20 questions from the Vermont driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the minimum clearance distance required when passing a bicycle or another vehicle?
Answer: Four feet. The handbook states that drivers must leave at least four feet of space when passing other vehicles or bicycles.
Vermont driver handbook, page 53: “Leave at least four feet of clearance between your vehicle and any vehicle or bicycle you are passing.”
2. If you are stranded in a vehicle during a blizzard, what is the recommended procedure for running the engine?
Answer: Run the engine about 10 minutes each hour with a downwind window slightly open. The guide instructs drivers to run the engine intermittently for about 10 minutes per hour and ensure ventilation by opening a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Vermont driver handbook, page 48: “Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.”
3. Under what specific conditions is a Junior Driver permitted to carry passengers during the first three months of holding their license?
Answer: Only if a licensed and unimpaired parent, guardian, certified instructor, or individual aged 25 or older is in the front seat. The handbook lists the specific adults allowed in the front seat to permit passenger transport during the initial three-month restriction period.
Vermont driver handbook, page 16: “During the first three (3) months of operation under a Junior Driver’s License, the individual is restricted to driving alone. Passengers are permitted only if there is a licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian, or a licensed or certified unimpaired driver education instructor or a licensed and unimpaired individual 25 years of age or older riding in the front seat.”
4. A 16-year-old applicant in Vermont has a valid Learner's Permit and has completed the required classroom and behind-the-wheel training hours. What additional driving practice requirement must be met before obtaining a Junior Driver's License?
Answer: Complete 40 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours being nighttime driving. The handbook states that in addition to the course hours, applicants must complete 40 hours of practice including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving.
Vermont driver handbook, page 14: “In addition to the hours indicated above, you must complete 40 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours being nighttime driving.”
5. What action should a driver take if their wheels drop off the pavement onto a low shoulder?
Answer: Reduce speed without braking and turn back carefully at a slow speed. The handbook instructs drivers to reduce speed without braking and turn back carefully at a slow speed when wheels drop onto a low shoulder.
Vermont driver handbook, page 38: “If your wheels drop off the pavement onto a low shoulder, reduce speed without braking, and turn back onto the pavement very carefully at a slow speed.”
6. What shape is used for yield right-of-way signs?
Answer: An upside down triangle. The handbook identifies the upside-down triangle shape specifically for yield signs.
Vermont driver handbook, page 33: “Yield right-of-way signs are the shape of an upside down triangle, and they mean you should slow down, search and enter only if the way is clear of pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.”
7. What component is inspected during the annual vehicle inspection to ensure the emission control system is functioning properly?
Answer: The catalytic converter. The handbook states that the catalytic converter is inspected during the annual inspection to verify its presence and function.
Vermont driver handbook, page 62: “As part of the annual inspection the catalytic converter is inspected to make sure it is present on your vehicle.”
8. How many points are assessed for failing to yield the right of way to an ambulance, fire truck, or police officer?
Answer: 5 points. The handbook lists specific point values for offenses, assigning 5 points to this specific failure to yield.
Vermont driver handbook, page 65: “Failure to yield the right of way to an ambulance, fire truck, police officer, 5 points.”
9. How is 'nighttime driving' defined for the purpose of meeting the Junior Driver's License practice requirements?
Answer: Driving during the period of 30 minutes after sunset, to 30 minutes before sunrise. The handbook provides a specific definition for nighttime driving as the window starting 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise.
Vermont driver handbook, page 14: “Nighttime driving is considered driving during the period of 30 minutes after sunset, to 30 minutes before sunrise.”
10. If you hit a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, what action must you take?
Answer: Write your name, address, and phone number and leave it in or on the vehicle. The handbook requires leaving contact information on the vehicle if the owner is not present after hitting a parked car.
Vermont driver handbook, page 59: “If you hit a parked vehicle and cause damage, and you can't find the owner, you must write your name, address and phone number and leave it in, or on the vehicle.”
11. According to the handbook, what is the only effective method to reduce the effects of alcohol on your driving ability?
Answer: Allowing time to pass. The handbook states that time is the sole method for processing alcohol out of the body, while other common remedies like coffee or exercise are noted as ineffective.
Vermont driver handbook, page 54: “Time is the only way to reduce the effects of alcohol.”
12. When a driver is involved in a crash where someone is injured, what is the correct procedure regarding the injured person?
Answer: Leave the injured person where they are and keep them warm and calm. The handbook instructs drivers to leave injured persons in place to avoid further injury and to keep them warm and calm.
Vermont driver handbook, page 59: “If someone is injured, call 911. Leave the injured person where they are. You may injure the person more by moving that person the wrong way. Keep the person warm and calm.”
13. What is the minimum passing space a driver should leave between their vehicle and a bicyclist?
Answer: At least four feet. The handbook clearly mandates a minimum of four feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
Vermont driver handbook, page 41: “Leave at least four feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist.”
14. When making a left turn, how should a driver position their wheels before initiating the turn?
Answer: Keep wheels straight until ready to turn. Keeping wheels straight prevents the vehicle from being pushed into oncoming traffic if rear-ended.
Vermont driver handbook, page 27: “Keep your wheels straight until you are ready to turn - that way you will not be pushed into oncoming traffic if you are hit from behind.”
15. How should a driver steer to recover control when their vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. The handbook advises steering toward the intended path of travel to regain control, rather than counter-steering opposite to the skid or braking heavily.
Vermont driver handbook, page 49: “Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.”
16. When approaching a law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights stopped on the side of the road, what action must you take if you are unable to change lanes?
Answer: Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. The handbook specifies that if a lane change is not possible, the driver must reduce speed to 20 mph below the posted limit when passing stopped emergency vehicles.
Vermont driver handbook, page 52: “If you are unable to change lanes you must slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit in order to go by the stopped vehicles.”
17. What action should a driver take regarding headlights when visibility is poor due to fog, heavy rain, or heavy snow?
Answer: Use your low beam headlights. The handbook instructs drivers to specifically use low beam headlights during conditions of poor visibility like fog, rain, or snow.
Vermont driver handbook, page 47: “When visibility is poor, such as in fog, heavy rain, or heavy snow, use your low beam headlights.”
18. What should a driver do when a vehicle ahead stops for a pedestrian in a two-lane situation?
Answer: Do not pass the stopped vehicle. The handbook states that drivers should not pass a stopped vehicle when it has stopped for a pedestrian, even if multiple lanes are available.
Vermont driver handbook, page 39: “When a vehicle ahead of you stops for a pedestrian, do not pass the stopped vehicle even if there are two lanes provided.”
19. In a two-lane roundabout with no signs or arrows, which movements are permitted from the left lane?
Answer: Left turns or through movements. The handbook specifies that in the absence of signs or arrows, the left lane allows for left turns or proceeding straight through.
Vermont driver handbook, page 31: “When entering a two-lane roundabout with no signs or arrows the right lane is permitted to make right turning or through movements while the left lane is permitted to make left turns or through movements.”
20. What is the required procedure for drivers when encountering emergency vehicles in a roundabout?
Answer: Yield to emergency vehicles, pulling over if outside the roundabout or after safely exiting if inside. Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles, pulling over immediately if outside the roundabout, or waiting until safely exited if already inside.
Vermont driver handbook, page 31: “Always yield to emergency vehicles. If you are not already in the roundabout pull over and let the emergency vehicles pass. If you are already in the roundabout pull over when you have safely exited the roundabout.”