Vermont permit test

Test requirements, handbook sources, and practice for Vermont.

Test and permit facts

Read the scope and exceptions alongside each fact. Requirements still awaiting review are omitted; their absence does not mean the agency has no rule.

Fact	Vermont	Source
Agency	Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 4
Test name	online permit test	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 13
Test format details	The published 20-question, 16-correct format describes the online knowledge test.	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 19
Questions	20	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 19
Correct answers to pass	16	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 19
Online testing	The learner-permit test is online rather than at DMV offices. Passing and paying the fees are required before permit issuance.	Official source 1Checked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 3 Official source 2Checked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 13
Minimum permit age	15	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 13
Permit fee	$39 for the learner knowledge test and $24 for the two-year permit, paid as separate examination and permit charges.	Official source 1Checked October 26, 2026 Official source 2Checked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 24
Permit validity	The standard learner’s permit is valid for two years. This term does not describe a motorcycle learner permit or a temporary receipt.	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026
Driver’s education	For the junior license at age 16 or 17, state-approved driver education includes 30 classroom hours, six hours at the wheel and six observing. This course applies to the junior license, after the learner permit.	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 14
Retest rules	Wait at least one day after failing a knowledge test. The test fee is due for each attempt.	Official source 1Checked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 19 Official source 2Checked October 25, 2026
Test languages	English, American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Mandarin Chinese, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian	Official sourceChecked October 26, 2026
Handbook	Vermont Driver’s Manual	Official sourceChecked October 26, 2026
Handbook edition	2025	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 1
Requirements for applicants under 18	Applicants ages 15–17 need a parent or legal guardian to authorize and sign their application before testing, unless emancipated. A foreign exchange student may use parental authorization form VL-036; a host parent cannot sign. Applicants younger than 18 also need a clean driving record for the prior two years. Ask DMV about any extra wait after a recall, suspension or revocation.	Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 13

Official sources differ: Documents to bring

The handbook general two-document list and learner-specific one-document paragraph have distinct scopes, retained below. Current learner-specific residency instructions still ask for one document, supplied by a parent or guardian for a minor; the current written-test checklist asks for two mail pieces and genuinely overlaps that permit rule. Current general residency instructions ask for two documents, allow mail for only one, and have a separate minor-certification/parent-document exception. Do not choose a universal one- or two-document rule or erase the overlapping current instructions.

Bring proof of identity and birth date, Social Security information, and Vermont residence. Lawful-status proof is required for Real ID or an enhanced credential; an enhanced credential also requires US citizenship evidence., Use originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Supply legal name-change evidence if your documents use a different name., The learner-permit-specific residency instructions call for one approved address document, supplied by a parent or guardian for a minor. General current residency instructions call for two documents; their minor exception uses a minor residency certification, one parent address document and evidence of the parent or guardian relationship. The minor certification cannot be used at age 18 or older., The written-test checklist separately asks for two pieces of mail with the applicant’s name and Vermont street address. The general residency page permits mail for only one supporting document. These instructions overlap with the learner-permit-specific one-document rule; confirm the applicable checklist with DMV., A nonresident may obtain this permit only for a Vermont driver education course and must supply a school enrollment letter.
Official source 1Checked October 27, 2026PDF page 9
Bring proof of identity and birth date, Social Security information, and Vermont residence. Lawful-status proof is required for Real ID or an enhanced credential; an enhanced credential also requires US citizenship evidence., Use originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Supply legal name-change evidence if your documents use a different name., The learner-permit-specific residency instructions call for one approved address document, supplied by a parent or guardian for a minor. General current residency instructions call for two documents; their minor exception uses a minor residency certification, one parent address document and evidence of the parent or guardian relationship. The minor certification cannot be used at age 18 or older., The written-test checklist separately asks for two pieces of mail with the applicant’s name and Vermont street address. The general residency page permits mail for only one supporting document. These instructions overlap with the learner-permit-specific one-document rule; confirm the applicable checklist with DMV., A nonresident may obtain this permit only for a Vermont driver education course and must supply a school enrollment letter.
Official source 2Checked October 27, 2026PDF page 10
Bring proof of identity and birth date, Social Security information, and Vermont residence. Lawful-status proof is required for Real ID or an enhanced credential; an enhanced credential also requires US citizenship evidence., Use originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Supply legal name-change evidence if your documents use a different name., The learner-permit-specific residency instructions call for one approved address document, supplied by a parent or guardian for a minor. General current residency instructions call for two documents; their minor exception uses a minor residency certification, one parent address document and evidence of the parent or guardian relationship. The minor certification cannot be used at age 18 or older., The written-test checklist separately asks for two pieces of mail with the applicant’s name and Vermont street address. The general residency page permits mail for only one supporting document. These instructions overlap with the learner-permit-specific one-document rule; confirm the applicable checklist with DMV., A nonresident may obtain this permit only for a Vermont driver education course and must supply a school enrollment letter.
Official source 3Checked October 27, 2026PDF page 12
General Vermont-residency instructions list two current-address mail items, or two listed alternative documents when mail is not delivered to the street address.
Official source 4Checked October 27, 2026PDF page 11
The learner-permit-specific residency paragraph asks for one listed residence document, supplied by the parent or guardian for a minor.
Official source 5Checked October 27, 2026PDF page 11
The current learner-permit residency instructions ask for one approved residence document. A parent or guardian supplies it for a minor; the general minor list additionally specifies a minor residency certification and relationship evidence.
Official source 6Checked October 27, 2026
The current general residency instructions ask for two current-address documents and allow mail to serve as only one document, with a separate minor certification/parent-document route.
Official source 7Checked October 27, 2026
The written/knowledge-test checklist asks for two mail pieces showing the applicant’s name and Vermont street address.
Official source 8Checked October 27, 2026

Confirm the applicable rule with the agency before relying on either statement.

Official sources differ: Agency offices and appointments

The current locations FAQ distinguishes exams (appointment required) from other services (appointment recommended, not required). Physical handbook page 7 says all visits are appointment-only.

The registered handbook lists DMV offices in Bennington, Dummerston, Montpelier, Newport, Rutland, Saint Albans, Saint Johnsbury, South Burlington, Springfield and White River Junction., The current DMV locations page requires appointments for exams and recommends them for other services without requiring them. The handbook says every office visit needs an appointment. Confirm arrangements for your service with DMV; booking is available at mydmv.vermont.gov or 888-970-0357.
Official source 1Checked October 27, 2026PDF page 7
Exams require an appointment; appointments for other services are recommended but not required.
Official source 2Checked October 27, 2026

Confirm the applicable rule with the agency before relying on either statement.

Start with the handbook

Vermont Driver’s Manual

Official sourceChecked October 27, 2026 · PDF page 1

Study the federal road-sign catalog.

Free permit practice

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