General Information

In order to provide instruction for hire, in driving motor vehicles, individuals must be licensed. Those persons teaching driver education outside of a school system must be licensed through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Once licensed, instructors must work for a driver training school which has been licensed through the DMV.

Standard Driver Training Instructor licensing process:

Submit Driver Training Instructor License Application ( 86.92KB). Include application fee of $70. After the applicant has met all licensing qualifications, licensing fees in the amount of $50 will be required.

CDL Driver Training Instructor licensing process:

Submit Driver Training Instructor License Application ( 86.92KB). Include application fee of $70. After the applicant has met all licensing qualifications, licensing fees in the amount of $50 will be required.

Driver Training School Licensing

When teaching driver education, a DMV licensed driving instructor must instruct under the license of a DMV licensed driver training school.

Standard Driver Training School licensing process:

Submit Driver Training School Application ( 83.62KB). Include application fee of $100. After all driver training school requirements have been met, licensing fees in the amount of $150 will be required.

CDL Driver Training School licensing process:

Submit Driver Training School Application ( 83.62KB). Include application fee of $100. After all driver training school requirements have been met, licensing fees in the amount of $150 will be required.

If you need any more information please contact:

Marty Bingham Dexter
Driver Training Coordinator
Phone 802-828-2114
Email marty.dexter@state.vt.us

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Instructor Qualifications

Regulatory Guidance:  23 V.S.A § 705, 706; APA rule (1)

Overview:  Due to prior experience and education, some instructor-applicants are determined to be fully qualified to be licensed, while others might have to complete various educational and testing requirements.

A fully qualified applicant for standard training is one who holds a Vermont Board of Education Teaching Certificate, which is endorsed for driver education. For these applicants, no testing or additional education is required for initial licensing.

Educational and testing requirements for other applicants are listed below.

Standard Driver Training (Pleasure car type)

Applicant has a teaching certificate not endorsed for driver education:

State College External Degree Program

This program is conducted once a year in the central Vermont area. Information can be obtained by calling the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative at 802-498-3350. The program includes, but is not limited to the following units:

• Zone Control
• Driver Education 1
• Driver Education 2
• In-Car Teaching Techniques

OR

Keene State College – Manchester, NH

The Safety Center program is conducted several times a year. Contact the college for scheduling specifics. Information can be obtained by calling 603-358-2290. The program may include the following courses:

• Introduction to Traffic Safety
• Methods of Teaching Driver and Traffic Safety Education
• Contemporary Issues and Methods in Traffic Safety

OR

American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association – Teacher Credentialing/Certification Program

This program is conducted at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The course is designed to prepare prospective driver education teachers for national credentialing or certification. The program includes the following courses:

• Driving Task Analysis
• Developing Driver Skills and Competencies
• Developing Classroom Knowledge

OR

Other recognized courses that are specifically designed to prepare teachers for the task of delivering driver education. Other courses will be reviewed individually for content and validity.

AND

• A recognized course on the effects of alcohol and drug use.
• Complete DMV driver license examination.
• Written test based on approved driver training materials (test administered by DMV)

Applicant does not hold a Vermont Board of Education Teaching Certificate:

• Completion of the requirements listed above.
• Coursework, such as Educational Psychology, that provides knowledge and skills pertaining to the principles of teaching and learning.
• 60 hours of classroom teaching experience. This may be documented as either student teaching time or classroom teaching experience that may have been obtained in other fields.

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CDL Instructor Qualifications

All applicants:

• Must hold valid CDL license
• Must pass CDL written examinations: General, Air, Combination, Tank, Doubles and Triples, and Hazardous Materials
• Must pass written test based on CDL driver training materials and state rules and regulations
• Must pass complete CDL skills tests

In addition to the above applicants who will be providing training in passenger vehicles:

• Must hold valid CDL license with passenger endorsement
• Must pass written and skills passenger endorsement tests

In addition to the above applicants who will be providing training in school buses:

• Must hold valid CDL license with passenger and school bus endorsement
• Must pass written and skills school bus endorsement tests

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DMV Regulations (Statute)

