Earning a driver's license is a major milestone in a teenager's life. It's a journey that involves understanding several requirements, successfully clearing tests, and learning about safe driving practices. In this guide, we cover the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in Vermont. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com.
DriversEd.com is the #1 online driver's education provider in VT. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. They have excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that DriversEd.com is there to be your helping hand.
Applying for a Vermont Driver's License
To obtain a Vermont driver's license, teens must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete a driver education course
- Pass a vision test
- Pass a written test
- Pass a driving test
You can apply for a driver's license at any Vermont Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office. To make an appointment, you can either call the MVD at 1-802-828-2238 or book it online. When applying, remember to bring your proof of identity and residency, such as a valid passport and utility bill, respectively.
The cost of a driver's license in Vermont is $25 for a non-commercial license and $35 for a commercial driver's license. Licenses are valid for five years and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.
Driver Education Requirements in Vermont
Vermont mandates a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved driver education course for teens. This course must cover a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, including:
- Traffic laws
- Safe driving practices
- Vehicle maintenance
- Driver's responsibilities
- Hazards and their prevention
- Emergency management
A driver education course not only aids in understanding the rules of the road but also in preparing for the written and driving tests.
Graduated Licensing Program in Vermont
Vermont's graduated licensing program ensures that teen drivers acquire the necessary skills and experience for safe driving. The program comprises three phases:
- Learner's Permit Phase: Teen drivers must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
- Provisional License Phase: Teens can drive unsupervised, but certain restrictions apply, such as a curfew and a ban on driving with passengers under the age of 18.
- Full License Phase: Teen drivers enjoy the same privileges as adult drivers.
This graduated licensing program has been effective in reducing the number of accidents involving teen drivers.
Resources for New Drivers in Vermont
The Vermont DMV offers an array of resources for new drivers, including driver education courses, a driver's handbook, and online resources. It also offers programs to prevent accidents involving teen drivers like the graduated licensing, teen driver awareness, and distracted driving prevention programs.
Vermont Teen Drivers Ed Online Course
The Vermont Teen Drivers Ed course from DriversEd.com is a fully online, self-paced course approved by the Vermont DMV. For an affordable price of $49.95, the course provides:
- Comprehensive lessons on crucial topics
- Interactive learning materials
- A practice permit test
- Live instructor assistance
- Car insurance discounts upon completion
Vermont Traffic Accidents: A Statistical Overview
The following statistics from 2020 highlight the importance of safe driving in Vermont:
- There were 12,629 traffic accidents, with 105 fatalities and 11,893 injuries.
- Teen drivers accounted for 11% of all drivers involved in fatal accidents.
- The leading causes of fatal accidents among teen drivers were speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol intoxication.
Tips for Safe Teen Driving
To reduce accidents involving teen drivers, consider these tips:
- Take a driver education course.
- Practice driving with a parent or guardian.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Remain aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid distractions.
- Refrain from drinking and driving.
By adhering to these safety measures, aspiring young drivers in Vermont can contribute to creating safer roads for everyone.
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