Vermont Online Driver Education and Vermont Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Vermont Learner’s Permit or first Vermont driver’s license. Vermont has a Graduated Driver License Program for Vermont teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Vermont driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Vermont Learner Permit or Vermont Instruction Permit
When you turn 15, you can finally apply for a Vermont Learner Permit, otherwise known as a Vermont Instruction Permit. In order to apply, you’ll need:
Once you’re ready, make an appointment (call 1-802-828-2045 or email), then head on down to your local Vermont Driver License Office with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a written exam. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Vermont Learner Permit. Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 25. Of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Vermont Learner Permit with you at all times.
Once you’ve held your Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year and have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Vermont Graduated License Program, the Vermont Junior Operator’s License.
The Vermont Junior Operator’s License or Vermont Intermediate License
You can apply for your Vermont Junior Operator’s License once you’ve held your Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year in good standing. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
- Hold a Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year
- You must be 16-17
- Maintain a clean Vermont driving record (no recalls, suspensions, or revocations for a 6 month period)
- Pass a Vermont approved driver education course and get a certificate of completion
- Practice driving for 40 hours with a parent/guardian, or supervising driver
- At least 10 hours must be at night
- Fill out a Driving Practice Log Sheet and have your parent/guardian sign
- Also, make sure the car you will be taking the Vermont driving test with has insurance (you’ll need the insurance identification card), as well as valid registration
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Vermont Driver License Office again. Be aware that Vermont driving tests are also now being offered at participating high schools. Either way, be sure to bring the valid identification documents, including your Vermont Learner Permit. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Vermont road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Vermont Junior Operator’s License, otherwise known as the Vermont Provisional License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Vermont Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind now that you have your Vermont Junior Operator’s License:
- All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
- No using a vehicle for employment (i.e. pizza delivery driver) for 1 year or until you turn 18 (whichever comes first
- No carrying passengers for hire (i.e. using your car as a taxi)
- During the first 3 months, no passengers unless you’re driving with a licensed parent/guardian, certified driving instructor, or individual at least 25 years of age
- During the second 3 months, you can transport family members
- After 6 months, there are no passenger restrictions
Once you turn 18, you can apply for a Vermont Senior Operator’s License. Then, these restrictions will no longer apply. Freedom!
Vermont Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Vermont Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Vermont drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Vermont mandatory liability insurance, your Vermont Learner Permit or Vermont Provisional license could be suspended.
Vermont Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Vermont teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Vermont drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Vermont has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Vermont DUI or Vermont DWI, your Vermont Learner Permit or Vermont Junior Operator’s License will be suspended.
In general, upon your first conviction of a Vermont DUI, you’ll also face the following penalties:
- Jail up to 2 years maximum
- License suspension 90 days
- $750 fine
- DUI surcharges $160 minimum
- Also, possible alcohol/drug screening, assessment, education and treatment
And of course, further Vermont DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Vermont license suspension or even Vermont license revocation.
Currently, Vermont teen drivers are not prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
Vermont Online Driver Education
Vermont teen drivers can find more information about approved Vermont online driver education on the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle website.
