VermontDrivers License Guide

ContentsTable of

11

Numbers

4

Starting the Journey

Getting Your First Vermont License

Replacing Your Driver’s License

Official Forms

OMV Hours and Locations

Getting a Vermont ID Card

Starting the Journey

Updating Your License

Renewing Your License

Reinstating Your Driver’s License

Vehicle Safety Tips

3

9

12

14

16

18

20

21

25

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Starting the Journey

Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver’s license in Vermont is a smooth sailing process that only requires that you prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in, we are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly.

This guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly as possible. We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly Vermont roads fast and easy by providing you with information on how to get your learner’s permit, driver’s license, and ID card. So, read on as we make life a bit less complicated.

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ALL DRIVERS You must also remember that the roads aren’t always safe. Therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may your come your way before you begin driving. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, it is always wise to first obtain your learner’s permit to be able to learn to drive properly.

If you would like to understand how to obtain your learner’s permit, please read the steps below:

Vision Exam

In order to obtain your driver’s license or permit, you will be required to take a vision test, in which you must have a vision of 20/40 in each eye or with both eyes together and a visual field of 140 degrees horizontally. You must wear corrective lenses if you do not meet this standard without corrective lenses.

If you fail the vision test, you will not receive your driver’s license or permit until you are able to pass it. If you would like, you can also opt to bring in a certified statement from a licensed physician or optometrist asserting that your visions meet DMV’s vision standards or that you can meet the standards wearing corrective lenses.

Written Exam

New drivers must also have their knowledge tested before getting a permit or license. The DMV has a driver’s manual available for you to prepare for your examination. The test consists of 20 questions about road signs and rules of the road. You have to score at least 16 questions correctly to get a passing grade.

Tests are administered on a walk-in basis at the driver license office, but you can also schedule your visit by calling 1-802-828-2085. On the day of the test, remember to take with you all the documentation you need to get your permit or license, since the test results will be given to you immediately and you have to identify yourself before taking it.

If you require having your knowledge exam in a different language, you may ask the office manager. You can also ask for oral tests. Testing fees must be paid before taking the exam. If you fail the knowledge exam, you will have to wait one business day before retaking it.

There is a $32 fee to take the knowledge exam.

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Telephone number and email address.

On the day of the test, make sure you take your driver’s permit with you and have a licensed driver take you to the testing location. A driver license representative will guide you through each step of the exam.

You must be able to safely perform maneuvers such as:

Location where you plan to take the test.

Using lanes properly.

Full name and date of birth.

Dates and times when you can attend to take the test.

Type of test you are scheduling.

Conducting a safety inspection on your vehicle. Driving Test

Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the DMV to determine your driving skills level. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, ensures your vehicle is safe to drive by legal standards. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured and passes the safety requirements.

Continue to read the points below to understand better what will happen during your test from start to finish! Before going to a DMV agency, schedule your test to avoid waiting in line. Appointments are not mandatory, but highly recommended. You may schedule one by calling 1-802-828-2085 or sending an email to DMV.CommissionersOffice@vermont.gov with the following information:

Approaching intersections.

Turning and braking.

Parking.

Backing up the vehicle.

Be careful not to break any laws, perform dangerous actions or do anything that contributes to an accident. Follow the directions given by the instructor at all times. Failure to do this will cause you to fail the test. At the end, the examiner will let you know of any mistakes you may have made and tell your if you passed or not. You may retake the test one week later if you fail the first time.

You must pay an $19 fee before taking the test.

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TEEN DRIVERS Learning to drive is a special time in a teen’s life. It gives you more responsibility and more freedom. However, driving is a huge privilege, so it’s important to take your time when learning how to drive. That way, you don’t pose a danger to yourself and to others on the road. Because learning to drive is such a process, teens are generally required to earn their learner’s permit before they get a junior driver’s license, in which eventually they qualify for a full license. Read more about each, how to get them, and their restrictions below.

