The Graduated Driver License Program

Please read the information having to do with Residency Requirements.

Download A Parent Guide To The Graduated Driver License ( 409.69KB).

Please remember that you may be required to provide two forms of identification in order to complete any type of driver license/permit transaction.

Individuals under the age of 18 who obtained a Learner's Permit after July 1, 2000, are subject to the provisions of Vermont's Graduated License laws, which are indicated below:

• An individual 15 years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle if they hold a valid Learner's Permit and are accompanied by one of the following people (riding in the vehicle beside the driver):
  • A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian.
  • A licensed or certified and unimpaired driver education instructor.
  • A licensed and unimpaired individual who is at least 25 years of age.
• To apply for a Learner's Permit, an individual must have maintained a "clean" driving record in the previous two (2) years.
• An individual must possess a Learner's Permit for at least one (1) year prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License.
• Prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License, an individual must complete an additional forty hours of practice behind the wheel, with at least ten hours being nighttime driving, while accompanied by one of the individuals indicated above who is riding beside the driver. Proof of this additional practice must be submitted to DMV at the time of application for a Junior Operator License, on a form provided by DMV and certified by one of the individuals indicated above. The Driving Practice Log Sheet ( 247.83KB) has been created for this purpose.
• An individual must have maintained a "clean" driving record without any Learner Permit recalls, suspensions or revocations for a six-month period prior to obtaining a Junior Operator License.
• While holding a Junior Operator License, the individual may not operate a vehicle in the course of their employment for one year following the issuance of the Junior Operator License. For example, an individual cannot act as a pizza delivery person (driver) until they have had their Junior Operator License for one year, or until they reach the age of 18 (whichever comes first).
• While holding a Junior Operator License, an individual may not carry passengers for hire.
• During the first three months of operation under a Junior Operator License, the individual is restricted to driving alone, or with one of the individuals indicated above. If one of those individuals is in the vehicle with them there is no restriction on the number of passengers they can transport in the vehicle. However, the driver is not allowed to transport more passengers than there are safety belts.
• During the second three months of operation under a Junior Operator License the individual may begin transporting immediate family members (siblings).
• After holding a Junior Operator License for six months there are no passenger restrictions.
• An individual must be 18 years of age to obtain an Operator License, and must have not had any recalls, suspensions or revocations during the previous six-month period.
• A Learner Permit or Junior Operator License is considered to be a "provisional license" which is recallable. Any of the following actions will result in the recall of an individual's Learner Permit or Junior Operator License:

1. Carrying passengers for hire - 90 day recall
2. Driving for employer/employment - 90 day recall
3. Recommendation from a Diversion/Reparative Board - 30 day recall
4. Points accumulation (for a single 3 point speeding violation or a 6 point total) - 90 day recall
5. Passenger age violation - 90 day recall
6. Passenger restrictions - 90 day recall

Identification & Legal Presence Requirements For Non-US Citizens

Vermont requires the following documentation for all applicants applying for or renewing a Vermont Driver License, Commercial Driver License/Permit, Learner Permit, or Non-Driver Identification (ID) Card:

• Proof of Lawful Presence with a minimum of 180 days remaining, and

• Proof of Identify (including proof of name changes), and

• Proof of Vermont residency if a legal permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

All documents must show the same name and/or date of birth, or an association between the information on the documents.  Additional documentation may be required if a connection between documents cannot be established (e.g. Marriage Certificate, Court Order of name change, Divorce Decree, etc.).

As part of a nationwide effort to enhance the issuance of secure identification credentials, Vermont requires the following documentation from non-U.S. citizens applying for a Vermont Driver License, Learner Permit or Non-Driver Identification (ID) Card:

1. All applicants must present the appropriate United States Citizen & Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS), or other U.S. government documents, which indicate their current status. Listing of Immigration Status which shows the Vermont DMV Credentials that can be issued and lists the documents that are required ( 44.17KB).

2. All applicants must provide their Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that they are ineligible to be issued a Social Security number.

3. All applicants must provide two forms of identification.

4. All documents must be valid at the time of application.

5. All applicants must provide proof of Vermont residency.

Expiration date of Vermont Leaner Permit and/or Driver License:  Expiration date will coincide with the expiration of valid legal status obtained from documentation provided.

Vermont Non-Driver Identification (ID) Cards will only be issued to non-U.S. citizens who are legal permanent residents, refugees or asylees, and provide proof of same.

Please remember that you may be required to provide two forms of identification in order to complete any type of driver license/permit transaction.