Vermont learner's permit restrictions at a glance

A Vermont learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it comes with real limits on when, where, and how you can drive. You cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — even hands-free. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must sit in the front passenger seat next to you at all times.

These restrictions exist because learner's permit holders have the highest crash rates of any age group. The rules are designed to keep you and others safe while you build driving skills under supervision. Understanding exactly what you can and cannot do prevents you from losing your permit or facing fines.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use any cell phone while driving, including hands-free calls or navigation.
  • You cannot drive on Interstate highways or limited-access roads, with some exceptions for supervised driving in certain areas.
  • Violating learner's permit restrictions can result in fines, permit suspension, and a longer wait before you can take your road test.
  • Your supervising driver is responsible for following these rules — if they allow you to break them, they can face penalties too.

Who must be in the car with you

The supervising driver must be a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and must sit in the front passenger seat. This person cannot be a learner's permit holder themselves — they need a full driver's license. The supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow all the rules, and they can face fines or other penalties if you break them while they are in the car.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your learner's permit process. This does not mean they have to be in the car every time you drive, but they are responsible for your permit and your driving record. If you accumulate violations, it affects your record and can delay when you can take your road test.

Driving hours and nighttime restrictions

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. with a learner's permit, even with a supervising driver in the car. This restriction applies every day of the week. The rule exists because nighttime driving is more dangerous — visibility is lower, other drivers are more tired, and emergency response times are slower.

If you need to drive early in the morning for school or work, you can start driving at 5 a.m. If you are out late and need to get home, your supervising driver should be the one behind the wheel between midnight and 5 a.m.

Cell phone and distraction rules

You cannot use a cell phone while driving with a learner's permit — not for calls, texts, navigation, or any other reason. This includes hands-free devices. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency. Your supervising driver can use their phone, but you cannot touch yours while the car is moving.

This rule is stricter than the rules for licensed drivers because distraction is one of the leading causes of crashes for new drivers. Even a quick glance at a phone takes your attention off the road at a critical moment. If you need directions, set them up before you start driving or ask your supervising driver to handle navigation.

Highway and road restrictions

You cannot drive on Interstate highways (I-91, I-89, I-93) or other limited-access roads with a learner's permit. Limited-access roads are highways where you can only enter and exit at certain points, and they typically have higher speed limits and faster-moving traffic. These roads require more advanced driving skills than you have developed yet.

There are some exceptions for supervised driving in certain areas, particularly around major cities where limited-access roads are unavoidable. Your supervising driver and your permit paperwork will clarify which roads are off-limits in your specific area. If you are unsure whether a road is restricted, ask your supervising driver or contact the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.

Passenger restrictions

You can have passengers in the car while you drive with a learner's permit, but your supervising driver must always be in the front passenger seat. Other passengers can sit in the back. However, having multiple passengers in the car increases distraction and risk, so it is wise to keep the car quiet while you are learning.

Your supervising driver is responsible for managing the car environment. If passengers are distracting you or making it hard to focus on the road, your supervising driver should ask them to be quiet or ask them to get out at the next safe stop.

What happens if you break the rules

Violating learner's permit restrictions can result in fines ranging from $25 to $200, depending on which rule you break. A violation also goes on your driving record and can delay when you become may be able to access to take your road test. If you accumulate multiple violations, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your permit.

Your supervising driver can also face penalties if they allow you to break the rules. For example, if a police officer stops you for driving between midnight and 5 a.m., both you and your supervising driver may receive citations. This is why it is important that your supervising driver understands the rules as well as you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my supervising driver be someone other than my parent?

Yes. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 and have a valid driver's license, but they do not have to be your parent or guardian. They can be a family friend, older sibling, or driving instructor. However, if you are under 18, your parent or guardian must still sign your permit process.

What if I need to drive to school before 5 a.m.?

You cannot drive alone before 5 a.m. with a learner's permit. Your supervising driver must be in the car. If your school starts very early, you will need to arrange for your supervising driver to take you, or wait until you have your full license to drive yourself.

Can I use GPS or maps on my phone while driving?

No. You cannot use your phone for any reason while driving, including navigation. Set up your route before you leave, use a GPS device mounted on your dashboard, or ask your supervising driver to handle navigation for you.

Do these restrictions explore if I am driving in another state?

Vermont's learner's permit restrictions explore when you are driving in Vermont. Other states have their own learner's permit rules, which may be stricter or less strict. If you are driving in another state, follow that state's rules. When you return to Vermont, Vermont's rules explore again.

What is the difference between a learner's permit and a junior license?

A learner's permit is for practice driving with a supervising adult. A junior license (also called a provisional license) is a full license with some restrictions, which you get after passing your road test. Junior licenses have fewer restrictions than learner's permits but still have nighttime and passenger limits until you turn 18.