Vermont learner’s permit requirements

Everything here comes from Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Vermont doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.

Last checked September 22, 2026.

At a glance

Minimum age
15 years
To pass the knowledge test
16 of 20 correct (80%)
Fees
$63 total
Supervised driving
40 hours (10 at night)
Where you take the test
Online or in person

The knowledge test and your permit

Test format
20 questionsSources 123
Passing score
16 of 20 correct (80%)Sources 123
Time limit
None published
Permit and test fees
$63 total$39 for the knowledge test (paid every attempt, pass or fail) plus $24 for the 2-year learner's permit; the same for teens and adults.Sources 123
Minimum age for a permit
15 yearsMust be at least 15 to take the learner permit test; parent/guardian must sign for ages 15-17.Sources 15
Supervised driving
40 hours (10 at night)Sources 15
Hold your permit
12 months minimumSources 15
Test languages
16 languagesEnglish, American Sign Language, Arabic, Serbo-Croatian, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Mandarin, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, UkrainianSources 123
Take it online
YesSources 123
If you fail
Must wait at least one day after failingmay retake as many times as needed, paying the test fee each time.Sources 123
Vision standard
20/40 (referred to an eye doctor if screening does not meet 20/40)Sources 15

From permit to full license

  • Learner's permit at 15 (online knowledge test); drive only with a licensed parent/guardian, driver-ed instructor, or licensed driver 25+ in the front seat.
  • Hold the permit one year with a clean record for 6 months, complete driver education (30 h classroom, 6 h behind the wheel, 6 h observation) plus 40 practice hours incl. 10 at night, then road test for a Junior Driver's License at 16-17: first 3 months drive alone only (or with supervising adult), months 4-6 may carry family, no passenger limit after 6 months; no employment driving for 1 year; no portable electronic devices.
  • Full license at 18.

Before you go

Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website: dmv.vermont.gov.

Sources

  1. dmv.vermont.gov: VN 007 Drivers Manual
  2. dmv.vermont.gov: fees
  3. dmv.vermont.gov: interpreter services
  4. dmv.vermont.gov: forms translated
  5. dmv.vermont.gov: learners permit

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