How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Vermont
Applying for a learners permit in Vermont is a step that must be completed before obtaining an unrestricted driving license in the state, regardless of your age. Overall, you can obtain a drivers permit by submitting a paper application to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, be mindful that this credential will include certain driving restrictions, since its purpose is to prepare future motorists for the responsibilities of holding the full driver’s license.
Applicants for a VT DMV learners permit will have to meet several requirements, such as passing the initial licensing exams and submitting several types of paperwork. Furthermore, the criteria to obtain this type of learning license may vary to a certain degree depending on the applicant’s age.
As an example, motorists who are younger than 18 years of age will have to meet additional criteria to prove that they are allowed to apply for a driving credential. To learn more about getting a learners permit in Vermont, read the following sections.
Vermont Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines
Ensuring that you meet the Vermont drivers permit requirements before submitting your application is an important step. The standard learners permit criteria include:
- You are at least 15 years of age.
- You are a state resident or an out-of-state driver enrolled in a VT-approved driver education course.
- You are lawfully present in the U.S. on a permanent or temporary basis.
- You are physically and mentally fit to operate a vehicle.
- You have your parent’s permission to apply, if younger than 18 years of age.
- You have the knowledge required to safely operate a vehicle.
- You have the paperwork needed to verify your eligibility.
Before making a visit to a nearby DMV office to apply for a learners permit in Vermont, ensure that you have the full set of documents needed to apply for this credential. You will have to collect paperwork from each of these categories: proof of identity and date of birth, proof of state residency, proof of legal U.S. status and proof of Social Security Number (SSN).
As a primary proof of identity and date of birth during your DMV learners permit application, you may submit a valid passport, birth certificate or state-issued photo identification. If you are a not a citizen, you will need to submit the corresponding documents that verify your immigration status.
On the other hand, as proofs of state residency, you will need to provide paperwork that displays your street address, such as utility bills or financial statements. Finally, to prove your SSN, you can use your Social Security card or a letter of ineligibility, provided that you were not issued a Social Security Number.
How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Vermont
If you are wondering where to get learners permit in Vermont, note that you will be required to submit the necessary paperwork and fee payment in person through a nearby DMV office. The process of getting a learners permit includes the following steps:
- Fill out the Application for License/Permit (Form VL-021). Have your parent or legal guardian sign the form if you are between 15 and 18 years of age.
- Submit the full set of documents.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Pass the vision screening and the knowledge exam.
- Arrange payment for the applicable fee.
The department will issue your VT drivers permit once it verifies that you meet the full set of requirements outlined in the previous section. Note that you can also expedite the procedure by scheduling your DMV visit through the state’s official appointment scheduling system.
The Vermont Drivers Permit Test
First-time motorists will have to pass the DMV permit test in Vermont in order to prove that they have the necessary knowledge to safely operate a motor vehicle on public roads. The VT drivers permit test will include 20 questions on topics such as traffic signs and signals, road rules and safe driving practices.
You must correctly answer at least 16 of these multiple-choice questions in order to pass the test. If you do not speak English or you are unable to read properly, the DMV will make accommodations.
To prepare for this learners permit exam, you will have to study a driver’s manual in detail, which covers all of the topics that are relevant to a first-time motorist. Moreover, you can take a DMV practice permit test to supplement your study plan.
These practice exams are designed to reflect the official test you will need to pass at a VT DMV office. If you fail to pass a learners permit test in Vermont, you will have to wait at least one day in order to retake it.
Vermont Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions
Since the purpose of the Vermont learning license is to prepare motorists for obtaining an unrestricted credential, it will include certain driving restrictions. Therefore, permit holders must review the applicable driving permit rules and respect them while operating a motor vehicle in VT.
For instance, you will only be allowed to drive as long as you are accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, driving instructor or motorist who is older than 24 years of age. Furthermore, the accompanying driver must be seated beside you at all times.
Vermont Learner Permit Fees
When applying for a Vermont DMV learners permit, motorists will be required to pay for the applicable licensing fees. While the learner permit fee currently amounts to $20, it is subject to change without notice. On the other hand, the cost for the learner permit knowledge test is set at $32.
Vermont Drivers Permit Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Learners Permit from Vermont.gov