Step 1: Learner’s Permit

The very first step in obtaining your driver’s license involves getting a learner’s permit. This permit will allow you to practice driving behind the wheel, but with certain restrictions. To be eligible for an instruction permit in the state of Vermont, you must be at least 15 years old and have a clean driving record. If you qualify, you must go with your parent or legal guardian to a driver license office and provide:

Completed license/permit application signed by both of your parents or by a parent with sole custody or by your legal guardian.

ONE proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

ONE proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

TWO proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

Restrictions

Since you are just beginning to drive, it is important to keep in mind the following restrictions to your learner permit:

You must carry your permit at all times while learning to drive.

You must always drive accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, instructor or individual of at least 25 years of age.

You cannot transport passengers other than your driving supervisor.

You must always wear a seatbelt.

You must never use a mobile communication device unless it is an emergency.

Knowledge exam: $32.00

Learner’s permit: $20.00

Fees

Other acceptable documents can be found here.

At the licensing office, you will have to take and pass a knowledge exam and a vision test. You may also get your photograph taken. The fee for the knowledge exam must be paid beforehand.

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Step 2: Driver’s Education

With your permit in hand, you will be ready to start practicing how to drive properly. You are required to attend a mandatory course which consists of two phases: 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel-practice.

High schools across the state usually offer approved driver education courses, but you can also choose to attend courses offered by private parties. To be able to complete the behind-the-wheel portion of the course, you must have a valid learner’s permit.

You may call the Department of Education at 802-828-0559 to find more about school-sponsored driver education programs. You can also find here a list of DMV approved schools.

After successfully completing your driver’s education, you will receive a Certificate of Completion that you must present when applying for a junior driver’s license, but this is not the end of your learning process. You are required to keep on practicing with a licensed driver for at least 40 more hours, 10 of which must be at night. The person supervising your practice must fill out and sign a log with your practice hours.

Step 3: Junior Driver’s License

To be eligible for a junior driver’s license you first must meet the following requirements:

Be between 16 and 17 years of age.

Have passed an approved driver’s education course.

Have completed the additional 40 hours of practice behind the wheel, including ten at night.

Not have recalls, suspensions or revocations during the six months preceding your application.

When you apply for your junior driver’s license, you will have to take a driving test. Make sure you feel confident enough to avoid having to retake it. It is always advisable to get an appointment for the road test.

Once you pass the test, the DMV will allow you to apply for your junior driver’s license. Afterwards you must provide the following:

Your valid learner’s permit.

Completed license/permit application signed by both of your parents or by a parent with sole custody or by your legal guardian.

Driver’s education course Certificate of Comple-tion.

Practice hours log.

One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

Other acceptable documents can be found here.

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Restrictions

Your junior license has fewer limitations than your permit, but you still need to get more experience before moving on to a full unrestricted license. This is why the DMV has set in place the following restrictions:

You are not allowed to carry more passengers than the number of seatbelts in the car.

You cannot use the vehicle for employment purposes, such as delivering pizza or carrying passengers for hire.

You must never use portable electronic devices while driving, unless there is an emergency that requires you to call 911.

You must always wear your seatbelt while driving.

During the first three months you are not allowed to carry any passengers unless you are being supervised by a parent, guardian or licensed driver older than 18 years old. After the first three months, you may transport family members without any supervision. Then, after six months from obtaining your license, the passenger restrictions will be removed.

Junior Driver’s License: $32

Road test: $19

Fees

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Congratulations! If you have gone through the steps of getting your driver’s permit in Vermont, then you are now only one step closer to of obtaining your driver license. And I’m sure you are more than ready to finish the process. Well, no need to worry because the process is almost over!

Getting Your First Vermont License

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Now, it’s only a matter of maintaining your record clean and then, as soon as you turn 18 years old, you will be allowed to apply for a full unrestricted operator license. When you apply for your operator license, make sure to take with you your junior license and:

Other acceptable documents can be found here.

Typically, you will receive a license valid for four years, although, in certain circumstances you may be issued a two-year license.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

ADULT DRIVERS: NEVER HAD A DRIVER LICENSE

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

If you are 18 years old or older, have never had a license and are now looking to obtaining one, you have come to the right place. Getting a license for first-time drivers is a very simple process through the state of Vermont by first following the steps on how to apply.

