Graduated Driver License Program

Individuals who obtain a Learner’s Permit or Junior Driver’s License are subject to our Graduated Driver License law. The key provisions of this law are indicated below:

1. An individual fifteen (15) years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle if they hold a valid Learner’s Permit and are accompanied by one (1) of the following people in the vehicle, who is riding beside the driver:
   • A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian,
   • A licensed or certified and unimpaired driver education instructor, and/or
   • A licensed and unimpaired person at least twenty-five (25) years of age.
2. To apply for a Learner’s Permit, an individual must have maintained a clean driving record in the previous two (2) years.
3. An individual must possess a Learner’s Permit for at least one (1) year prior to obtaining a Junior Driver’s License.
4. Prior to obtaining a Junior Driver’s License, an individual must complete an additional forty (40) hours of practice behind the wheel, with at least ten (10) hours being nighttime driving, while accompanied by one of the individuals indicated above who is riding beside the driver. The forty (40) hours of practice is in addition to the six hours of behind the wheel instruction time required for successful completion of a driver-training course. Proof of this additional practice must be submitted to DMV at the time of application for a Junior Driver’s License on form VN-210 ~ Driving Practice Log Sheet, and certified by one of the individuals indicated above. This form is available in the center of this Driver’s Manual, from DMV offices and from the DMV website (dmv.vermont.gov). NOTE: ‘Nighttime driving’ is defined as driving during the period of thirty (30) minutes after sunset, to thirty (30) minutes before sunrise.
5. An individual must have maintained a ‘clean’ driving record without any Learner’s Permit recalls, suspensions or revocations for a six (6) month period prior to obtaining a Junior Driver’s License.
6. While holding a Junior Driver’s License, the individual may not operate a vehicle in the course of their employment for one (1) year following the issuance of the Junior Driver’s License. For example, an individual cannot act as a pizza delivery driver until having had a Junior Driver’s License for one (1) year, or until reaching the age of eighteen (18), whichever comes first.
7. While holding a Junior Driver’s License, an individual may not carry passengers for hire.
8. During the first three (3) months of operation under a Junior Driver’s License, the individual is restricted to driving alone. Passengers are permitted only if there is a licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian, a licensed or certified unimpaired driver education instructor, or a licensed and unimpaired individual 25 years of age or older riding in the front seat. If one (1) of those individuals is in the vehicle, there are no restrictions on the number of passengers. However, the driver is not allowed to transport more passengers than there are safety belts.
9. During the second three (3) months of operation under a Junior Driver’s License, the individual may begin transporting immediate family members; siblings and parents only.
10. After holding a Junior Driver’s License for six (6) months, there is no restriction on the number of passengers they can transport in the vehicle. However, the driver is not allowed to transport more passengers than there are safety belts.
11. An individual who holds a Vermont Junior Driver’s License must be eighteen (18) years of age and must not have any recalls, suspensions or revocations during the previous six (6) month period, to be eligible to obtain a Driver’s License. This six (6) month period commences on the date of their reinstatement. Any Junior Driver’s License may be renewed. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, a renewed Junior Driver’s License shall be issued without a photograph or imaged likeness. Any person to whom a renewed Junior Driver’s License has been issued shall, while operating a motor vehicle, carry upon his or her person the last license issued to him or her as well as the renewed license certificate.
12. When an individual who has a Junior Driver’s License from another state applies for a Vermont Junior Driver’s License, he or she will be required to provide proof they have successfully completed a state approved driver education course which meets or exceeds Vermont requirements. They will also be required to pass an eye, written and skills test. They will also be subject to the Graduated License Law unless they have held the other state’s license for a period of at least six months.
13. A Learner’s Permit or Junior Driver’s License is considered to be a ‘provisional license’, which is recallable. Any of the following actions will result in the recall of an individual’s Learner’s Permit or Junior Driver’s License (for more detail, see 23 VSA § 607a, § 614a):
    • Carrying Passengers For Hire, Junior Operator Violation (CPH) = 90 day recall
    • Driving For Employer/Employment, Junior Operator Violation (DFE) = 90 day recall
    • Recommendation From A Diversion/Reparative Board Recall (DRB) = 30 day recall
    • Junior Operator Points Accumulation Recall (JRP) = 90 day recall (for a single 3 pt. Speeding violation or a 6 pt. Total)
    • Junior Operator texting (JRT) = 30 day recall (includes fines of at least $100 and at least two points on your driving record)
    • While a recall is in effect, an individual is ineligible for a Junior Operator’s
    • License or a Driver’s License.
    • When a recall is issued, the individual has the right to a hearing.
    • When a Learner’s Permit or Junior Driver’s License is recalled, it shall be restored upon the expiration of a specific term, and, if required, when the individual has passed a re-examination.
    • No reinstatement fee shall be due when a Learner’s Permit/Junior Driver’s License recall is restored.