Vermont Drivers License
Planning on obtaining a Vermont drivers license some time soon? In this case, you should definitely get familiar with the drivers education classes and drivers license testing, as you will have to go through these things during the application procedure.
Types of Drivers License
Different types or classes of driver's license were designed in order to differentiate drivers with a different level of driving skills. You must agree that driving a heavy truck and riding a motorcycle poses different requirement before the driver, hence they need different types of preparation. This is where different classed of driver's licenses come in - in order to achieve a certain license class you have to acquire the corresponding skill. At the moment, the state of Vermont offers the following license classes:
- Class D. Operator's drivers license, also known as regular drivers license.
- Class M. Motorcycle drivers license. Can come as an endorsement to the regular license.
- Classes A, B and C. Commercial drivers licenses, CDLs.
If you are the first-time applicant, you have to apply for a regular drivers license and get some driving experience before you can move on to the next type of license.
Graduated Drivers License
The graduated driver's license is the system that was designed to reduce the number of driving-related accidents among teenagers. Due to a number of reasons, teenage drivers belong to a high-risk group when it comes to driving and the GDL law is called upon to counteract these factors. Most states around the country have some kind of a GDL system in place and Vermont is no exception. Compulsory driver's education classes for license applicants under 18 years of age are the essential part of the system.
Applying for Drivers License
One of the first things you have to do when applying for the Vermont drivers license is to take a written examination at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The test is used to assess your knowledge of driving rules and unfortunately, most people overestimate their chances on the test. According to the stats, more than a half of applicants fail the test the first time. The reason for this is usually failure to study for the exam beforehand.
If you are looking for study materials, grab yourself a free copy of the DMV drivers license handbook. The book has more than enough information on driving rules, so you don't really need any extra study materials. However, if you want to test yourself, you can do so with some Vermont permit practice tests.
When you show up at the DMV, you will be asked to do the following:
- provide proof of residency
- provide proof of identity
- provide your social security card
- pay the application fee
- take a vision test
- take the permit exam
If you are under 18 years of age, you will also need to have your parent or legal guardian to be present at the office on the application day. The parent or legal guardian must co-sign the application form and accept liability for the teenage driver.
If you fulfill all requirements and pass both the vision and permit tests, you will be issued with the Vermont drivers permit. Applicants who are over 18 years of age have the option of taking a road test on the same day, provided there is a free spot.
Upgrading to Drivers License
If you are under 18 years of age, you must hold your learners permit for at least 12 months and complete a drivers education program before you can schedule the road skills exam and upgrade to the drivers license. Applicant over 18 are not subjected to the graduated license law and can apply for a license the same day they get a permit.
In order to achieve a drivers license, the applicant must pass a road skills exam. The DMV does not provide vehicles for license testing, so you will need to take care of that yourself. You can rent a vehicle from a driving school or borrow your relative car.
After successfully passing the road test, you will be issued with the original Vermont driver's license on the spot.
