As of March 2025, Vermont’s license renewal process for seniors remains largely unchanged from previous years. Here’s what senior drivers in Vermont need to know about renewing their licenses:
Renewal Cycle and Options
- Vermont allows drivers to renew their licenses every 2 or 4 years, regardless of age.
- There are no special renewal requirements or shorter renewal cycles specifically for older drivers in Vermont.
Vision Testing
- Vermont does not require a vision test for license renewal, regardless of the driver’s age.
- This policy sets Vermont apart from many other states, as it is one of only two Northeastern states that do not mandate vision tests for older drivers renewing their licenses.
Renewal Process
- Drivers can renew their licenses by mail, unless a new photograph is required.
- In-person renewals at the DMV are only mandated every nine years.
- There are no additional skills tests required for senior drivers during the renewal process.
Safety Considerations
While Vermont’s renewal process is relatively lenient, senior drivers should be aware of potential safety concerns:
- In 2023, more than one in four traffic fatalities in Vermont involved drivers aged 70 or older.
- Older drivers are encouraged to take driver safety courses, such as the AARP Smart Driver Course, to stay updated on traffic laws and new vehicle technologies.
- Seniors should be mindful of their own limitations, such as changes in eyesight, depth perception, and reaction time.
Potential Changes
It’s worth noting that there have been discussions about updating Vermont’s license renewal requirements for older drivers:
- A proposed bill has suggested mandating in-person visits to DMV locations for applicants aged 70 and older, including a vision test before renewal.
- However, as of March 2025, these changes have not been implemented, and the current system remains in place.
Senior drivers in Vermont should stay informed about any potential changes to renewal requirements and consider voluntarily assessing their driving abilities to ensure continued safety on the road.
Sources
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-rules-seniors/
- https://www.healthvermont.gov/emergency/transportation-safety/older-adult-drivers
- https://www.iihs.org/topics/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
- https://dmv.vermont.gov/licenses/new
