Every person who operates a vehicle on the roads and highways of Vermont must have in their possesson a valid driver's license. Only Vermont residents are required to own a Vermont-issued license. College students, seasonal migrant workers, and contract workers are not considered Vermont residents and are thus not obligated to apply for a Vermont license.

Some other useful facts:

• Non-U.S. citizens living in Vermont who wish to obtain a Vermont license must provide valid proof that they are legally permitted to be residing stateside.

• Vermont's operator license allows you to drive any noncommercial vehicle except school buses and motorcycles.

• If you have any kind of medical condition (diabetes or epilepsy, for example) that could cause you to blank out while behind the wheel, you must notify the DMV's Driver Improvement Section at (802) 828-2085 prior to scheduling your license exam. You will be sent a medical examination form which must be signed by your physician.

• Although setting an appoinment for a license exam is not required, it is highly recommended. Walk-ins may get tested, but there is no guarantee.

• Vermont has a mandatory seatbelt law.

Driving Tips

Deer and moose are frequently seen crossing Vermont's roads. Be alert for their presence, especially while driving over the mountain gaps. Dawn, dusk, and nighttime are when they are most active.

The entire state is a tourist attraction. Tour buses, bike tours, and autumn leaf seekers frequent the back and main roads. Instead of paying attention to the road, out-of-state visitors are at times more focused on snapping pictures of covered bridges and rustic red barns. So be aware of their presence.

Winter is not a rumor in Vermont. Snow falls from October through April. Even though road crews salt and sand the roads, driving can still be treacherous, especially over the high mountain gaps. Black ice is also common. So give yourself more time when driving during the winter months.

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