Vermont Road Test Vehicle Checklist: Safety Standards, Auto-Fail

You can use any personal or borrowed vehicle for your Vermont road test if it's street-legal, safe, and passes the examiner's pre-trip inspection. The car needs standard factory-issue mirrors that are intact and provide a clear view, no special mirrors required.

What Vehicle Requirements Does Vermont DMV Set for the Road Test?

Your road-test vehicle must be legally registered, insured, inspected, and safe to operate. The vehicle may be registered and inspected in Vermont or another state if it otherwise qualifies for the test.

Can You Use an Out-of-State Registered Vehicle for a Vermont Road Test?

Yes. The vehicle may be registered and inspected in another state if it is legally registered, insured, inspected, and otherwise meets Vermont's road-test requirements.

Can You Use a Rental Car for the Vermont Road Test?

Yes, but Vermont DMV requires a letter from the rental company giving express permission to use the vehicle for the road test.

Using a Car With Dual Instructor Controls for the Vermont Road Test

Not unless the extra instructor controls are disconnected or otherwise made inoperable for the test.

Using Antique, Agricultural, Exhibition, or Dealer Plates for a Vermont Road Test

No. Vermont DMV lists vehicles with these plate types among the vehicles it will not use for a road test. See Vermont DMV's road-test vehicle requirements.

Using a Parent's Car for Vermont's Road Test

Yes, most teens use a parent's car. But strict rules apply, and one missing document ends your test before it starts.

• Registration Must Be Current: You cannot use a parent's car if the registration is expired. Bring the original, valid registration certificate.
• Insurance Check: The car must be insured. Verify the policy doesn't have a 'young driver exclusion' that bars you from driving it.

At the Rutland DMV, a teen's test was canceled because their parent's insurance card had expired two days prior. Dates matter, check them the morning of your test.

Vermont DMV's Mirror and Safety Equipment Rules: Key Rules

No special mirrors are required for the Vermont driving test, your car needs standard, functioning internal rearview and side mirrors, and that's it.

• Standard Mirrors Only: No need for extra 'instructor' mirrors. Examiners bring their own portable mirror if needed.
• Condition is Critical: Cracked or damaged mirror glass that obstructs view leads to immediate vehicle rejection.
• Backup Cameras & Technology: Backup cameras are allowed but you can't rely on them during the test. You must perform physical head checks. Blind-spot mirrors are permitted but don't replace the mandatory shoulder check.

Adjust all mirrors and your seat before the examiner gets in. This shows readiness and saves test time.

What Causes an Automatic Vermont DMV Road Test Failure?

Vehicle problems can stop the test before the driving portion begins. Check safety equipment, registration, insurance, inspection status, seat belts, doors, tires, mirrors, lights, and the parking brake before leaving for the appointment.

If you plan to use a rental vehicle, bring the rental company's express permission letter for road-test use. Vehicles with dual instructor controls must have those controls disconnected or made inoperable.

What Final Preparation Prevents Vermont Road Test Vehicle Rejection?

For learner-permit, application, Junior License, and other applicant paperwork, see the Road Test Documents guide.

License fees depend on the credential issued: a Junior License or 2-year standard license is $39, while a 4-year standard license is $62.