by Jim Thompson | Last Updated: September 6, 2023

All first-time drivers under the age of 18 are required to complete a state-approved driver education course in order to get a Vermont driver license. A Vermont driver education course is designed to give you practical knowledge and skills that will keep you safe on the road and to make it easy for you to pass your written and driving skills tests.

Beginning Drivers Ed Vermont

To begin the Vermont licensing process, you must first obtain a learner permit. You can apply for this permit starting on your 15th birthday. To apply, you will need to visit your local Vermont DMV office and supply the following:

• A completed application form signed by your parent or legal guardian
• Proof of your identity, age and lawful US status. This may be accomplished by presenting an unexpired passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate
• Proof of your Social Security number
• Proof of your Vermont residency
• Pass a vision and a written permit test

To prepare yourself for the written test, you can study from a copy of the Vermont driver handbook or take advantage of a permit practice test. A permit practice test is formatted exactly like the examination you will see at the DMV. These questions, taken from actual DMV exams, will help improve your chances of passing your written test on the first try.

After you have completed this step, you are free to enroll in any state-approved driver education program. There is a list of driver training schools on the Vermont DMV website.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The state of Vermont does not currently accept online driver education courses as part of the licensing process. However, it may not be a bad idea to take one of these courses anyway as it will help to reinforce what you are learning in your drivers ed course as you prepare for your written permit exam.

How Vermont Driver Education Works

Vermont drivers ed can be taken at third-party private driving schools licensed by the state. These courses must consist of at least 30 hours of classroom training, six hours behind the wheel training and six hours of in-car observation.

Topics covered in the classroom portion include:

• Vermont driving law, regulations and violations
• Defensive driving techniques
• Safe driving attitudes and behaviors
• Sharing the road with others
• Vermont road signs, road markings and signals

After your driver education program is complete, your drivers ed provider will submit a certificate of course completion to the state on your behalf. Once the state has received this information, you will be eligible to apply for your driver license.

Getting Behind the Wheel after Drivers Ed Vermont

The next step in the graduated licensing program is to obtain a junior drivers license. This license will allow you to drive unsupervised but comes with a number of restrictions. For more information on how to obtain a junior license and the restrictions it carries, visit the Graduated License Law and Junior License pages of the Vermont DMV website.