How to Get Your Driver's License in Vermont

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Vermont. Vermont uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.5.

GDL Stages in Vermont

1

Learner's Permit

Age 15+ 12 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Complete driver education course
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older or a parent/guardian
2

Junior License

Age 16+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 12 months
  • Complete 40 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No statutory nighttime curfew
  • Passengers are limited to family members and one additional passenger for the first 3 months
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 16.5+

Requirements

  • Hold junior license for at least 6 months
  • Clean driving record

Restricted License Rules

  • Vermont does not impose a nighttime driving curfew, which is unusual among GDL states.
  • Passengers are limited to family and one additional person for the first 3 months. After 3 months, the passenger restriction is lifted.

How restrictions lift: Passenger restrictions ease after 3 months. The junior license converts to a full license at 16 and a half.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from junior license restrictions and may apply directly for a full license.

Vermont-Specific Information

Vermont is one of the very few states that does not include a nighttime driving curfew in its GDL program. The IIHS has flagged this as a notable gap, since nighttime driving restrictions are considered one of the most effective GDL provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 16.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Vermont.

Vermont uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Junior License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • Vermont does not impose a nighttime driving curfew, which is unusual among GDL states.
  • Passengers are limited to family and one additional person for the first 3 months. After 3 months, the passenger restriction is lifted.

Adults age 18 and older in Vermont can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from junior license restrictions and may apply directly for a full license.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Vermont learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Vermont.

Vermont drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.