What's the passing score for the Vermont written test?

You must answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly, which equals an 80% passing score on the Vermont written knowledge test.

How much does the Vermont written knowledge test cost?

The application fee to take the Vermont written knowledge test is $39.00. Once you pass the test, an additional fee of $24.00 applies to obtain your learner's permit.

How old do I have to be to take the Vermont permit test?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit and take the written knowledge test in Vermont. You must also be a Vermont resident or enrolled in a Vermont Driver Education program.

Can I take the Vermont DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

The Vermont written knowledge test is primarily offered in English. However, interpreter services may be available; contact your local Vermont DMV office to inquire about language accommodations and availability.

How many times can I retake the Vermont written test?

You can retake the Vermont written test if you don't pass. You must wait at least one day before retaking the test. If you fail three times, you must wait one full month before attempting the test again.

Is the Vermont permit test online or in person?

The Vermont written knowledge test is administered in person at a Vermont DMV office by appointment only. All tests are scheduled through mydmvlearnerspermit.vermont.gov or by calling 888-970-0357.

What documents do I need to bring to the Vermont DMV?

You'll need proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number, proof of Vermont residency, and if you're under 18, parental consent form with a parent or legal guardian signature. Check dmv.vermont.gov for a complete list of acceptable documents.

How to Get Your Vermont Driver License: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Vermont's driver licensing process is designed to ensure new drivers have solid knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices before taking to the roads. The learner's permit test is a straightforward 20-question written knowledge exam administered by the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. This compact but comprehensive exam evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, DUI laws, and accident procedures. Applicants must be at least 15 years old and Vermont residents to apply. Vermont's Graduated License Law requires you to hold your learner's permit for one full year before taking the road skills test—this extended practice period ensures new drivers build solid skills under supervision. All testing in Vermont is by appointment, and the department provides study materials and online resources to help you prepare. This guide covers eligibility requirements, documents you'll need, how to ace the written test, the road skills exam, fee details, and common reasons people fail so you can pass confidently.

1. Eligibility — who can apply

Vermont welcomes new drivers to apply for a learner's permit starting at age 15. At this age, you can begin supervised driving practice with a licensed adult present—typically a parent, guardian, or other approved supervisor who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid driver's license. To apply, you must be a Vermont resident and provide proof of identity and your Social Security Number. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your application. Adults 18 and older can apply directly for a full driver's license without first obtaining a learner's permit, though passing the knowledge test is still required. Vermont's Graduated License Law includes important stage-based restrictions: learner's permit holders must drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle, and there are limits on nighttime driving and passenger numbers. Provisional license holders (ages 16–18 with a provisional license) have additional restrictions before reaching the age of unrestricted licensure. Understanding these progression requirements helps you plan your licensing timeline. Vermont residency can be established through recent utility bills, lease agreements, school enrollment, or other official mail with your name and Vermont address.

2. Documents you'll need

Before visiting a Vermont DMV office for your written test appointment, gather all required identification and proof documents. You'll need a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate (original or certified copy), state ID card, or other government-issued ID. Proof of your Social Security Number is required—acceptable documents include your Social Security card, W-2, pay stub, tax return, or an official letter from the Social Security Administration. To prove Vermont residency, bring one of these: a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease or mortgage statement, school enrollment letter, bank statement, or official mail from a government agency with your name and Vermont address from within the last 60 days. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must bring their own valid ID and a completed parental consent form (available at your local DMV office or on the Vermont DMV website). Some applicants may need additional documentation depending on citizenship status. Check dmv.vermont.gov for the most current requirements and acceptable document combinations. Having all documents organized and ready before your appointment helps ensure a smooth, efficient visit without delays.

3. The Vermont written knowledge test

Vermont's written knowledge test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, driving under the influence (DUI), and accident procedures. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly (80% passing score) to pass. The application fee is $39.00 for taking the test. Once you pass and receive your learner's permit, an additional fee of $24.00 applies. Applicants must be at least 15 years old. The test is administered in person at a Vermont DMV office by appointment—Vermont uses appointment-only testing to manage demand efficiently. You'll take the test on a computer or paper test format, depending on your local DMV office. You have adequate time to complete all questions without time pressure, which reduces test anxiety. Results are provided immediately after completion. You can retake the test with a minimum one-day waiting period between attempts if you don't pass. If you fail three times, you must wait one full month before retesting. The test is primarily available in English; however, interpreter services may be available depending on location—contact your local Vermont DMV office to inquire about language accommodations and their availability at your specific location.

4. Studying strategies that actually work

Vermont's 20-question format requires focused but manageable preparation. Start by obtaining and thoroughly studying the Vermont Driver's Manual, which is your primary study resource and contains all material tested on the exam. The manual covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and safe driving practices specific to Vermont. Use the online practice tests available at dmv.vermont.gov to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types; these samples are predictive of actual test content. Focus on learning all Vermont traffic signs and road markings, as sign identification comprises a meaningful portion of questions. Review Vermont-specific traffic laws carefully—each state has unique regulations on speed limits, right-of-way, parking, and traffic control that may differ from neighboring states. The section on DUI laws and impaired driving is emphasized in Vermont's curriculum, so study this area thoroughly. Pay particular attention to sections on right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and traffic control devices, which are frequently tested. Create a structured study schedule leading up to your test date rather than cramming, as this approach improves retention. Schedule your appointment well in advance through the DMV's appointment system (mydmvlearnerspermit.vermont.gov or 888-970-0357) to give yourself a concrete deadline for your preparation.

