Tests, renewals and license rules

Key points

1. New residents with a valid license must get a Vermont license within 60 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “A person who has moved into the state from another jurisdiction with a valid license from that state shall obtain a Vermont license within 60 days of moving into the state.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 12

2. You must meet the 20/40 vision standard or see an eye doctor.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “If the results of the screening determine that your vision does not meet the required standards of 20/40, you will be referred to an eye doctor of your choice and expense for further testing.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

3. The knowledge test has 20 questions, and you must answer at least 16 correctly.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “The knowledge test is online and has 20 questions. Each question has four answers to choose from, of which only one is correct. You must answer at least 16 questions correctly to pass the test.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

4. If you fail the knowledge test, wait at least one day to retake it.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “If you fail the test, you must wait at least one day before taking another one.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 18

5. If you fail the road test, wait at least one week; after 3 failures, wait at least one month.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “If you fail the road test for any reason, you must wait at least one week before taking another test. If you fail a road test three times, a minimum waiting period of one month is required.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 19

6. A Vermont license expired more than 14 days is not valid.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “A Vermont license that has expired for more than 14 days is not a valid license. You may not drive with it.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

7. A license expired more than 3 years means testing again.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “If your Vermont driver's license is expired more than three (3) years, you must be tested again to obtain a new license.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

8. Report a name or address change within 30 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “If you have changed your name or address, you must report the change to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 24

9. Getting a license by false representation can bring a fine up to $1,000, up to two years in prison and a 90 day suspension.

   Source: Handbook p. 7

   “shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both and shall have his or her privilege to operate suspended for 90 days.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 7

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. A new Vermont resident holds a valid license from another state. How soon must they get a Vermont license?

   1. Within 10 days
   2. Within 60 days of moving into the state
   3. Before driving at all in Vermont
   4. Within six months
   Show answer

   Within 60 days of moving into the state. A person who has moved into Vermont from another jurisdiction with a valid license from that state must obtain a Vermont license within 60 days of moving into the state. The out of state license remains valid during that window, so the newcomer does not have to stop driving. Commercial license holders have a shorter clock, 30 days, and vehicle registration must also be transferred within 60 days.

2. 2. What vision standard must a Vermont applicant meet at the license vision screening?

   1. 20/70
   2. 20/20
   3. 20/40
   4. 20/100
   Show answer

   20/40. If the results of the screening determine that your vision does not meet the required standard of 20/40, you will be referred to an eye doctor of your choice and expense for further testing, and the doctor must be a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Meeting 20/40 with corrective lenses is acceptable, and the license then carries a corrective lens restriction. Perfect 20/20 vision is not required to drive.

3. 3. How many questions must a Vermont applicant answer correctly to pass the online knowledge test?

   1. All 20
   2. At least 10 of 20
   3. At least 16 of 20
   4. At least 18 of 20
   Show answer

   At least 16 of 20. The Vermont online knowledge test has 20 questions, each with four answer options, and an applicant must answer at least 16 correctly to pass. Selecting all 20 sets a higher standard than the manual describes, while 10 or 18 changes the stated passing mark. The useful preparation cue is 16 out of 20, but passing the knowledge test alone does not complete every licensing requirement. Keep studying the road rules and required documents as well.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: General License Information. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.