Vermont Road Test (2026)What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips
The Vermont road test is an on-road drive with a DMV examiner (or a DMV-certified high school driver education examiner) riding with you, taken after you pass the vision and knowledge tests. The examiner watches whether you drive safely, courteously and correctly, and you must stop and start on a hill, turn around using a side street, and parallel park. Vermont does not publish how long the test takes or how it is scored.
Checked October 4, 2026 against official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.
Under 18 (Junior Driver's License, age 16 or 17): hold a learner's permit for at least one year with a clean record for the six months before licensing, complete a state-approved driver education course (logged by your instructor in the Driver Education Certification Service), have a parent or guardian certify 40 hours of practice including 10 at night, and have a parent or guardian sign the application. Applicants 18 and older need a valid learner's permit and an appointment. All road tests are by appointment, and the road test is given only after all other parts of the exam are passed. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“An individual must possess a Learner’s Permit for at least one (1) year prior to obtaining a Junior Driver’s License.”“Your instructor must have logged your completion in the Driver Education Certification Service before a Driving Test can be administered.”“Your parent or guardian must certify you have completed 40 hours of practice behind the wheel, with at least 10 hours being nighttime driving.”“A parent or legal guardian must sign the application before you can take the test.”“The road test will not be given until you have passed all other parts of the test.”“A person may take a road test if their Learner’s Permit has not been expired more than 3 years and has been renewed prior to the exam.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dmv.vermont.gov“Yes. Due to the Graduated License Law , you will need to hold your learner permit for a year prior to taking the road test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
What to bring on test day
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SourcesOfficial source 1dmv.vermont.gov“Failure to show a valid insurance card and a registration certificate will prevent testing. The insurance card must state the name of the insurance carrier, effective and expiration dates of coverage, the name of the insured, and the description of the vehicle including the vehicle identification number.”“You can use the Driving Practice Log Sheet (form VN-219) or the RoadReady App to track your progress.”“Have a licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian, or a licensed or certified unimpaired driver education instructor, or a licensed and unimpaired individual 25 years of age or older with you.”“Rental vehicles may not be used for road tests unless the rental company provides a letter accepting full responsibility if the applicant takes the road test in the rental vehicle.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.vermont.gov“All exams are by appointment only. For all other services, appointments are recommended but not required.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Vehicle requirements
The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.
You supply the vehicle; it must be registered, inspected (valid inspection sticker) and insured; any state's registration and inspection is accepted
Emergency/parking brake must hold the car in neutral uphill or downhill
Rejected for: exhaust leak; tires under 2/32 inch tread or with exposed cords; a damaged windshield (check the inspection manual); a driver's window that will not open for hand signals; doors that do not work; anything blocking the view; missing or broken front seat belts; holes letting exhaust into the cabin; loose front seats; a parking brake that does not work
No agricultural, antique or exhibition plates; no dealer plates unless you are an immediate family member of the dealership
No non-factory tint on the front side windows or windshield
Dual controls must be disconnected or made inoperable
The examiner may refuse a vehicle whose interior (cleanliness, odor) would distract them
No animals in the vehicle during the test
If you drove to the office illegally, you will not be tested that day
SourcesOfficial source 1dmv.vermont.gov“Yes. The vehicle must be registered and inspected. The state in which it is registered and inspected does not matter. You must have proof of insurance for the vehicle you use.”“Proper equipment in good mechanical condition includes: headlights, horn, windshield wipers, rearview mirror, tail lights, tires, steering mechanism, windshield, exhaust system, brakes, fenders, bumpers and if manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1955, directional signals.”“No road test will be given in a vehicle displaying agriculture, antique or exhibit plates because these plates, by law, are restricted in their use.”“No animals are allowed in the vehicle during a road test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dmv.vermont.gov“You will not be permitted to take the driving test unless the motor vehicle you furnish is properly equipped, in good mechanical condition, and properly registered and inspected.”“Emergency/parking brakes must be adequate to hold the vehicle in neutral on any grade on which it is operated, both with the vehicle headed uphill or downhill.”“Tire(s) defective: less than 2/32 inches of tread depth, exposed cords, or cut sidewalls that expose cords.”“The window to the left of the driver cannot be opened to permit hand signals.”“Dual controls. No test will be given unless the controls (normally passenger side brake) are disconnected or otherwise rendered inoperable.”“Reasons for rejection of the vehicle are conditions such as cleanliness, odor, etc., which would be the cause of an unreasonable amount of discomfort to the Examiner”“If it is determined that an applicant arrived at the exam office by way of the illegal operation of a vehicle, the applicant will not be tested on that day.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
How the Vermont road test is scored
Vermont does not publish a point system or a maximum number of errors. The examiner watches whether you drive safely, courteously and correctly, handle the vehicle with skill, drive at speeds that suit conditions, and obey signs and rules of the road. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“When you take the licensing road test the examiner will watch to see if you can drive a motor vehicle safely, courteously and correctly. You must also demonstrate you understand and can follow the rules of the road.”“You will be expected to handle your vehicle with skill, drive at proper speeds according to conditions, and obey signs and rules of the road.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Automatic failures
We found no official list of automatic failures for Vermont. Treat any dangerous action, a crash, or breaking a traffic law as likely to fail the test.
