Vermont DMV Permit Test 2026

Who Can Get a Learner's Permit

In Vermont, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit (Level 1). If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign your application and accompany you to the DMV office.

Driver education: Vermont requires all applicants under 18 to complete an approved driver education program before they can advance to a Level 2 license. The program consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Online driver education is not accepted — in-person programs only. You can obtain the learner's permit before completing driver ed, but you cannot advance to Level 2 without it.

Residency: You must be a Vermont resident and provide documentation of your VT address at the DMV office.

Fees and What You Pay For

The Vermont learner's permit costs $40, paid at the DMV office when you apply. This fee covers the permit itself and the knowledge test.

If you fail the knowledge test and need to retake it, a fee applies for each retest attempt. You must wait until the next business day before retaking. There is no limit on the number of attempts.

Separate fees apply when you later advance to a Level 2 license or full license. Driver education course fees (charged by the school) are separate from DMV fees. Check the Vermont DMV website for a complete and current fee schedule.

Documents You Need

When you visit a Vermont DMV office, bring the following:

Vermont participates in the REAL ID program. If you want a REAL ID-compliant permit, you may need additional documents. The Vermont DMV website lists all acceptable document combinations.

Visiting a Vermont DMV Office

Vermont DMV offices accept walk-in visits for learner's permit applications and knowledge tests. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of week.

Vermont has DMV offices in Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Burlington, Rutland, Waterbury, and other locations throughout the state. Hours vary by office — check the Vermont DMV website before you go.

Plan for a visit of 30 to 60 minutes to complete the application, submit documents, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test.

The Knowledge Test

The Vermont DMV knowledge test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions — fewer than most states, which typically use 25 or 30 questions. All questions are drawn from the Vermont Driver's Manual. The test covers:

The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office. Road sign questions are embedded throughout the main test — there is no separate road signs test. There is no time limit.

Vermont-specific note: Vermont's manual places emphasis on rural driving — unmarked intersections, narrow roads, wildlife crossings, and winter conditions are all covered. Study these sections carefully.

Passing Score and Results

Results are displayed immediately after you finish the test. If you pass, the DMV will proceed with issuing your learner's permit before you leave.

Despite the shorter 20-question test, aim to score 90%+ in practice. With only 20 questions, missing even a couple can put you close to the failing boundary — a thorough understanding of the material leaves no room for surprises.

If You Don't Pass

If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next business day before retaking it. There is no limit on the total number of attempts.

Use the waiting period to review the Vermont Driver's Manual, focusing on the topics that tripped you up. Take additional practice tests until you are consistently passing with a strong margin.

Questions vary between attempts. Focus on understanding the rules behind each topic rather than memorizing specific questions — this approach will serve you on any combination of questions.

After You Pass

When you pass the knowledge test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit (Level 1) before you leave. Your permit is valid for 2 yearsfrom the date of issue. You can begin supervised driving the same day.

Supervision requirement: While driving with a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone.

You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and be at least 16 years old before applying for a Level 2 license. Start your supervised driving hours and driver education enrollment as early as possible.

Learner's Permit Rules

Vermont's GDL Program

Vermont's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program uses two levels before full licensure:

Getting Your Level 2 License (16+)

After completing the Level 1 requirements, you can apply for a Level 2 provisional license at age 16 or older.

Requirements:

Driver education must be completed at an approved in-person school. Online driver education programs do not satisfy Vermont's requirement.

Level 2 License Restrictions

Vermont's passenger restriction applies to anyone under 25 who is not an immediate family member — a notably broader age range than the under-18 passenger restrictions common in most states. Plan accordingly.

Getting Your Full License (18+)

Vermont GDL restrictions remain in place until you turn 18. At that point, all Level 2 restrictions — the curfew, the passenger limit, and the cell phone restriction as a GDL rule — are lifted and you receive a full driver's license with no special conditions.

Adults 18+ applying for their first license: No GDL process required. After passing the knowledge test and road skills test, a full license is issued directly. Driver education is not required for adults.

The Vermont Driver's Manual

The Vermont Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the DMV knowledge test. All 20 questions on the test come from this manual. It covers VT traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, the GDL program, and safe driving practices.

The manual is available as a free PDF from the Vermont DMV website and is published in English. Printed copies may be available at DMV offices.

Study tip: Vermont's rural character means the manual emphasizes topics like unmarked intersections (yield to the right), one-lane bridges, wildlife (moose) crossings, driving in ice and snow, and rules for passing on two-lane roads. These topics appear regularly on the test and are critical for real-world driving in Vermont.

Practice Tests

With only 20 questions on the real test, each question carries more weight — practice tests are essential to ensure you are rock-solid on every topic before your DMV visit.

DMV Question Bank: Take Vermont DMV practice tests on DMV Question Bank. Aim to score consistently above 90% before heading to the DMV.

Recommended approach: read the full Driver's Manual, take a practice test to find weak areas, review those sections, and repeat until you can pass every practice test with ease and a wide margin.

Supervised Driving Requirements

To qualify for a Level 2 license, Vermont teens must complete 40 hours of supervised driving during the Level 1 permit phase.

Your parent or guardian must certify the driving log when you apply for your Level 2 license. Make sure records are accurate and complete.

Vermont's varied terrain offers excellent practice opportunities — from Burlington's urban streets to mountain passes and rural back roads. Include a wide range of conditions: highway driving, small-town navigation, night driving, and winter weather preparation.

Also plan to enroll in driver education early. Vermont's approved programs include the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional instructor, which counts toward your overall preparation for the road skills test.

Quick Reference

Official Links