Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Vermont. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Vermont who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Vermont Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must sign the application.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Two proofs of identification, age and proof of Vermont residency. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The learner's permit fee of $15 and the exam fee of $25.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. (It is recommended that you make an appointment for your exams. Call Central Scheduling at (802) 828 2085). If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which you have to hold for at least one year before you can apply for the Junior Operator License.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older or a driver education instructor or your parent/guardian. This person must sit beside you.

THE JUNIOR OPERATOR LICENSE

You are eligible for a Junior Operator License if you are at least 16 years of age and meet the following requirements:

1. You have held a learner's permit for at least one year.
2. You have successfully completed an approved driver education course and have a certificate to prove it.
3. You have a completed driving practice log sheet (form TA-VN-210) signed by your parent or guardian certifying that you have completed a minimum of 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience ten of which was at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver).
4. You have a clean driving record for the last six months.
5. You have parental consent and you provide all the documents that you did to get your learner's permit.
6. You pass the road test.

Driving restrictions for Junior Operator License holders:

1. During the first three months you can carry passengers only if you have a supervising driver accompanying you.
2. During the second three months you may carry immediate family members and after six months there are no passenger restrictions as long as everyone is wearing a seat belt.
3. You are not permitted to carry passengers for hire and during the first year you are not permitted to use a vehicle in the course of employment.

THE OPERATOR LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. A junior driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you have a clean driving record over the previous six months.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Vermont, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.