Vermont driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Vermont asks, answered in two or three sentences from Vermont’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
In Vermont, you can get a ticket for using a handheld phone while driving. A first offense is $162 and 2 points, and you can pay it without going to court. In a work zone or school zone, it's $392 and 4 points.
Sources: 23 V.S.A. § 1095b · JUDICIAL BUREAU WAIVER PENALTIES · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
None for the first 3 months: you drive alone unless a qualified supervising adult rides in the front seat. After 6 months there's no passenger limit, but never more passengers than seat belts.
Sources: Vermont driver’s manual p. 15 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail the road test, you wait at least 7 days before you can take it again. If you fail it 3 times, you wait at least 1 month.
Sources: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles — Learner's Permit · Vermont driver’s manual p. 19 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
You must hold your Learner's Permit for at least 1 year before you can get a Junior Driver's License.
Sources: Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles — Graduated License Laws · Vermont driver’s manual p. 13 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance on the car you drive. Vermont law sets the minimum at $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more hurt, $10,000 for property.
Sources: Vermont driver’s manual p. 67 · 23 V.S.A. § 800 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must stop and give any help that's reasonably needed. If someone is hurt or damage totals $3,000 or more, Vermont law says you mail a written crash report within 72 hours. Skipping that report is a $335 ticket, payable without court, no points.
Sources: Vermont driver’s manual p. 58 · 23 V.S.A. § 1129 · JUDICIAL BUREAU WAIVER PENALTIES · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
Park at least 6 feet away from a fire hydrant.
Sources: Vermont driver’s manual p. 29 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, you can't use a phone in your hand while driving, even when you're stopped at a red light. Hands-free use is allowed.
Sources: Vermont driver’s manual p. 55 · 23 V.S.A. § 1095b · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Vermont law, speeding in a signed school zone costs you twice the fine you'd pay for the same speeding outside a school zone.
Sources: 23 V.S.A. § 1017 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Under Vermont law, an officer can only ticket you for this if they stopped you for another traffic violation. It's a $105 ticket and 2 points, payable without going to court. Your learner's permit is also taken away for 90 days.
Sources: 23 V.S.A. § 615 · JUDICIAL BUREAU WAIVER PENALTIES · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Vermont driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Vermont’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question