Get your first driver's license in Vermont
A first-time Vermont driver passes the online permit test and applies for a learner's permit, practices with a qualified supervisor, then passes a road test by appointment; drivers under 18 get a junior license.
- Online or in person
- Start online · In person for the road testYou take the permit test online through myDMV, then apply for the permit and pay. Passing the test does not issue the permit by itself. The road test is in person. All exams are by appointment only; schedule through myDMV. The DMV's permit page does not say whether an office visit is needed for the permit itself.
- Cost
- $39 test + $24 permit + $23 road test + $39 or $62 licenseKnowledge test (learner's permit) $39, paid each time you take it; learner's permit (2 years) $24; road test $23; operator license $39 for 2 years or $62 for 4 years.
- You leave with
- Learner's permit, then a driver's license
Your plan
Gather your documents
0 of 4 ready · saved in this browser only
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Show accepted documents (bring 1)
- U.S. birth certificate (Original or certified copy)
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545)
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
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Show accepted documents
- A properly equipped vehicle with a valid inspection sticker and a parking brake that holds
- Proof of valid registration for the vehicle
- Proof of valid insurance (Showing the carrier, effective and expiration dates, the insured's name and the vehicle with its VIN)
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Study the Vermont Driver's Manual
The DMV says its Driver's Manual includes everything needed for obtaining a learner's permit.
Pass the online permit test
You must be at least 15. Take the test through myDMV. If you fail, wait at least one day; there is no limit on attempts, but you pay the test fee each time.
Apply for the permit and pay
After passing, you must apply for the permit; it is not issued automatically. The DMV reviews and checks your information. Your receipt serves as a temporary permit for 90 days; carry it when you drive.
Practice with a qualified supervisor
Drive only with a licensed, unimpaired person 25 or older in the front seat, a licensed, unimpaired parent or guardian, or a certified driver education instructor.
Schedule and pass the road test
All exams are by appointment only; schedule through myDMV. Bring a properly equipped vehicle with its registration and insurance. Vehicles can be rejected for worn tires, aftermarket front window tint, working dual controls, or a rental without the company's written permission.
Common reasons people get turned away
- Passing the online test without applying: the permit is not issued until you apply and pay.
- The vehicle is not properly registered and inspected: you will not be permitted to take the test. Bring proof of registration and insurance.
- The test vehicle is rejected (no valid inspection sticker, tires under 2/32 inch, front window tint, working dual controls, rental without permission).
- Driving illegally to the road test: you will not be tested that day.
- Under 18: the driving test cannot be scheduled until your instructor logs your driver education completion.
- Under 18: a permit recall, suspension or revocation in the last six months blocks the junior license.
Offices for permits, tests and first licenses
Vermont's permit test is taken online, and all DMV exams are by appointment only through myDMV. Town clerks do not process driver license transactions, and the CDL skills testing sites give CDL and motorcycle tests only. Agency source.
9 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now- Bennington DMV Office Bennington ✓ Listed for this office
- Dummerston DMV Office Dummerston ✓ Listed for this office
- Newport DMV Office Newport ✓ Listed for this office
- Rutland DMV Office Rutland ✓ Listed for this office
- Saint Albans DMV Office Saint Albans ✓ Listed for this office
- Saint Johnsbury DMV Office Saint Johnsbury ✓ Listed for this office
- South Burlington DMV Office South Burlington ✓ Listed for this office
- Springfield DMV Office Springfield ✓ Listed for this office
- White River Junction DMV Office White River Junction ✓ Listed for this office
1 more office where you may be able to apply for a permit or first license
Neither the office's service list nor the agency says these offices issue first driver's license. Call the office before you go.
- Montpelier DMV Office Montpelier
Read more
Sources · checked November 4, 2026
- Learner's Permit (Vermont DMV)
- Prepare for a Written Test (Vermont DMV)
- Junior Driver's License (Vermont DMV)
- Graduated License Laws (Vermont DMV)
- Driver's License (Vermont DMV)
- Prepare for a Road Test (Vermont DMV)
- Driver's License Fees (Vermont DMV)
- Identity Documents (Vermont DMV)
- Locations (Vermont DMV)
- Town Clerks (Vermont DMV)
- South Burlington CDL and Motorcycle Skills Testing (Vermont DMV)
- 23 V.S.A. § 617 Learner's permits (Vermont General Assembly)
We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.