Driving Tests

Vermont Online Permit Test: Questions, Passing Score, Languages

informational·how to guide·Published August 22, 2026

Can you take the Vermont permit test online, and what score do you need?

Yes. The Vermont learner's permit test is an online test on mydmv.vermont.gov, not a test in a DMV office. The Vermont Driver's Manual says it has 20 questions, each with four answers and one correct answer. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass, which is 80%. If you fail, you wait at least one day before you try again.

Where these test facts come from

The question count, the passing score and the retake wait come from the Vermont Driver's Manual (2025 edition). The Vermont DMV learner's permit page gives the age, parent, application and retake rules, and the DMV written test page lists the documents. The DMV translated forms page lists the languages. The fees come from Vermont law (23 V.S.A. §§ 617 and 634) and the DMV fee page. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Vermont DMV (dmv.vermont.gov) before you drive.

Vermont knowledge test at a glance

Vermont knowledge test at a glance
Item	What the Vermont DMV says
Where you take it	Online, on mydmv.vermont.gov. The DMV no longer gives the test in its office.
Questions	20, each with four answers and one correct answer
Passing score	At least 16 correct (80%)
After a fail	Wait at least one day before you retake the test
Number of tries	No limit. You can retake the test until you pass.
Test fee	$39 (U.S. dollars) each time you take the test
Languages	14 on the DMV list, from Arabic to Ukrainian
Minimum age	15

What you need before you take the test

Be at least 15 years old.
If you are 15, 16 or 17, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application before you take the test, unless you are an emancipated minor.
If you are under 18, you need a clean driving record for the previous two years.
Have your documents ready: an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid passport, the completed permit application, two pieces of mail with your name and physical Vermont address, and your Social Security number if you have one. The guide to permit documents, REAL ID and the privilege card explains each document group.

What the permit test and the permit cost

As of 2026, the knowledge test costs $39 and the learner's permit costs $24, so your first permit costs $63 in total if you pass on the first try. You pay the test fee whether you pass or fail, and you pay for the permit only after you pass. Each retake adds another $39. The guide to Vermont test fees and retake waits also covers the road test fee and wait.

What happens after you pass

The DMV issues your permit after you pass the online permit test and pay the required fees. Passing the exam does not issue the permit by itself. You must complete the permit application, so that the DMV gets all the documents and fees it needs. Vermont law makes the permit valid for two years from the date of issue, and any learner's permit may be renewed.

What to do in common test situations

You fail the test

Wait at least one day, then take it again. There is no limit on tries, but you pay the $39 fee each time. The practice question on the wait after a failed test checks this rule.

You passed the test but did not apply for the permit

Complete the permit application process. The DMV issues your permit only after you apply and pay the permit fee.

You applied and paid, but you have no permit

Call the DMV at 802-828-2000 to verify your status.

Reading is hard for you, or a disability affects your reading

Tell the DMV when you make your appointment, and it will work with you on your needs. The audio and online interactive versions of the Manual are on the DMV website.

Which languages does the Vermont permit test come in?

The Vermont DMV says learner's permit exams are available in the 14 languages of its translated forms list: Arabic, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Mandarin Chinese, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili and Ukrainian. The license and permit application comes in the same languages. The DMV also posts translated Driver's License Manuals, for example in Spanish, French, Arabic and Somali.

How to study for the Vermont permit test

Start with the Vermont Driver's Manual, which covers everything you need for the learner's permit. The Manual also points to DriveVermont, a DMV web tutorial with images, videos and quizzes, and a practice exam at the end that looks very similar to the actual test. To check one rule fast, try the practice question on how many correct answers pass the test. Our practice tests are free and in English only.

Key takeaways

The Vermont permit test is online on mydmv.vermont.gov. The DMV no longer gives it in an office.
It has 20 questions with four answers each. You need at least 16 correct (80%) to pass.
After a fail, wait at least one day. There is no limit on tries, but each try costs $39.
After you pass, complete the permit application and pay the $24 permit fee.
The DMV says permit exams are available in 14 languages, including Spanish and French.
Next step: practice on the free Vermont operator license permit practice test.

Vermont permit test: common questions

Can I use the Vermont Driver's Manual during the permit test?

No. The Vermont Driver's Manual says it may not be used during the test. Study it before you start, and use the DriveVermont tutorial and its practice exam to check what you know. You must answer at least 16 of the 20 questions on your own.

Can a parent help a child with the Vermont permit test?

Only in a limited way. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the Vermont DMV says you may read the test to your child if necessary. You may not give your child the correct answers.

Do I have to wait for my Vermont permit to come in the mail?

No. After you pass and pay, the DMV receipt acts as your temporary learner's permit for 90 days from the date on the receipt. Carry it whenever you drive. The DMV runs checks on your application, and if they do not come back clear, it asks you to correct your information before it sends the permit.

Can I get a Vermont permit if I had a suspension or recall?

If you are under 18, you must have a clean driving record for the previous two years. If you have had any recalls, suspensions or revocations, contact the Vermont DMV before you apply, because you may have to serve an additional waiting period.

Can I get a Vermont learner's permit if I live in another state?

Only for driver education. A resident of another state who is enrolled in a Vermont driver education and training course can get a Vermont learner's permit. Bring a letter from the school that confirms your enrollment.