Vermont Online Driver Education and Vermont Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Vermont? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Vermont has implemented a graduated driver license program for Vermont drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Vermont.

Vermont Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You will be able to apply for an instruction permit in Vermont after you reach your 15th birthday.

When you're ready, call to make an appointment with your local driver's license office. When you go to your appointment, remember to take the following paperwork with you:

• 2 valid forms of ID (for a complete list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Vermont DMV website)
• Proof of residency in Vermont
• Your parent/guardian will need to come to sign the application
• Social Security card

You will first be given a vision screening test and if that goes well, you will need to pass the written test (based on material covered in the Vermont Driver's Manual). Once you pass the written test, you will be issued an instruction permit.

Instruction Permit Restrictions:

• You may only drive if a licensed driver who's at least 25 years old is actively supervising your driving from the front passeng
• er seat
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts

Vermont Junior Operator's License (aka--Intermediate License)

You can apply for your junior license if you meet the following requirements

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have held your instruction permit for at least 1 year
• Maintained a clean driving record for a 6-month period
• Completed a state-approved drivers education course
• Completed 40 hours of supervised driving practice (10 of which must have been at night). Be sure to fill out your Driving Practice Log Sheet (a blank copy is available on the DMV website) & have your parent/guardian sign it.

When you're ready to upgrade to a junior license, make an appointment with your local driver's license office to take your road test. When you go to your appointment, remember to bring your ID forms, proof of insurance, and your instruction permit. If you pass your road test, you will be issued a junior license.

Junior License--Restrictions:

• For the first 3 months, you may not carry passengers unless you are driving with a parent/guardian who has a driver's license, a certified driving instructor, or another licensed individual who is at least 25 years old
• During the second 3 months, you are allowed to carry family members as passengers (after 6 months, all restrictions on passengers are lifted)
• You may not drive a vehicle for employment purposes during the 1st year or until you turn 18 (whichever comes first). This means while you can't use your car to deliver pizza, etc.
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts

After you turn 18, these restrictions no longer apply.

Vermont Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Vermont is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $10,000--property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Vermont Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Vermont, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Vermont DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 2 years in prison
• 90-day suspension of your license
• $750 fine
• DUI surcharge penalty of at least $160
• Drug/Alcohol screening, assessment, education, & treatment (all at your expense!)

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Vermont Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

There is currently no state law in Vermont which prohibits drivers from using cell phones while driving. (That does not mean it's safe to use them while you are driving a motor vehicle!)

Vermont Driver Education

For more information on approved drivers education courses available to teen-age drivers in Vermont, please visit the state's DMV website.