Title 23: Motor Vehicle Law of Vermont
Chapter 9: Operators' Licenses

§ 701. Definitions
The following terms when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates different meaning:
(1) "Commissioner" means the Vermont commissioner of motor vehicles.
(2) "Department" means the Vermont motor vehicle department.
(3) "Driver training" means the instruction for hire in the driving of motor vehicles or in the preparation of an applicant for examination given by the department for a driver's license, but not including instruction given by employers to their employees.
(4) "Driver training school" means any person engaged in providing driver training through one or more instructors, but not including a public or private school conducting a course in driver training approved by the board of education.
(5) "Established place of business" means a location approved by the commissioner at which the business of a driver's training school is transacted and at which its records are kept.
(6) "Instructor" means any person engaged in giving driver training.
(7) The terms "licensee" and "applicant" as applied to a firm, partnership, or association include the members thereof and as applied to a corporation include the officers and directors thereof.
(8) "Person" means any individual, combination of individuals, firm, partnership, or corporation; whenever used in any provision of this subchapter which prescribes or imposes a fine or imprisonment, or both, the term "person," as applied to a firm, partnership, or association, shall include the members thereof and, as applied to a corporation, the officers thereof; a firm, partnership, association, or corporation may be subjected as an entity to the payment of a fine. (1959, No. 153, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 1999, No. 110 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)

§ 702. Training school and instructor's licenses
No person shall operate a driver training school or act as an instructor unless a license therefore has been secured from the commissioner. Applications for such licenses may be filed with the commissioner and shall contain such information and shall be on such forms as the commissioner may prescribe. Each application for a driver's training school license shall be accompanied by an application fee of $100.00 which shall not be refunded. If such application is approved by the commissioner, the applicant upon payment of an additional fee of $150.00 shall be granted a license which shall become void two years from the first day of the month of issue unless sooner revoked as herein provided. The renewal fee shall be $150.00. Each application for an instructor's license shall be accompanied by an application fee of $70.00 which shall not be refunded. If such application is approved by the commissioner, the applicant upon payment of an additional fee of $50.00 shall be granted a license which shall become void two years from the first day of the month of issue unless sooner revoked as herein provided. The renewal fee shall be $50.00. (1959, No. 153, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 1989, No. 51, § 41; 1997, No. 59, § 75, eff. June 30, 1997.)

§ 703. Possession of license
Each person granted a driver's training school license shall display the same conspicuously on the school premises. Each person granted an instructor's license shall carry the same in his or her possession while engaged in giving driver training. In case of loss, mutilation, or destruction of a license certificate, the commissioner shall issue a duplicate certificate upon payment of a fee of $5.00. (1959, No. 153, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 1989, No. 51, § 42.)

§ 704. Qualifications for training school license
Each applicant in order to qualify for a driver's training school license shall meet the following requirements:
(1) not have been convicted of a felony nor incarcerated for a felony within the ten years prior to the date of application;
(2) maintain an established place of business open to the public;
(3) provide evidence that he or she maintains bodily injury and property damage liability insurance on each motor vehicle being used in driver training, insuring the liability of the driver training school and the operator of each motor vehicle for each instructor and of any person while using any such motor vehicle with the permission of the named insured in at least the following amount: $300,000.00 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, $500,000.00 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and $100,000.00 for damage to property of others in any one accident. Evidence of such insurance coverage shall be in the form of a certificate from an insurance company authorized to do business in this state filed with the commissioner setting forth the amount of coverage and providing that the policy of insurance shall be noncancelable except after 15 days' written notice to the commissioner;
(4) have the equipment necessary to the giving of proper instruction in the operation of motor vehicles;
(5) pay the application and license fees prescribed in section 702 of this title. (1959, No. 153, § 4, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 1981, No. 136 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; 1999, No. 110 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

§ 705. Qualifications for instructor's license
In order to qualify for an instructor's license, each applicant shall:
(1) not have been convicted of:
(A) a felony nor incarcerated for a felony within the 10 years prior to the date of application; or
(B) a violation of section 1201 of this title, or a conviction reported to the commissioner pursuant to subdivision 3905(a)(2) of this title within the three years prior to the date of application; or
(C) a subsequent conviction for an offense listed in subdivision 2502(a)(5) of this title;
(2) pass such examination as the commissioner shall require on: (A) traffic laws, (B) safe driving practices, (C) operation of motor vehicles, and (D) qualifications as a teacher;
(3) be physically able to operate a motor vehicle and to train others in such operation;
(4) shall have five years' experience as a licensed operator and be at least 21 years of age on date of application;
(5) pay the application and license fees prescribed in section 702 of this title. (1959, No. 153, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 1999, No. 110 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)

§ 706. Powers of commissioner
The commissioner may by rule prescribe requirements and standards for driver training, operation of driver training schools and conduct of instructors. The charges for such driver training shall be subject to the approval of the commissioner. (1959, No. 153, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1960.)

