20 questions from the Vermont driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the required status of the odometer numbers on a vehicle according to federal law mentioned in the handbook?
Answer: They must not be altered. The handbook specifies that federal law requires odometer numbers to remain unaltered.
Vermont driver handbook, page 62: “Federal law states that the numbers on an odometer must not be altered and an odometer statement must be signed by the seller and purchaser when the vehicle is sold.”
2. When a school bus is stopped with its alternately flashing red warning lights activated, what is the general rule for drivers approaching the bus?
Answer: You must stop your vehicle. The handbook states that drivers must stop when the bus's red warning lights are activated.
Vermont driver handbook, page 41: “Once the red warning lights have been activated you must stop your vehicle.”
3. When is a Junior Driver's License holder permitted to operate a vehicle for employment purposes?
Answer: After holding the license for one year or reaching age 18, whichever comes first. The rule allows employment driving after one year of holding the license or upon turning 18, whichever occurs sooner.
Vermont driver handbook, page 21: “While holding a Junior Driver’s License, the individual may not operate a vehicle in the course of their employment for one (1) year following the issuance of the Junior Driver’s License. For example, an individual cannot act as a pizza delivery driver until having had a Junior Driver’s License for one (1) year, or until reaching the age of eighteen (18), whichever comes first.”
4. Under Vermont's Implied Consent Law, what consequence does a driver face if they refuse to take a test for alcohol or drugs when asked by a police officer?
Answer: They lose their Driver's License for at least six months. The handbook specifies that refusing the implied consent test results in a license suspension of at least six months.
Vermont driver handbook, page 54: “If the driver refuses, they will lose their Driver's License for at least six (6) months.”
5. Within what timeframe must a new resident register their vehicle after moving to Vermont?
Answer: Within 60 days. The handbook specifies a 60-day window for new residents to complete vehicle registration.
Vermont driver handbook, page 66: “If you are moving to Vermont from another state, you must register your vehicle within 60 days of moving into the state.”
6. According to the handbook, what is the required minimum following distance when driving behind a horse with a rider, horse and wagon, or herded animals?
Answer: At least a 4 second following distance. The handbook states that a minimum of four seconds of following distance is required when behind these specific types of animal-drawn vehicles or riders.
Vermont driver handbook, page 46: “When following a horse with a rider, horse and wagon, or herded animals, leave at least a 4 second following distance.”
7. What is the recommended action regarding personal grooming while driving?
Answer: Do your personal grooming at home, not in the vehicle. The handbook advises drivers to complete grooming tasks at home rather than inside the vehicle to maintain focus.
Vermont driver handbook, page 56: “Do your personal grooming at home, not in the vehicle.”
8. According to the handbook, how far in advance must a driver use a turn signal before making a turn or changing lanes?
Answer: Not less than 100 feet. The handbook states the minimum distance required for signaling is 100 feet.
Vermont driver handbook, page 27: “The law states that a driver must use a turn signal not less than 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes.”
9. How should pets be positioned in the vehicle to minimize distraction?
Answer: In a carrier. The handbook states that pets should be secured in a carrier to avoid distracting the driver.
Vermont driver handbook, page 56: “Pets can be distracting and should be in a carrier, not in your lap or free to move.”
10. Where should a shoulder belt be positioned for proper safety?
Answer: Over the shoulder and across the center of the chest. The handbook instructs that shoulder belts should go over the shoulder and across the center of the chest.
Vermont driver handbook, page 63: “Shoulder belts go over the shoulder and across the center of the chest.”
11. What is the correct procedure if a traffic signal is dark due to a power failure?
Answer: Stop as if there are stop signs in all directions. The handbook instructs drivers to treat a dark signal exactly like a stop sign, requiring a full stop.
Vermont driver handbook, page 32: “If a signal light is dark, as in a power failure, stop as if there are stop signs in all directions.”
12. What is the consequence for a Junior Operator who accumulates 6 points on their driving record?
Answer: A 90-day recall. The handbook lists a 90-day recall for a Junior Operator Points Accumulation Recall involving a 6-point total.
Vermont driver handbook, page 22: “Junior Operator Points Accumulation Recall (JRP) = 90 day recall (for a single 3 pt. Speeding violation or a 6 pt. Total)”
13. How far from the back of the vehicle must the back license plate be visible?
Answer: At least 50 feet. The handbook requires the rear license plate to be illuminated and readable from a distance of at least 50 feet.
Vermont driver handbook, page 61: “The back license plate must be lighted so it can be seen and read at least 50 feet from the back of the vehicle.”
14. What is the maximum number of passengers a Junior Driver may transport in their vehicle?
Answer: No more passengers than there are safety belts available. The handbook states that regardless of other restrictions, the physical limit of safety belts dictates the maximum passenger count.
Vermont driver handbook, page 16: “However, the driver is not allowed to transport more passengers than there are safety belts.”
15. What should a driver do if their vehicle stalls in a flooded area?
Answer: Abandon it as soon as possible. The handbook advises leaving the vehicle immediately if it stalls in floodwaters to avoid being swept away or trapped by rising water.
Vermont driver handbook, page 47: “If your vehicle stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible.”
16. What is the recommended action if you become drowsy while driving?
Answer: Find a safe place to pull over and stop. The handbook advises stopping in a safe place when drowsy, noting that other methods like opening windows or turning up the radio do not effectively keep drivers awake.
Vermont driver handbook, page 55: “If you become drowsy while you’re on the road, find a safe place to pull over and stop.”
17. What action is required if traffic is backing up behind a learner driver who is driving slowly?
Answer: Pull over to the side of the road when safe to allow vehicles to pass. Drivers must pull over safely to let faster traffic pass when causing a backup.
Vermont driver handbook, page 26: “If traffic is backing up behind you, you are required by law to pull over to the side of the road, when it is safe to do so, and allow following vehicles to go by.”
18. What color are work zone signs described in the handbook?
Answer: Orange. The handbook specifies that work zone signs are orange in color.
Vermont driver handbook, page 37: “Work zone signs are orange and diamond or rectangular shaped.”
19. When is it required by law to turn on your headlights?
Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. The handbook specifies the exact legal timeframe for headlight usage based on sunset and sunrise times.
Vermont driver handbook, page 50: “The law requires headlights on vehicles to be turned on a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.”
20. In a work zone with temporary pavement markings, what do yellow markers or lines separate?
Answer: Lanes going in opposite directions. The handbook clarifies that yellow markings are used to separate opposing traffic flows within temporary work zones.
Vermont driver handbook, page 37: “Yellow markers or lines separate lanes going in opposite directions.”