5. The behind-the-wheel road test

After holding your learner's permit for the required one full year and completing your supervised driving practice, you'll schedule your road skills test through a Vermont DMV office. The road test evaluates your ability to safely operate a vehicle and follow traffic laws in real-world conditions. During the test, a DMV examiner will assess your vehicle control, proper use of mirrors and observation techniques, appropriate speed and lane positioning, response to traffic signals and road signs, and decision-making when encountering traffic and hazards. You'll perform fundamental driving maneuvers such as starting and stopping smoothly, turning into proper lanes, changing lanes safely, parking (including parallel parking in some areas), and navigating intersections. The test typically lasts 30–45 minutes and covers a mix of normal traffic and situations designed to test your defensive driving awareness. The examiner looks for safe, confident vehicle operation and consistent application of traffic laws. If you pass, you'll receive your driver's license (subject to any remaining age-based restrictions if you're under 18). If you don't pass, you can schedule another test appointment after meeting Vermont's waiting period requirements. Many applicants benefit from professional driving lessons or additional supervised practice to build confidence and polish their skills before the official road test.

6. Costs & fees, broken down

Vermont's licensing costs are straightforward and relatively modest. The application fee to take the written knowledge test is $39.00. Once you pass the test and receive your learner's permit, an additional $24.00 fee applies. So your total cost for the written test and learner's permit is approximately $63.00. If you need to retake the written test, you'll pay the $39.00 fee again for each additional attempt. When you're ready for the road skills test after holding your permit for one year, there will be an additional fee; check the Vermont DMV website for current pricing. If you fail the test three times, you must wait one month before retesting, which extends your timeline but doesn't add any penalties beyond potential repeated test fees. Vermont's overall licensing costs are very reasonable—plan to budget around $60–$100 for the complete process from initial application through receiving your learner's permit. Some DMV offices accept cash, check, or card for payment; call your local office to confirm accepted payment methods. Having payment ready when you arrive helps ensure smooth processing.

7. Common reasons people fail

Understanding common failure patterns helps you avoid them. The most frequent failure reason is insufficient study of Vermont-specific traffic laws—many applicants study generic driving knowledge but miss the Vermont-unique regulations on speed limits, parking rules, and right-of-way situations. Underestimating the number of road sign questions causes failures; even on a 20-question test, roughly 5–7 questions focus on sign identification, so sign mastery is essential. Not studying the DUI/impaired driving section thoroughly is another common mistake—Vermont emphasizes DUI laws prominently on the test. Test anxiety is more likely when applicants don't use practice tests beforehand; practicing builds confidence and familiarizes you with the computer/paper format. Careless reading of questions and answer choices leads to preventable errors—the test allows adequate time, so read each question fully and consider all options carefully. Not using the free online practice tests available at dmv.vermont.gov is a missed opportunity; these resources are excellent study tools. Some applicants fail due to not scheduling their appointment in advance, then rushing to study before a test they scheduled last-minute. If you fail, use your one-day minimum waiting period to study weak areas rather than retesting immediately; review the Vermont Driver's Manual sections where you struggled and take more practice tests before your next attempt.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Vermont permit test?: The Vermont written knowledge test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, driving under the influence, and accident procedures.
What's the passing score for the Vermont written test?: You must answer at least 16 out of 20 questions correctly, which equals an 80% passing score on the Vermont written knowledge test.
How much does the Vermont written knowledge test cost?: The application fee to take the Vermont written knowledge test is $39.00. Once you pass the test, an additional fee of $24.00 applies to obtain your learner's permit.
How old do I have to be to take the Vermont permit test?: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit and take the written knowledge test in Vermont. You must also be a Vermont resident or enrolled in a Vermont Driver Education program.
Can I take the Vermont DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: The Vermont written knowledge test is primarily offered in English. However, interpreter services may be available; contact your local Vermont DMV office to inquire about language accommodations and availability.
How many times can I retake the Vermont written test?: You can retake the Vermont written test if you don't pass. You must wait at least one day before retaking the test. If you fail three times, you must wait one full month before attempting the test again.
Is the Vermont permit test online or in person?: The Vermont written knowledge test is administered in person at a Vermont DMV office by appointment only. All tests are scheduled through mydmvlearnerspermit.vermont.gov or by calling 888-970-0357.
What documents do I need to bring to the Vermont DMV?: You'll need proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number, proof of Vermont residency, and if you're under 18, parental consent form with a parent or legal guardian signature. Check dmv.vermont.gov for a complete list of acceptable documents.

Start practicing now

Open the Vermont practice test — pick car, motorcycle, or CDL, then drill quick quizzes or full simulated exams. Free 25-question sample per track.

Read the official Vermont driver manual with deep-link citations on every practice question.