Vermont Permit Restrictions
The licensing procedure in Vermont is divided into a few stages and applying for a Vermont learners permit is the first step of the process. The main purpose of the learners permit is to allow you to practice driving, however it does not give you full driving privileges and comes with a number of permit restrictions. In Vermont, permit restrictions include such things as a cell phone ban, mandatory seat belts for everyone in the vehicle and the supervised driving only requirement. Vermont permit restrictions depend on the age of a permit holder due to the fact that teenagers also need to observe all Vermont graduated driver's license rules and requirements.
Lack of driving experience is probably among the most common causes of traffic accidents. Those who just got their Vermont driver's license simply don't have the skills required to predict and correctly deal with some of the on road situations, even though they know the rules and are able to pass a driving test. Some things cannot be learned in a classroom and require countless hours behind the wheel. That is why the licensing procedure was divided into a number of separate steps of phases, allowing you to gain that essential driving experience in a relatively safe driving environment before you get out there and start driving alone. Vermont permit restrictions are part of the first phase of your path towards achieving full driving privileges.
Permit Restrictions - 18 Years of Age and Older
Those who choose to apply for a drivers license when they are at least 18 years of age have it easy. First of all, there is no set period of time that you have to hold your Vermont learners permit for and, theoretically, you can apply for a drivers license the next day after receiving a learners permit. However, you should take your time and practice driving before you take a driver's skills test.
While you are operating under a learners permit, there are really only a few restrictions that you have to observe and that is no driving alone and wearing a seat belt. When you are practicing driving, you must have another licensed driver seated in the front seat next to you. The supervising driver must be prepared to take control of the vehicle should such need arise.
Although these are the only permit restrictions that apply to you, you may want to follow some general safety procedures while practicing driving:
- Seat belts for everyone. Always have everyone in the vehicle wear a seat belt. Your chances of having a traffic accident during these first years of driving are quite high, try to minimize the possible damages.
- No distractions. Don't play with the radio, talk to friends or use a cell phone while driving. These activities are distracting even for more experienced drivers.
- Stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel at all times. Traffic conditions may change very rapidly, be prepared to take action.
These are not mandatory permit restrictions but merely general safety tips that you may wish to follow.
Though you have it easy with Vermont permit restrictions, you still have to go through the same testing procedures before you can obtain a drivers license. The state requires you to take a Vermont permit test that assesses your knowledge of driving rules and a drivers test that tests your ability to control a vehicle. You can check whether you are prepared for the permit test by taking a free Vermont permit practice test.
Permit Restrictions - Under 18 Years of Age
Everyone who chooses to apply for a drivers license before the age of 18 years becomes subject to the Vermont graduated drivers license law and has to observe additional permit and license restrictions that are mandated by this law. You can read more about the graduated driver's license program in the Vermont drivers manual, but here are the basic restrictions that apply to your learners permit:
- Supervised driving only. Whenever you are behind the wheel, you must be supervised by another licensed driver at least 25 years of age or a professional drivers education instructor. Driving alone is not permitted.
- No cell phones. You cannot use a cell phone or any other communication or entertainment device while driving.
- Seat belts. Safety belts must be worn by everyone in the vehicle.
In addition to observing these Vermont drivers permit restrictions, you will also need to complete a number of additional requirements. One of such requirements is completion of a Vermont drivers education course that is approved by the Department of Education and the Vermont DMV. Once done with drivers ed, you must also complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent or another supervising driver, with at least 10 of these hours completed at night. These hours must be logged into a Driving practice log sheet, form TA-VN-210.
Junior Drivers License Restrictions
Teenagers who fulfill all learners permit requirements and pass the Vermont drivers license test are awarded with a Junior drivers license. Although this junior license allows unsupervised driving, it still has the following restrictions and limitations:
- Passenger restrictions. You cannot carry any passengers during the first three months following the issuance of the junior license. For the second three months, you can carry your family members only. Passenger restrictions do not apply if you have a supervising driver at least 25 years of age or a professional driving instructor seated in the front seat next to you.
- Employment. During the first year, you cannot operate a vehicle in the course of your employment. This means that you cannot operate as a pizza delivery driver or carry passengers for hire.
- Cell phones. You cannot use a cell phone or any other communication device while driving.
- Seat belts. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
Make sure to observe these permit and license restrictions at all times. Failure to do so will result in your driving privilege being suspended or cancelled altogether.
