WESTMINSTER VERMONT

Westminster Vermont Online Driver Education and Westminster Vermont Licensing Procedures

The process of applying for your Westminster Vermont learner's permit or first Westminster Vermont driver's license can be nerve-racking, but it doesn't have to be if you have the right information. We want you to get as much out of this experience as possible, and have designed this guide to help guide you through the process. Westminster Vermont has a Graduated Driver License Program for Westminster Vermont teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Westminster Vermont driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.

The Westminster Vermont Learner Permit or Westminster Vermont Instruction Permit

You can finally apply for a Westminster Vermont Learner Permit, otherwise known as a Westminster Vermont Instruction Permit When you turn 15. You’ll need the following items in order to apply:

• Proof of Westminster Vermont residency
• Your parent/guardian must sign your application
• Social Security Number
• Proof of identity
• The Westminster Vermont Driver Manual (so you can study for the written test)

Once you’re ready, make an appointment (call 1-802-828-2045 or email), then head on down to the nearest Westminster Vermont Driver License Office with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a written exam. If you survive, then congratulations: you’ve just earned your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit!

A few more things to remember: First, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 25. Of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and you must not forget to carry your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit with you at all times.

If you can hold your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year and meet a few more requirements, you’re all set for the next step in the Westminster Vermont Graduated License Program, the Westminster Vermont Junior Operator’s License.

The Westminster Vermont Junior Operator’s License or Westminster Vermont Intermediate License

You can apply for your Westminster Vermont Junior Operator’s License once you’ve held your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year in good standing. However, you’ll need to make sure the following requirements are met:

• Hold a Westminster Vermont Learner Permit for 1 year
• You must be 16-17
• Practice driving for 40 hours with a parent/guardian, or supervising driver
• At least 10 hours must be at night
• Fill out a Driving Practice Log Sheet and have your parent/guardian sign
• Maintain a clean Westminster Vermont driving record (no recalls, suspensions, or revocations for a 6 month period)
• Pass a Westminster Vermont approved driver education course and get a certificate of completion
• Also, make sure the car you will be taking the Westminster Vermont driving test with has insurance (you’ll need the insurance identification card), as well as valid registration

Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Westminster Vermont Driver License Office again. Be aware that Westminster Vermont driving tests are also now being offered at participating high schools. Either way, be sure to bring the valid identification documents, including your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit. Then you’ll have to pass the dreaded Westminster Vermont road test! If you pass, then you can a breathe a sigh of relief: you’ve just earned your Westminster Vermont Junior Operator’s License, otherwise known as the Westminster Vermont Provisional License.

Westminster Vermont Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

You've come a long way, but you still have a few months of good behavior to go before you've earned your full license. There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind now that you have your Westminster Vermont Junior Operator’s License:

• All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
• During the first 3 months, no passengers unless you’re driving with a licensed parent/guardian, certified driving instructor, or individual at least 25 years of age
• During the second 3 months, you can transport family members
• After 6 months, there are no passenger restrictions
• No using a vehicle for employment (i.e. pizza delivery driver) for 1 year or until you turn 18 (whichever comes first
• No carrying passengers for hire (i.e. using your car as a taxi)  

These restrictions will no longer apply once you've obtained a Westminster Vermont Senior Operator’s License, which you can apply for once you turn 18. In other words, freedom!

Westminster Vermont Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

You may think you're ready to drive just becaus you've received your Westminster Vermont Provisional Driver license, but there are still other things you need to know. Most crucially, Westminster Vermont drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:

• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $10,000 for property damage per accident
• $25,000 bodily injury for one person

You risk suspension of your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit or Westminster Vermont Provisional license if you are in an accident and found to be driving without Westminster Vermont mandatory liability insurance!

Westminster Vermont Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws

As a Westminster Vermont teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Westminster Vermont drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like many other states, Westminster Vermont has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Westminster Vermont DUI or Westminster Vermont DWI, your Westminster Vermont Learner Permit or Westminster Vermont Junior Operator’s License will be suspended.

In general, upon your first conviction of a Westminster Vermont DUI, you’ll also face the following penalties:

• Jail up to 2 years maximum  
• DUI surcharges $160 minimum
• Also, possible alcohol/drug screening, assessment, education and treatment
• License suspension 90 days
• $750 fine

And of course, more severe penalties will result from further Westminster Vermont DWI and DUI convictions. These can include increased jail time, community service, fines, and Westminster Vermont license suspension or even Westminster Vermont license revocation.

If you're in love with your cell phone, you're in luck: Westminster Vermont teen drivers are not prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Still, you should exercise caution whenever you use a cell phone while driving. We shouldn't have to tell you that a distracted driver can be a dangerous one!

Westminster Vermont Online Driver Education

You will need to take a Westminster Vermont-approved driver education course fairly early in the process. Westminster Vermont teen drivers can find more information about approved Westminster Vermont online driver education on the Westminster Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle website.