You can only apply for a new license in person at a DMV agency. You may apply for a learner’s permit first, if you wish to practice driving before taking the driving test. When you feel ready, go to a testing location and fill out an application for a new driver’s license. You will have to provide:

Other acceptable documents can be found here.

Then, you will be asked to take a vision, knowledge and road tests. When you pass these requirements and pay the fees, the DMV office will issue you an operator license in Vermont.

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ADULT DRIVERS: NEW RESIDENT If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of Vermont, you will need to obtain a Vermont license within 90 days. It is very important to make sure that you obtain a valid driver’s license within this term. Let’s begin so you can obtain your Vermont license as soon as possible!

Since you already know how to drive, you won’t be required to pass the knowledge and road tests. However, you must have your vision screened, though. So, go to a DMV office with your out-of-state license and fill out an application for a new driver’s license. You will have to provide:

One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

Other acceptable documents can be found here.

At the office, you must surrender your out-of-state license and pay the fees. Then, you will be issued a Vermont operator license.

Four-year operator license plus

examination fee:$83.00

Two-year operator license plus

examination fee: $64.00

Fees

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RenewingYour License

“Oh no, my license has expired!”

That is something no one ever wants to have to say, as it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive. This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date creeping up on you. But, before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any error or issues that may occur.

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One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

One month before your license or permit expires the DMV will send you a renewal application to your mailing address. To renew your license, you just have to fill out the form by answering all the questions and signing it. Then, you must send it to the DMV at:

Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

Within the envelope, you must include the fees for your license in the form of a check or money order payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also deliver the renewal application yourself and pay the fees at a DMV office.

If this is your first renewal after January 1, 2014, you must go to an office in person to fill out the renewal application form and provide:

After paying the fees, you will be issued a Real ID compliant license.

Four-year operator license fee: $51.00

Two-year operator license fee: $32.00

Fees

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Updating Your License Information

Now your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean changes both as big as changing your name to a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods. Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver licenses. So, how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver license should you ever need them to be made? Well, naturally you only need to inform the Vermont DMV. To better understand the process and steps you have to take, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below.

A marriage license or certificate.

A divorce decree.

A civil union certificate.

A court order stating your new name.

Then, you will receive a duplicate license after surrendering your old document. The fee for the replacement is $20.

CHANGING YOUR NAME Changing your name is a big life event, and it affects all of your identification documents. Since your driver’s license is typically your primary form of identification, it is important you change your name on it as soon as possible.

If you are required to have your name changed on your license, you must apply in person at a DMV office. Make sure to fill out a Name Change form, present your current driver’s license and one proof of your name change such as the following:

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CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your driver’s license. All you must do is, follow the steps below that outline the process. You must notify the DMV of any change of address within 30 days after moving.

You can update your address in person, at a kiosk, by mail or online.

In Person

Go to a DMV office with your driver license or ID and complete a Change of Address form. The address on file with the DMV will be updated immediately, but if you wish to have it update on your document, you will have to pay the fee for a duplicate license and surrender your current license.

By mail

To change your address by mail, just complete a Change of Address form and mail it to:

Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

If you are also requesting a duplicate, include the fee in the envelope. Remember that fees must be paid by check or money order only, payable to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.

Online

To request an address change online, you must use DMV Express. On the first page, click the “continue” button and then enter your license number in the first textbox. When you click continue, you will be presented with the option to change your address. Click on it and enter your updated information. There is no charge to change your address. If you wish to have a duplicate license, you must ask for a replacement and pay the corresponding fee.

At a kiosk

DMV kiosks are available at Bennington, S. Burlington, Montpelier, Newport, Rutland, and Springfield. You may use the kiosk to change your address online following the procedure describe above.

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Oh my, something’s happened to your license! What can you do now? Well the Vermont DMV will help you in obtaining a new driver license as soon as possible in the case that your license may have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or if you never even received your license in the first place. In any case, you will be able to effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license.

You can replace your license by mail or in person, as long as you already hold a Real ID compliant document. If you haven’t had the chance to get a Real ID compliant license, you must go get your replacement in person at an office.

