19 questions from the Vermont driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Under what condition can a person whose driving privilege was suspended, revoked, or refused be issued a new license?
Answer: After the suspension is terminated and the person is officially notified in writing of reinstatement. The handbook states that issuance is contingent upon the termination of the suspension and official written notification of reinstatement.
Vermont driver handbook, page 17: “A person whose privilege to operate a motor vehicle in any state has been suspended, revoked, or refused cannot be issued a license until such suspension, revocation or refusal has been terminated and the person has been officially notified in writing of reinstatement.”
2. When parking a vehicle on a two-lane road, how far from the right side of the road or curb must the right wheels be positioned?
Answer: Within 12 inches. The handbook states that the right wheels must be within 12 inches of the curb or side of the road when parking on a two-lane road.
Vermont driver handbook, page 30: “A vehicle parked on a 2-lane road must have the right wheels within 12 inches of the right side of the road or curb.”
3. Why are moose considered especially difficult to see in the evening hours compared to deer?
Answer: Their eyes may not reflect in vehicle headlights because they are taller. The handbook explains that moose are harder to see at night because their height prevents their eyes from reflecting headlights and their darker coloring blends into the surroundings.
Vermont driver handbook, page 46: “Because moose are taller, their eyes may not reflect in the vehicle’s headlights. Also, moose are more darkly colored than deer. These characteristics make moose especially difficult to see in the evening hours.”
4. Under what condition is it permissible to pass another vehicle on the right?
Answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to go by safely. Passing on the right is allowed on non-multilane roads only when the vehicle ahead is turning left and sufficient space exists to pass safely.
Vermont driver handbook, page 53: “On roads that are not multilane, a driver may pass on the right of a vehicle or bicycle turning or preparing to turn left, if there is room to go by safely.”
5. When driving on slippery roads, what is the recommended method for slowing down?
Answer: Take your foot off the gas pedal and gently squeeze the brakes with slow, steady pressure. The handbook instructs drivers to ease off the gas and apply gentle, steady brake pressure rather than pumping brakes or shifting to higher gears.
Vermont driver handbook, page 49: “To slow down on a slippery road, you should take your foot off the gas pedal to lower your speed and help keep your vehicle under control. If you need to slow down more, gently “squeeze” your brakes with a slow, steady pressure.”
6. When using the four-second method to determine safe following distance, what should you do if it takes less than four seconds for your vehicle to reach the checkpoint?
Answer: Increase your following distance. The instructions state that if the count is under four seconds, the driver is following too closely and needs to increase the gap.
Vermont driver handbook, page 29: “If it takes less than four seconds for your vehicle to reach that point, you are following too closely and must increase your following distance.”
7. During the first three months of holding a Junior Driver's License in Vermont, who is permitted to ride in the front seat with the driver?
Answer: A licensed and unimpaired parent, guardian, driver education instructor, or individual 25 years of age or older. The handbook specifies that during the first three months, passengers are allowed only if accompanied by a qualified adult or instructor in the front seat.
Vermont driver handbook, page 21: “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.”
8. How often must a vehicle be inspected in Vermont?
Answer: Once a year. The handbook specifies that vehicle inspections are required on an annual basis.
Vermont driver handbook, page 60: “Your vehicle must be inspected once a year.”
9. What is the purpose of continuous two-way left turn lanes?
Answer: To allow traffic moving in both directions to make a left-hand turn. The handbook explains that these lanes are specifically for left turns by traffic from both directions, not for general travel.
Vermont driver handbook, page 35: “Continuous two-way left turn lanes are not designed to be used as travel lanes since traffic moving in both directions may want to use the lane to make a left-hand turn.”
10. What is the minimum age requirement to take the test for a Vermont Learner's Permit?
Answer: You must be at least 15 years old. The handbook clearly states that the minimum age to take the Learner's Permit test is 15 years old.
Vermont driver handbook, page 13: “You must be at least 15 years old to take the test.”
11. Under what condition may a disabled person be exempt from the purchase and use tax for a vehicle?
Answer: If the vehicle controls are altered to enable operation or have a mechanical lifting device. Exemption requires specific modifications to controls or lifting devices, not just standard features or lease types.
Vermont driver handbook, page 73: “The vehicle controls must be altered so that it enables you to operate the vehicle, or must have a mechanical lifting device to allow entry and exit from the vehicle.”
12. What is the required action when a pedestrian with a white cane is crossing or waiting to cross the street ahead of you?
Answer: Stop and yield the right-of-way. The handbook mandates that drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
Vermont driver handbook, page 39: “When a pedestrian who has a white cane or is being led by a guide dog is crossing or waiting to cross the street ahead of you, you must stop and yield the right-of-way.”
13. At a four-way stop intersection, if two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time from different directions, who yields?
Answer: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. The rule specifies that when arriving simultaneously at a four-way stop, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Vermont driver handbook, page 29: “When two vehicles approach a four-way stop intersection at approximately the same time, coming from different directions, the driver on the left should yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.”
14. How should you handle your headlights when approaching other vehicles or pedestrians?
Answer: Always use low beam so as not to blind the driver or pedestrian. The handbook mandates the use of low beams in these situations to prevent blinding others.
Vermont driver handbook, page 50: “Always use low beam when approaching other vehicles or pedestrians so as not to blind the driver or pedestrian.”
15. Under what condition is a driver NOT required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
Answer: When the bus is on a divided highway and traveling in the opposite direction. The handbook lists divided highways with opposite-direction traffic as a specific exception to the stopping rule.
Vermont driver handbook, page 41: “You do not have to stop on a divided highway if the school bus is traveling in the opposite direction.”
16. What do rectangular signs with white backgrounds indicate?
Answer: What things a driver must or must not do. The handbook defines rectangular white signs as regulatory signs that provide mandatory instructions.
Vermont driver handbook, page 35: “Rectangular signs with white backgrounds indicate what things a driver must or must not do.”
17. What action is required if you leave your vehicle parked in town?
Answer: Shut off the engine. The handbook states that leaving a vehicle unattended requires shutting off the engine to comply with Vermont's unattended motor vehicle law.
Vermont driver handbook, page 69: “if you leave your vehicle, you must shut it off.”
18. What is the required timeframe for submitting a written crash report to the Department of Motor Vehicles if damage exceeds $3,000?
Answer: Within 72 hours. The handbook specifies that written reports for crashes involving injuries or damage over $3,000 must be filed within 72 hours.
Vermont driver handbook, page 59: “If any person has been injured, or if the damage is over $3,000, you must make a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours.”
19. How long must an individual maintain a clean driving record before obtaining a Junior Driver's License?
Answer: Six months. The handbook states a six-month period of a clean record is required prior to obtaining the license.
Vermont driver handbook, page 21: “An individual must have maintained a ‘clean’ driving record without any Learner’s Permit recalls, suspensions, or revocations for a six (6) month period prior to obtaining a Junior Driver’s License.”