The Learner's Permit
23 V.S.A. § 615 — a permit holder 15 or older drives with a qualified, sober adult beside them
An unlicensed person 15 years of age or older with a valid learner's permit may drive when one of these, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, rides beside them:
- A licensed parent or guardian.
- A licensed or certified driver education instructor.
- A licensed examiner of the Department.
- A licensed person at least 25 years of age.
Driving in violation brings a penalty of up to $50, and the permit is recalled for 90 days. It is enforced only when the driver was stopped for another suspected traffic violation. A supervisor who rides along impaired faces the penalty for letting an unlicensed person drive.
Motorcycle permits. A licensed driver with a motorcycle learner's permit and no endorsement may ride only in daylight and with no passengers.
Sources for this section (1)
- 23 V.S.A. § 615 — Unlicensed operators
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Vermont attorney.