How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Vermont?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Vermont. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Vermont?

Vermont intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Vermont?

In Vermont, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Vermont Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Vermont uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 12 months
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 25 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Passenger exceptions: First 3 months: no passengers except supervisor; months 3-6: immediate family only. No passengers restrictions after 6 months of clean driving.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension; clean record required for progression through stages

Vermont-Specific Information

Vermont is the only state without a universal nighttime driving curfew for intermediate license holders. Has a 12-month permit holding period. Passenger restrictions phase out over 6 months with clean driving. Cell phone ban applies to all drivers under 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Vermont gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Vermont at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Vermont at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

Prefer to learn online?

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

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.