Vermont Motorcycle to Car Upgrade: Class D Permit Required

If you hold a Vermont motorcycle license and want to drive a car, you need a Class D Learner's Permit. Your motorcycle license does not authorize you to drive a car.

How to Get a Car Permit With a Vermont Motorcycle License

You must start the Class D licensing track from scratch, your motorcycle license doesn't exempt you from any step.

• Submit the License/Permit Application (Form VL-021) and check 'Learner's Permit' for Class D.
• Bring proof of Vermont residency and identity for Real ID standards.
• You cannot legally practice driving a car without this specific permit.

Do you surrender a motorcycle credential when applying for a Class D learner's permit? Do not surrender or cancel a separate valid motorcycle credential unless Vermont DMV specifically instructs you to do so for your transaction. Bring your current Vermont credential so DMV can apply the correct class and endorsement information.

What Tests Does Vermont DMV Require for the Motorcycle-to-Car Upgrade?

Having a motorcycle license reduces steps in the process but does not waive core tests.

• Knowledge Test: Pass the Class D written exam (20 questions, score 80%).
• Vision Screening: Mandatory 20/40 vision check at your DMV appointment.
• Road Test: Required behind-the-wheel test in a passenger vehicle.

A rider in Rutland failed the Class D test twice, confusing motorcycle lane-splitting rules with car passing laws. This caused a rescheduling delay of three weeks.

Vermont's WRONG OFFICE TYPE trap hits upgrade applicants. Nadia walked into the Vermont DMV mall satellite, handles renewals only. Redirected to full-service Montpelier office; appointment 5 days out. Vermont DMV satellite locations look identical to full-service offices from the outside; verify before driving there.

What Holding Periods Apply When Adding a Vermont Car Permit

Your motorcycle experience does not change the holding periods for a car permit.

Vermont DMV's Fees for Adding a Car Class

Budget $63 minimum for your car permit before additional testing costs.

Check current permit fees before your appointment, rates may adjust during the year.

Prepay the $23 road test fee online at myDMV Vermont when scheduling your DMV appointment to avoid being turned away at the South Burlington office. This is a common cause for same-day rejection.

Holding Both a Car and Motorcycle Permit in Vermont

Yes, you can hold a Class D (car) Learner's Permit and a Class M (motorcycle) Learner's Permit simultaneously. They are independent credentials with different rules.

Do Your Existing Motorcycle Privileges Disappear While You Hold a Class D Learner's Permit?

A Class D learner's permit controls your supervised passenger-vehicle practice. Motorcycle operation remains governed by the motorcycle class or endorsement shown on your current Vermont credential and its own restrictions. Check the credential DMV issues after the transaction rather than assuming one privilege replaces the other.

What Happens to the Motorcycle Endorsement After You Pass the Class D Road Test?

After the Class D licensing transaction, review the new credential before leaving DMV and make sure any motorcycle endorsement you are entitled to hold is shown correctly. The Class D road test does not substitute for motorcycle testing or remove motorcycle-specific restrictions by itself.

The Key Differences Between Vermont Car and Motorcycle Permits

A Montpelier teen had both permits suspended for 90 days after being caught riding his motorcycle at dusk. This violated the daylight-only rule for the motorcycle permit.

Submit separate VL-021 applications for each permit type. Pass two separate knowledge tests (Class D: 20 questions; Class M: 25 questions). Pay separate fees for each permit process. Under-18 riders must complete the Vermont Rider Education Program for the motorcycle permit.

When Should You Apply for Your Vermont Car and Motorcycle Permits?

1. Get your 2-year Class D car permit first to complete practice hours.
2. Apply for the 120-day motorcycle permit in late spring for best riding weather.
3. You cannot take the car and motorcycle road tests on the same day.

A Burlington applicant wasted her motorcycle permit's 120-day window by scheduling her test for late October. An early frost canceled it, forcing her to restart the process.

Before your road test in Rutland, adjust the car's mirrors and ensure all dashboard warning lights are off. Examiners often cancel tests immediately for equipment issues like a 'check engine' light.