§ 707. Records required; maintenance of vehicles
Every driver's training school licensee shall keep a record on such forms as the commissioner may prescribe showing the name and address of each instructor, the instruction license number of such instructor, the particular type of instruction given and how much time was given to each type of instruction and such other information as the commissioner may require. Such record shall be open to the inspection of the department at all reasonable times but shall be for the confidential use of the department. Every driver's training school licensee shall maintain all vehicles used in driver training in safe mechanical condition at all times. (1959, No. 153, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1960.)

§ 708. Refusal to issue license
The commissioner may refuse to issue a license to any applicant for a driver's training school license or instructor's license when he or she is satisfied that:
(1) the applicant has not met the applicable requirements of sections 704 and 705 of this title;
(2) the applicant has made a material false statement or concealed a material fact in connection with the application;
(3) the applicant was previously the holder of a driver's training school or instructor's license which was revoked, suspended or refused renewal;
(4) the applicant has been convicted of a felony or any crime involving violence, dishonesty, or deceit;
(5) the applicant is not the true owner of the driver training school. (1959, No. 153, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 1999, No. 110 (Adj. Sess.), § 7.)

§ 709. Suspension and revocation
(a) The commissioner may at any time cancel, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any driver's training school or instructor's license when he or she is satisfied that:
(1) the licensee fails to meet the applicable requirements for a license under sections 704 and 705 of this title;
(2) under the circumstances the commissioner would have the right under the provisions of section 708 of this title to refuse to issue a license if the licensee were then making application therefore;
(3) the licensee represents himself or herself as an agent or employee of the department or uses advertising designed to lead persons, or which would reasonably have the effect of leading persons, to believe that such licensee is an employee or representative of the department;
(4) the licensee has willfully violated the provisions of section 705 of this title;
(5) the licensee has failed to comply with the rules of the commissioner made pursuant to this subchapter.
(b) Notwithstanding the renewal of a license, the commissioner may revoke or suspend such license for causes prescribed in this section although such causes occurred during license periods prior to the renewal. (1959, No, 153, § 9, eff. Jan. 1, 1960.)

§ 710. Hearing and appeal
Each holder of a driver's training school or instructor's license under this section shall be entitled to notice and hearing prior to cancellation, suspension, revocation, or failure by the department to renew the license of such licensee. Hearings under the provisions of this section shall be held in accordance with the provisions of sections 105-107 of this title, and at such time and place as the commissioner may determine. (1959, No. 153, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 1960.)

§ 711. Penalties
Any person who operates a driver training school or acts as an instructor without a license shall be fined not more than $500.00. (1959, No. 153, § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1960; amended 2003, No. 109 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

Title 16: Education Laws of Vermont
Chapter 23: Courses Of Study
Driver training course

§ 1045. Driver training course
(a) A driver education and training course, approved by the department of education and the department of motor vehicles shall be made available to pupils whose parent or guardian is a resident of Vermont and who have reached their fifteenth birthday and who are regularly enrolled in a public or independent high school approved by the state board.
(b) After June 30, 1984, all driver education courses shall include a course of instruction, approved by the state board and the council on the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving.
(c) All driver education courses shall include instruction on motor vehicle liability insurance and the motor vehicle financial responsibility laws of the state. (Added 1969, No. 298 (Adj. Sess.), § 69; amended 1975, No. 1 (Sp. Sess.), § 10, eff. Oct. 22, 1975; 1983, No. 51, § 5, eff. April 22, 1983; 1985, No. 77, § 6; 1991, No. 24, § 11.)

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DMV Rules

Operation of Commercial Driver Training Schools and Instructors Giving Driver Training Instructions for Hire

a compendium of Vermont state rules

(reference Administrative Procedures)

Advertising

Section (i) A licensee shall not publish, advertise or intimate that an operator's license is guaranteed or assured.

Section (j) Advertisements and promotional literature shall be devoid of false, misleading or exaggerated information or impressions. Advertisements shall contain the name, business address and telephone number of the school. No school shall use the term "accredited" or any of its synonyms unless it also indicates the agency or organization granting such accreditation. Driver Training Schools may use the words “licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles". Other wording which suggests compliance with state rules or statutes, or the word "approved" or any of its synonyms shall not be used.

Address

Section (c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles must be notified of any change of address within thirty days. No Driver Training School may change the location of its facilities without prior approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Compliance Reviews

Section (u) Driver Training Schools shall be open to inspection and evaluation by authorized DMV personnel during reasonable business hours. Such inspection and evaluation may require that DMV personnel be present at actual classroom, range and on-the road training sessions.

Facilities

Section (n) Driver Training Schools must provide proof of zoning compliance or a signed statement from a municipal government agency upon application for initial licensure.

