Vermont Online Driver Education and Vermont Licensing Procedures

The process of applying for your Vermont learner’s permit or first Vermont driver’s license can be nerve-racking, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right information. We want you to get as much out of this experience as possible, and have designed this guide to help guide you through the process. Vermont has a “Graduated Driver License Program()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/drivers/newdrivers 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

You can finally apply for a Vermont Learner Permit, otherwise known as a Vermont Instruction Permit When you turn 15. You’ll need the following items in order to apply:

• “Proof of Vermont residency()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/drivers/requirements/residency
• Your parent/guardian must sign your application
• Social Security Number
• “Proof of identity()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/drivers/requirements/identity
• The “Vermont Driver Manual()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/pdf/DMV-VN007-License_Manual.pdf (so you can study for the written test)

Once you’re ready, make an appointment (call 1-802-828-2045 or “email()”:mailto:[email protected]), then head on down to the nearest 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!

A few more things to remember: First, 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 you must not forget to carry your Vermont Learner Permit with you at all times.

If you can hold your Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year and meet a few more requirements, you’re all set 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 the following requirements are met:

• Hold a Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year
• You must be 16-17
• 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()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/pdf/DMV-VN210-Driving_Practice_Log_Sheet.pdf and have your parent/guardian sign
• 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
• 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()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/drivers/requirements/identity, including your Vermont Learner Permit. Then you’ll have to pass the “dreaded Vermont road test()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/pdf/DMV-Web_Tutorial_FAQ.pdf! If you pass, then you can a breathe a sigh of relief: you’ve just earned your Vermont Junior Operator’s License, otherwise known as the Vermont Provisional License.

Vermont Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

You’ve come a long way, but you still have a few months of good behavior to go before you’ve earned your full license. 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
• 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
• 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)

These restrictions will no longer apply once you’ve obtained a Vermont Senior Operator’s License, which you can apply for once you turn 18. In other words, freedom!

Vermont Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

You may think you’re ready to drive just becaus you’ve received your Vermont Provisional Driver license, but there are still other things you need to know. Most crucially, Vermont drivers are required by law to be covered by “liability insurance()”:http://dmv.vermont.gov/safety/laws/insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:

• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $10,000 for property damage per accident
• $25,000 bodily injury for one person

You risk suspension of your Vermont Learner Permit or Vermont Provisional license if you are in an accident and found to be driving without Vermont mandatory liability insurance!

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 many other states, 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
• DUI surcharges $160 minimum
• Also, possible alcohol/drug screening, assessment, education and treatment
• License suspension 90 days
• $750 fine

And of course, more severe penalties will result from further Vermont DWI and DUI convictions. These can include increased jail time, community service, fines, and Vermont license suspension or even Vermont license revocation.

If you’re in love with your cell phone, you’re in luck: Vermont teen drivers are not prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Still, you should exercise caution whenever you use a cell phone while driving. We shouldn’t have to tell you that a distracted driver can be a dangerous one!

Vermont Online Driver Education

You will need to take a Vermont-approved driver education course fairly early in the process. Vermont teen drivers can find more information about approved Vermont online driver education on the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle website.