Vermont Reinstatement Retest Requirements: Written, Road, or Both?

Vermont does not impose a universal retest requirement for license reinstatement. The DMV evaluates each case individually based on suspension length and the underlying cause. Suspensions lasting less than one year rarely trigger a retest unless medical clearance is required or the suspension resulted from a severe impairment-related offense. Suspensions exceeding one year increase the likelihood of a retest, particularly if the original cause involved alcohol impairment, refusal of chemical testing, or habitual offender status. The DMV examiner has discretion to order a written knowledge test, road skills test, or both if they determine your driving competency needs verification. Most DUI-related reinstatements in Vermont do not require retesting. If you completed your ignition interlock program, paid the $71 reinstatement fee, and satisfied the court-ordered suspension period, the DMV typically reinstates your license without a retest. The exception: extended suspensions where the DMV questions whether you retained the knowledge or skill to drive safely.

A written knowledge test is ordered when the DMV believes you may no longer retain basic traffic law knowledge. This typically occurs after suspensions lasting multiple years or when the original violation demonstrated severe disregard for traffic safety rules. The Vermont written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and impaired driving laws. The test is administered at a Vermont DMV office and must be passed before your license is reinstated. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period, but your reinstatement is delayed until you pass. You can study using the Vermont Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website. Focus on sections covering alcohol-related offenses, suspension consequences, and financial responsibility requirements if your suspension involved DUI or uninsured driving.

A road skills test is less common but is ordered when the DMV questions your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This typically applies to suspensions lasting several years, older drivers reinstating after extended suspensions, or drivers whose medical or impairment history raises safety concerns. The road test requires you to demonstrate vehicle control, parallel parking, intersection navigation, and adherence to traffic signals. You must provide a vehicle with valid registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle cannot be equipped with an ignition interlock device during the road test unless the examiner permits it. If you held a Civil Suspension License (Vermont's hardship license) during your suspension and drove without incident, the DMV is less likely to order a road test. Your restricted-license driving record serves as evidence of competency.

Vermont's retest decision hinges on how long your license was suspended. Suspensions under one year rarely trigger retesting unless the cause was exceptionally severe or involved medical disqualification. Suspensions lasting one to three years place you in a gray zone. The DMV reviews your case individually. If you maintained a Civil Suspension License and drove without violations during that period, retesting is unlikely. If you did not drive at all for multiple years, the DMV may require a written test to confirm you still know current traffic laws. Suspensions exceeding three years almost always trigger a retest requirement. Vermont traffic laws change periodically, and the DMV assumes drivers who have not held a valid license for several years need to demonstrate current knowledge and skill before full reinstatement.

Most DUI reinstatements in Vermont do not require a retest. If you completed your ignition interlock program, satisfied the mandatory suspension period (90 days minimum for a first offense), and obtained SR-22 insurance, the DMV typically reinstates your license without additional testing. The exception: if your DUI suspension combined with other violations or extended beyond the standard period due to refusal or repeat offenses, the DMV may order a written test. A second or third DUI suspension increases the likelihood of retesting, particularly if the suspension lasted multiple years. Your ignition interlock compliance record matters. If you accumulated violations during the interlock period—failed breath tests, tampering attempts, or missed calibration appointments—the DMV may question your readiness to drive without the device and order a retest before full reinstatement.

If the DMV orders a retest, you will receive written notification specifying whether you must complete a written test, road test, or both. You cannot drive legally until you pass the required tests and complete all other reinstatement requirements, including payment of the $71 reinstatement fee and submission of SR-22 proof of insurance. Schedule your retest promptly. Delays extend the period before you can legally drive. If you fail the written test, you can retake it after a short waiting period. If you fail the road test, you must wait longer and may be required to complete additional driver training before retaking the test. Once you pass the required tests, pay the reinstatement fee, and submit proof of SR-22 insurance, the DMV will issue your reinstated license. Your SR-22 filing period begins on the reinstatement date and typically lasts three years for DUI-related suspensions.

Vermont requires SR-22 proof of financial responsibility for most DUI-related reinstatements. The SR-22 is not a policy—it is a certificate filed by your insurance carrier with the Vermont DMV confirming you carry at least the state's minimum liability coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Most standard carriers will not write policies for drivers immediately post-suspension. You will need a non-standard carrier willing to file SR-22. Monthly premiums typically range from $140 to $250 depending on your driving history, age, and location. The SR-22 filing fee itself is $15 to $50, but the premium increase is the larger cost. Your SR-22 must remain on file for three years after your reinstatement date for DUI suspensions. If your policy lapses or is canceled during that period, the carrier notifies the DMV and your license is re-suspended immediately. Vermont does not offer a grace period for lapsed SR-22 filings.