ReplacingYour License

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IN PERSON Go to a DMV agency and provide:

Completed Lost/Replacement License form.

One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

$20 replacement fee.

BY MAIL To get a replacement by mail, complete a Duplicate License/Permit form and mail it with the $20 fee to: Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001

Your duplicate license will be sent to your mailing address on record.

Remember that fees must be paid by check or money order only. Don’t include cash since it will not be accepted as a form of payment by mail.

Tip

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In to reinstate your license, you will have to have completed all of the required time for your restraining order. The DMV department will only reinstate your driver’s license if you complete all of the necessary requirements to remove any restraining orders from your license.

There are many reasons you might have a suspended driver’s license, which means there are multiple ways to reinstate your driver’s license. It all depends on the situation.

If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license or under what condition it falls, please contact the DMV at (802)828-2050 during its regular business hours.

Reinstatement fees may be paid online. You will need to enter your driver’s license number, ticket number and date of birth. If you don’t have this information, you must call the DMV or visit an agency in person. To pay for any other traffic ticket you may use the court’s website instead.

The fee to reinstate your license in Vermont is $80. But, you must also remember that you may have to pay other fines and fees before getting your license back depending on your specific situation.

Reinstating Your License

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DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) Being convicted of DUI is very serious in the state of Vermont, which is why if you are 21 years or older with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or under 21 years with a BAC of .02% you will be convicted of a DUI. If you are a “lightweight” drinker, the officer can still convict you of a DUI if you appear to be too impaired to drive even if you are below the BAC limit. Driving under the influence of drugs is also considered cause for suspending your license as a DUI.

The court will also impose penalties on you which you must complete in order to be able to reinstate your license, such as the following:

Jail time.

Fines and court fees.

Community service.

Alcohol and/or drug treatment.

Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.

This document will help you answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Ignition Interlock Devices.

Tip

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If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver’s license, it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead. An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure, such as the police, or if you simply need to provide one proof of your identity, such as at the DMV office.

When it comes time to obtain your ID card the process is identical to that of obtaining your driver’s license except you don’t have to take any tests. Basically, you just have to go to a DMV office, complete an ID Card application form and present:

Getting a Vermont ID Card

Two proofs of Vermont residency, such as mail with your current name and address, utility bills or property tax bills with your physical location.

This DMV offices are now issuing REAL ID compliant ID cards to increase safety measures against identity theft. If you don’t have a REAL ID compliant card, go to a DMV office to renew it or replace it in order to get a REAL ID compliant document. This does not apply for transactions done online, by phone or by mail.

Tip

One proof of identity, date of birth and lawful status, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a Permanent Resident Card.

One proof of Social Security Number, such as your Social Security card.

You will get your photograph taken and then you have to pay the ID Card fee to receive your Vermont identification document. All Vermont residents may apply for an ID Card. Minors must have their applications signed by their parents.

To renew, replace or update your ID card, you must follow the same procedure as the one described for driver licenses, but you won’t have to pass any tests to get it.

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Before getting behind the wheel, it’s important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive.

EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel.

Vehicle Safety Tips

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WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion!

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DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don’t text, use the internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible.

THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn’t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring.

Car Accidents

One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic.

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Wasting Gas

If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph.

These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well-tuned, and that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle’s needs.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver, or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and continue moving.

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Official Forms

License/Permit Application

Lost/Replacement License Application

Non-Driver ID Checklist

Name Change Form

Address Change Form

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DMV Hours and Locations

The DMV has offices conveniently located across the state. Click here to learn more about DMV office locations, schedules, and waiting times.

Have you ever visited the DMV and realized that you forgot a document? Now you can avoid that and save the trip by using the online services. You will be able to do the following:

If you have any questions, you can call the DMV at 888 99-VERMONT (888-998-3766). Their office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Correspondence should be sent to:

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05603-0001

Change your address.

Pay license reinstatement fees.

Renew your vehicle registration.

Find forms and applications.

Complete an interactive driver tutorial.

For general inquiries, you may contact customer service by email at: DMV.CommissionersOffice@vermont.gov

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