20 questions from the Vermont driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. If there are no sidewalks available, on which side of the road should pedestrians walk?
Answer: As far as possible to the left side of the road facing traffic. The handbook specifies that pedestrians without sidewalks should walk on the left side facing oncoming traffic.
Vermont driver handbook, page 40: “If there are no sidewalks, you should walk as far as possible to the left side of the road facing traffic.”
2. What is the correct procedure for a driver entering an interstate from an entrance ramp?
Answer: Yield to drivers already on the interstate. The handbook states that the driver entering the highway has the responsibility to yield to existing traffic.
Vermont driver handbook, page 51: “The entering driver must yield to drivers already on the interstate.”
3. How does the fine structure for speeding change in a work zone?
Answer: Fines are doubled. The handbook states that fines are doubled for speeding violations occurring within a work zone.
Vermont driver handbook, page 36: “FINES ARE DOUBLED FOR SPEEDING IN A WORK ZONE”
4. What is the maximum speed limit for any vehicle on an Interstate in Vermont?
Answer: 65 miles per hour. The handbook specifies that the maximum speed on Interstates in Vermont is 65 mph, distinct from the general 50 mph limit.
Vermont driver handbook, page 29: “The maximum speed for any vehicle on an Interstate in Vermont is 65 miles per hour or as posted.”
5. What type of endorsement is required for a driver transporting school children in a vehicle rated by the manufacturer for fewer than 16 passengers?
Answer: Type II school bus endorsement. The handbook distinguishes between larger buses requiring a CDL and smaller buses (fewer than 16 passengers) which specifically require a Type II school bus endorsement.
Vermont driver handbook, page 18: “If you transport school children in school buses rated by the manufacturer for fewer than 16 passengers, you are required to obtain a Type II school bus endorsement on your driver’s license.”
6. How should a driver respond to a flashing yellow arrow signal when making a left turn?
Answer: Turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. The flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn, but the driver must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Vermont driver handbook, page 33: “Flashing Yellow Arrow: Drivers are allowed to turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk.”
7. What is the recommended speed on the interstate to save fuel according to the 'Green Driving' tips?
Answer: Drive 55 or 60 miles per hour. The handbook advises driving at 55 or 60 mph on the interstate rather than 65 mph to improve fuel economy.
Vermont driver handbook, page 69: “On the interstate, drive 55 or 60 miles per hour instead of 65 to save fuel.”
8. When is a right turn permitted at a circular red light?
Answer: Only after stopping completely, scanning the intersection, and yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles. The rule requires a complete stop, a scan of the intersection, and yielding to pedestrians and vehicles before making the turn.
Vermont driver handbook, page 32: “Right turns at circular red lights are usually allowed, but only after the driver has stopped completely, scanned the intersection and yielded the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles.”
9. What is the minimum recommended following distance when driving during ice or snow storms?
Answer: More than 4 seconds. The handbook specifies increasing the following distance to exceed 4 seconds to account for reduced traction and stopping ability in winter conditions.
Vermont driver handbook, page 48: “Increase your following distance to more than 4 seconds.”
10. According to the Commissioner's Safety Message, what specific action is required to retain the privilege of having a driver's license?
Answer: Operating the vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. The handbook states that retaining the license privilege depends on continuing to operate the vehicle safely and responsibly.
Vermont driver handbook, page 4: “Retaining that privilege requires your continuing to operate your vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.”
11. How long must a Junior Driver hold their license before they are permitted to operate a vehicle in the course of their employment?
Answer: After holding the license for one year, or until reaching age eighteen, whichever comes first. The handbook defines the employment restriction duration as one year or until age eighteen, whichever occurs sooner.
Vermont driver handbook, page 16: “While holding a Junior Driver’s License, you cannot operate a vehicle in the course of your employment for one (1) year following the issuance of the Junior Driver’s License. For example, an individual cannot act as a pizza delivery person (driver) until they have had their Junior Driver’s License for one (1) year, or until they reach the age of eighteen (18), whichever comes first.”
12. What action should a driver take regarding their safety belt during a police stop?
Answer: Keep it fastened until the officer has seen you wearing it. The guidelines instruct drivers to keep their seatbelt on until the officer visually confirms they are wearing it.
Vermont driver handbook, page 31: “Keep your safety belt fastened until the officer has seen you wearing it.”
13. When approaching a railroad grade crossing, what is the minimum distance a driver must stop from the nearest rail?
Answer: Not less than 15 feet. The handbook states that drivers must stop at a distance of not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail.
Vermont driver handbook, page 38: “By law, drivers must STOP not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when:”
14. How does alcohol primarily affect a driver's reaction time according to the handbook?
Answer: It causes the driver to take longer to move their foot from the gas pedal to the brake. The handbook describes alcohol as a depressant that slows down reaction time, specifically mentioning the delay in moving the foot from accelerator to brake.
Vermont driver handbook, page 54: “It will take you longer to react and move your foot from the gas pedal to the brake.”
15. What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold for being considered "under the influence" under Vermont law?
Answer: .08. The handbook defines the legal limit for impairment as a BAC of .08 or higher.
Vermont driver handbook, page 53: “Vermont law states that when a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or above, he/she is “under the influence” or “impaired”.”
16. Who must accompany a driver holding a valid Vermont Learner's Permit while driving in Vermont?
Answer: A licensed and unimpaired parent or guardian, a licensed or certified unimpaired driver education instructor, or a licensed and unimpaired individual 25 years of age or older. The handbook lists specific categories of supervisors allowed in the front seat, including individuals aged 25 or older, distinguishing this from general age requirements.
Vermont driver handbook, page 14: “With a valid Learner’s Permit, you may drive anywhere, anytime in Vermont 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.”
17. What is the most common cause of bad brakes according to the handbook?
Answer: They do not operate together properly. While other factors like fluid levels or wear are mentioned, the handbook identifies improper operation together as the most common cause.
Vermont driver handbook, page 60: “The most common cause of bad brakes is that they do not operate together properly.”
18. When performing a parallel parking maneuver, how far should the vehicle stop from the front vehicle before shifting to reverse?
Answer: Two to three feet away. The instructions for entering the parking space specify stopping two to three feet away from the front vehicle.
Vermont driver handbook, page 58: “Stop alongside the front vehicle, two to three feet away. Shift to reverse.”
19. What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel for proper control?
Answer: At the 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 positions. The handbook recommends placing hands at the 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 positions on the steering wheel.
Vermont driver handbook, page 26: “If you look at the steering wheel as the face of a clock, a 9 and 3 or an 8 and 4 position is recommended.”
20. What is the minimum distance from which the rear registration plate must be readable?
Answer: 50 feet away. The regulations require the rear plate to be illuminated sufficiently to be read from a distance of at least 50 feet.
Vermont driver handbook, page 66: “The rear plate must be lighted so that it can be read from at least 50 feet away.”