Maneuvers on the Vermont driving test
Steps and scoring come from Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.
Stopping and starting on a hill
Always tested
How it’s scored
You pull to the right side of the road on a hill, stop, set the parking brake and shift to neutral; the parking brake must hold the car, and you should drive up the hill without rolling back.
Steps
Signal right and pull to the right side of the road, then stop
Set the parking/emergency brake and shift to neutral; the brake must keep the car from rolling back
Put the vehicle in gear and signal left
Check your mirrors and left blind spot for traffic
Accelerate gently until the car wants to move, then release the parking brake (unless it releases by itself)
Look over your left shoulder again and drive up the hill without rolling back
SourcesOfficial source 1dmv.vermont.gov“When you take your road test, the examiner will have you stop and start on a hill. You will be instructed to drive to the right side of the road, stop, and then set your parking/emergency brake and shift to neutral.”“Before driving up the hill, put the vehicle in gear. Signal left. Check your mirrors and left blind spot to be sure that traffic is clear.”“look over your left shoulder once again before driving out. You should be able to drive up the hill without rolling back.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Turning around using a side street
Always tested
How it’s scored
You turn around by backing into a side street on your right, then turning left back out; the examiner watches your traffic checks, that you keep to your own side, and that you look mostly through the rear window while backing.
Steps
As you approach the side street on your right, slow down, check traffic in all directions and signal
Drive just past the street and stop about 18 inches from the curb or road edge
Shift into reverse and check traffic in all directions, including blind spots
When the side street is clear, back slowly into it, staying on your own side and looking mostly through the rear window
Stop when the car is fully in the side street, beyond any crosswalk or stop line
Signal left, shift to drive, and make a proper left turn when no vehicles are coming
SourcesOfficial source 1dmv.vermont.gov“When you take your driving test, you will be required to demonstrate the following procedure for turning around, using a side street.”“Drive just past the street and stop about 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road. Shift into reverse. Check for traffic in all directions before backing.”“When the side street is clear, back slowly into it. Be careful to keep on your own side of the street. Look mostly through the rear window while backing.”“Before you turn back out on to the street, signal left and shift to drive. When there are no vehicles coming, make a proper left turn to complete the turnaround.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Parallel parking
Always tested
How it’s scored
You park parallel behind a vehicle (sometimes with only a front vehicle available), checking traffic and pedestrians before backing, then pull back out safely.
Steps
Check your rearview mirror and signal right
Stop alongside the front vehicle, two to three feet away
Shift to reverse; check for traffic and pedestrians in all directions and look over your left shoulder
Back slowly, looking through the rear window, steering fully right and then fully left
Pull forward slowly to center the car in the space
To leave: back up if needed, signal left, check mirrors and over your left shoulder, and drive out slowly, staying on your own side
SourcesOfficial source 1dmv.vermont.gov“You will also be required to parallel park during your road test.”“When approaching the parking space, check your rearview mirror and signal right. Stop alongside the front vehicle, two to three feet away. Shift to reverse. Check for traffic and pedestrians in all directions before backing.”“All methods require steering fully right to fully left and looking through the rear window while backing slowly. Slowly pull forward to center vehicle in space.”“Signal left, look all around for any vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians (check the rearview and side view mirrors, and look over your left shoulder”“Note: On the road test, you may be required to parallel park with only a front vehicle available. Be sure to still follow the same procedures.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Skills the examiner watches the whole time
Safe, courteous and correct driving
The examiner watches whether you drive safely, courteously and correctly and follow the rules of the road. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“When you take the licensing road test the examiner will watch to see if you can drive a motor vehicle safely, courteously and correctly.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Speed control
Drive at speeds that suit conditions. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“You will be expected to handle your vehicle with skill, drive at proper speeds according to conditions, and obey signs and rules of the road.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Following the examiner's directions
You will not be asked to do anything illegal, and no tricks are played on you. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“During the road test, you will not be asked to do anything which is against the law. No tricks will be played on you. You must follow the directions of the examiner who will be riding with you.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
If you fail the Vermont road test
Wait at least one week (seven days) before retesting. After three failed road tests, wait at least one month. You pay the $23 road test fee each time; there is no limit on the number of attempts. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“If you fail the road test for any reason, you must wait at least one week before taking another test. If you fail a road test three times, a minimum waiting period of one month is required.”“Road Test Exam and Junior Driver’s License = $62.00 (road test $23.00 + license $39.00)”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 5dmv.vermont.gov“If you fail a road test, you must wait at least seven days before retaking the test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 6dmv.vermont.gov“Will I have to pay if I fail and have to take another test? Yes. You will pay the test fee each time you take the test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 7dmv.vermont.gov“How many times can I take the test? You may take the test as many times as you wish until you pass.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Some high school driver education instructors certified as examiners by the DMV give road tests to students at participating schools; a student who passes gets a Driver Education Examination Certificate to take to a DMV office for the license. Vermont's military test waiver applies only to commercial (CDL) tests. Official source 1dmv.vermont.gov“Some DMV licensed high school driver education instructors conduct Driver’s License road tests. This service is provided only at schools that have enrolled in the testing program, and by those instructors who have been certified as examiners by the”“A student who passed the road test which was given by the high school driver education instructor will be issued a Driver Education Examination Certificate.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 8dmv.vermont.gov“Service members who are currently licensed and who are, or were, employed within the last year in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a commercial motor vehicle.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Vermont road test questions
What is on the Vermont road test?
