driver's license. If you do not have a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you have applied or are ineligible.

How do I renew my learner's permit before it expires?

Visit your local DMV office with your current permit and proof of residency. You do not need to take the knowledge test again for your first renewal. The renewal costs $20 and gives you another two years.