Northeast · Learner Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Vermont
Vermont issues learner permits at 15. The path to a junior operator’s license at 16 runs through driver education, 40 logged hours, and a full year on the permit.
Vermont permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner Permit |
| Supervised practice | 40 hours, including 10 at night |
| Minimum holding period | 12 months (a junior operator license requires the permit be held one year) |
| Issuing agency | Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Vermont?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15
- Practice hours
- 40 hours
- Waiting time
- 12 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 31/100. Easiest in the Northeast: New Hampshire (#5) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? New Hampshire is the only state with no learner’s permit — teens practice at 15½ with a licensed adult, no paperwork first. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Vermont permit date · ⚔️ Compare Vermont with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Vermont
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Vermont driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Vermont’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Vermont residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Vermont requires 40 hours, including 10 at night. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Vermont, that's 12 months (a junior operator license requires the permit be held one year). Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Vermont learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Vermont?
The minimum age is 15. Vermont calls this credential the Learner Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Vermont require?
Vermont requires 40 hours, including 10 at night. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Vermont?
The minimum holding period is 12 months (a junior operator license requires the permit be held one year) before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Vermont?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Vermont an easy state to get licensed in?
Vermont ranks #38 of 50 on our Ease Score (31/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.