The Vermont road test is an on-road drive with a DMV examiner (or a DMV-certified high school driver education examiner) riding with you, taken after you pass the vision and knowledge tests. The examiner watches whether you drive safely, courteously and correctly, and you must stop and start on a hill, turn around using a side street, and parallel park. Vermont does not publish how long the test takes or how it is scored. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Stopping and starting on a hill, Turning around using a side street, Parallel parking.
How is the Vermont driving test scored?
Vermont does not publish a point system or a maximum number of errors. The examiner watches whether you drive safely, courteously and correctly, handle the vehicle with skill, drive at speeds that suit conditions, and obey signs and rules of the road.
What do I need to bring to the Vermont road test?
Valid (unexpired) Vermont learner's permit; An appointment for the exam; Insurance card showing the carrier, effective and expiration dates, the insured's name, and the vehicle description including VIN; Vehicle registration certificate; Application signed by a parent or legal guardian (under 18); Parent or guardian certification of 40 hours of practice, 10 at night (form VN-219 or the RoadReady app; under 18); 18 and older: a licensed, unimpaired parent or guardian, driver education instructor, or person 25 or older to come with you; and Rental car only: a letter from the rental company accepting full responsibility.
What are the vehicle requirements for the Vermont road test?
You supply the vehicle; it must be registered, inspected (valid inspection sticker) and insured; any state's registration and inspection is accepted; Clean and in good mechanical condition; Working headlights, horn, windshield wipers, rearview mirror, tail lights, tires, steering, windshield, exhaust, brakes, fenders, bumpers, turn signals, safety belts and defrosters; Emergency/parking brake must hold the car in neutral uphill or downhill; Rejected for: exhaust leak; tires under 2/32 inch tread or with exposed cords; a damaged windshield (check the inspection manual); a driver's window that will not open for hand signals; doors that do not work; anything blocking the view; missing or broken front seat belts; holes letting exhaust into the cabin; loose front seats; a parking brake that does not work; No agricultural, antique or exhibition plates; no dealer plates unless you are an immediate family member of the dealership; No non-factory tint on the front side windows or windshield; Dual controls must be disconnected or made inoperable; The examiner may refuse a vehicle whose interior (cleanliness, odor) would distract them; No animals in the vehicle during the test; and If you drove to the office illegally, you will not be tested that day.
When can I take the Vermont road test?
Under 18 (Junior Driver's License, age 16 or 17): hold a learner's permit for at least one year with a clean record for the six months before licensing, complete a state-approved driver education course (logged by your instructor in the Driver Education Certification Service), have a parent or guardian certify 40 hours of practice including 10 at night, and have a parent or guardian sign the application. Applicants 18 and older need a valid learner's permit and an appointment. All road tests are by appointment, and the road test is given only after all other parts of the exam are passed.
What happens if I fail the Vermont road test?
Wait at least one week (seven days) before retesting. After three failed road tests, wait at least one month. You pay the $23 road test fee each time; there is no limit on the number of attempts.
Can the Vermont road test be waived?
Some high school driver education instructors certified as examiners by the DMV give road tests to students at participating schools; a student who passes gets a Driver Education Examination Certificate to take to a DMV office for the license. Vermont's military test waiver applies only to commercial (CDL) tests.
Notes from our check
Vermont publishes no road-test score sheet, point system, test length, or list of automatic failures on dmv.vermont.gov or in the Driver's Manual (VN-007, 2025). The only maneuvers the manual says are required are the hill start, turning around by backing into a side street, and parallel parking. The manual says to wait 'one week' after a failure and one month after three failures; the DMV FAQ says 'seven days' and that you may test 'as many times as you wish'. The FAQ does not mention the one-month wait after three failures.
Sources
Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.
This guide summarizes official Vermont sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles before test day.