Minimum age for a car driving licence in Vermont (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A learner's permit is available from 15 and a junior operator's licence from 16 after one year on the permit. A nonresident may drive on a valid licence from another US jurisdiction, or on a foreign licence if 18 or older and carrying an international driving permit.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A person 15 or older may drive with a learner's permit if a licensed parent or guardian, driver education instructor, department examiner or licensed person at least 25 rides beside them. A junior operator's licence, issued initially only at 16 or 17, requires the learner's permit to have been held for at least one year, an approved driver education and training course, and certified practice driving of at least 40 hours (10 at night). [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A nonresident may drive in Vermont if holding a valid licence or permit issued by another U.S. jurisdiction (no age stated), or a valid licence or permit from outside the United States if at least 18, lawfully present, in the United States for no more than one year, and carrying an international driving permit. [3] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | A junior operator's licence requires a certified 40 hours of practice behind the wheel, at least 10 of them at night, with a parent, guardian, driving instructor or licensed person aged 25 or over. [1] |
Notes
- The earliest age is for a licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. It carries graduated-licensing restrictions, described under 'Driving before the minimum age'.
Sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 23 V.S.A. § 607. Junior operator's license (Internet Archive snapshot of 28 February 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 23 V.S.A. § 615. Unlicensed operators (Internet Archive snapshot of 25 April 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Vermont General Assembly: 23 V.S.A. § 601. License required (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 July 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Vermont and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 16 (junior operator's licence) | 15 (learner's permit) | Permit at 15; junior licence at 16 (1 yr on permit) | US licence: no age stated; foreign licence: 18+ with IDP |
| Massachusetts | 16½ (junior operator licence) | 16 (learner's permit) | Permit 6 months, 40 hours, night and passenger limits | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Hampshire | 16 (youth operator licence) | 15½ (learning to drive, accompanied) | From 16 with driver ed; curfew 1-4 a.m.; passenger limit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | 16 (junior licence; not valid in NYC) | 16 (learner permit) | Junior at 16; class D at 17 with course and hours; else 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Vermont
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ · Growing at home: Up to 2 mature, 4 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 mph max; local 25 mph or more · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers excluded)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence only with intent to injure
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $14.42 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.