Section (o) Each driver training school shall provide a classroom facility which:

1. is free of distracting influences and is used exclusively for driver education instruction during the instructional period;
2. provides classroom space with a minimum of 30 square feet per student and an area of at least 180 square feet of useable space;
3. has adequate heat, light, ventilation, sanitary facilities and is in compliance with local fire and building codes;
4. has available supplemental teaching aids and audiovisual equipment necessary for effective classroom presentations.

Section (p) The training range area for commercial motor vehicle training must encompass an area of a minimum of 20,000 square feet suitable for commercial motor vehicle training, and must be posted or barricaded so as to prevent other vehicular traffic from entering the area. The configuration of the training range area must be approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Instructors

Section (a) Each school must have at least one licensed driver training instructor. The driver training instructor must, in addition to the driver training instructor license, hold a valid drivers license or CDL with the appropriate class and endorsement applicable for the type of instruction being given.

Section (l) An applicant for an instructor’s license will be required to submit to such physical, written, and road tests, or to furnish such other proof of his/her qualifications as an instructor as the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require.

Section (m) An applicant for an instructor's license must be at least twenty-one years of age on date of application.

Section (s) Qualified persons who are contracted or employed as guest speakers or instructors, or those who provide specialized components of instruction only, are exempted from the general requirements pertaining to licensing of instructors. The use of these types of instructors or guest speakers must be approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

License

Section (b) Driver Training School licenses are not transferable. In the event of any change of ownership or interest in the business, an application for a new license must be filed. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall be notified immediately in the event the school is sold or ceases operation and the existing license returned to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Montpelier, VT.

Section (h) Each person granted a Driver Training School license shall display the same conspicuously on the school premises.

Records and Reports

Section (e) Each licensee shall maintain the following records setting forth the name, date of birth, license or permit number, start and finish dates of instruction, total fees collected from each student and student's certificate number if applicable; instruction license number of the instructor who provided the instruction, and the number of hours and category of instruction provided. Such records shall be open to inspection by any properly identified employee of the Department of Motor Vehicles during reasonable business hours; but shall be for the confidential use of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Section (f) The loss, mutilation, or destruction of any records which a driver training school is required to maintain as outlined in paragraph (e) above, must be reported to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles immediately, stating the date and circumstances involving such loss, destruction, or mutilation.

Section (g) Any records required under these rules shall at all times be up-to-date and must be retained for the period which includes the present and immediate prior license period.

School Ownership

Section (d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles must be notified in writing of any change in partners, or any change in officers or directors of any corporation holding a license. In such case, each new partner of a partnership or each new officer or director of a corporation must supply the same information as required on an original application of the partnership or corporation.

Training

Section (k) During instruction no one shall occupy the front seat of the motor vehicle except the instructor and the student operating the vehicle. No child under the age of fifteen shall be permitted to be in the vehicle while driving instructions are being given.

Section (r) Driver Training Schools shall meet the following'

1. All course offerings and curriculums must be approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
2. Driver training administered in accordance with 23 V.S.A. § 607 may mirror the standards which are recommended or mandated by the Department of Education.
3. The training of commercial drivers shall follow a curriculum which is approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, and which is consistent with national commercial vehicle training standards, recommendations and guidance.
4. All classroom, behind-the-wheel and range training must be conducted with a licensed driver training instructor present.
5. Classroom training shall be conducted for groups not in excess of 30 students.
6. Classroom and behind-the-wheel training shall be conducted concurrently, except with specific approval of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Section (t) Instructors shall not use the Department of Motor Vehicles-designated road test routes as the basis for behind-the-wheel training.

Vehicles

Section (q) Each driver training school shall provide vehicles which;

1. meet the mechanical condition requirements of the Vermont Periodic Inspection Manual and, when applicable, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Vehicles are subject to inspection by DMV personnel at any time during normal business hours;
2. are properly registered, inspected and insured;
3. are equipped with a dual-control brake system, except school buses and those commercial vehicles which are used solely for range training;
4. are equipped with instructor's inside mirror/s which provides the instructor unobstructed vision to the rear of the vehicle and which enables the instructor to observe eye movements of the student driver, except commercial vehicles which shall be equipped with outside mirrors which afford the instructor enhanced vision to the sides and rear of the vehicle;.
5. are marked with sign/s identifying it as a driver training vehicle and which are visible for a distance of at least 100 feet. Passenger cars shall be marked on the rear of the vehicle, commercial vehicles shall be marked on both the front and rear of the vehicle.

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