Vermont DMV · Permit Test Prep
Vermont DMV Practice Test 2026
Updated for 2026 · Sourced from the official Vermont handbook
The Vermont DMV learner's permit knowledge test is a 20-question multiple-choice exam drawn from the official Vermont Driver's Manual, covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving practices. You need 80% (16 out of 20) to pass, and Vermont does not publish an official time limit for the online test. Vermont's Graduated Driver License program adds rules that catch a lot of first-timers off guard, including a one-year permit-holding period and staged passenger restrictions for new drivers. Work through the real, manual-sourced practice questions below, then download DMV Ace for 1,000+ more Vermont-specific questions, progress tracking, and a full explanation on every answer.
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Topics covered on the Vermont DMV written test
The 20 questions on the real Vermont test are drawn from these chapters of the official Vermont Driver Handbook.
Getting Your Vermont License and the GDL Program
Learner's permit eligibility, the one-year holding period, Junior Driver's License stages, supervised-driving hours, and required driver education.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs; traffic lights, flashing signals, and pavement markings.
Rules of the Road
Right-of-way, intersections, roundabouts, turning, signaling, and keeping to the right.
Speed Control and Safe Driving
Posted and default speed limits, the 3-second following rule, mirror checks, and blind spots.
Sharing the Road
School buses and the danger zone, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and large-truck No Zones.
Hazardous and Winter Driving Conditions
Night driving, fog, rain, hydroplaning, skid recovery, and Vermont's snow and ice challenges.
Alcohol, Drugs, and the Law
BAC limits, implied consent, Vermont's zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, and DUI penalties.
Parking, Emergencies, and Crashes
Hill parking, no-parking zones, the Move Over law, skid control, and what to do after a collision.
Practice Questions
12 free Vermont DMV practice questions
Real Vermont-specific questions sourced from the official Vermont Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.
Question 1 · Speed Limits
What is the default speed limit in a residential area in Vermont unless otherwise posted?
- A25 mph✓ Correct
- B35 mph
- C30 mph
Why: Vermont's default speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph unless a different limit is posted. Always watch for lower posted limits near schools and crosswalks.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 35 · Speed Limits and Safe Speeds
Question 2 · Right of Way
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, who has the right of way?
- AThe vehicle going straight always has the right of way
- BThe vehicle on the right has the right of way✓ Correct
- CThe larger vehicle has the right of way
Why: At an uncontrolled intersection where vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. Yield to any vehicle already in the intersection.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 28 · Right-of-Way
Question 3 · DUI Laws
What is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 in Vermont?
- A0.08%
- B0.02%✓ Correct
- C0.04%
Why: Vermont's zero-tolerance law sets the BAC limit at 0.02% for drivers under 21. Any measurable alcohol can result in a DUI charge and license suspension. The limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08%.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 53 · Alcohol, Drugs and Driving
Question 4 · Highway Driving
What is the minimum recommended following distance behind the vehicle ahead in normal conditions?
- AAt least 3 seconds✓ Correct
- BAt least 1 second
- CAt least 5 seconds
Why: Maintain at least a 3-second following distance under normal conditions. Pick a fixed point ahead and make sure you pass it no sooner than three seconds after the vehicle in front. Increase the gap in poor weather or heavy traffic.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 28 · Safe Following Distance
Question 5 · Lane Changes & Passing
What is a 'blind spot' when driving?
- AThe area directly in front of your vehicle
- BAn area around your vehicle that is not visible in your mirrors✓ Correct
- CThe area to the right of your vehicle only
Why: A blind spot is an area around your vehicle that cannot be seen in the mirrors. Always check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 44 · Blind Spots
Question 6 · Parking Rules
How close may you park to a fire hydrant in Vermont?
- AWithin 10 feet
- BWithin 15 feet✓ Correct
- CWithin 5 feet
Why: Vermont prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant so that emergency crews have unobstructed access in a fire or rescue situation.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 29 · Parking Your Vehicle
Question 7 · Pedestrian Laws
When must you yield to pedestrians in Vermont?
- AOnly when the pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk
- BOnly at traffic-signal-controlled intersections
- CAt all crosswalks — marked or unmarked — and whenever a pedestrian is crossing in your lane✓ Correct
Why: Vermont law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked, and whenever a pedestrian is crossing in or entering the driver's lane.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 38 · Sharing the Road With Pedestrians
Question 8 · Sharing the Road
When must you stop for a school bus on an undivided road in Vermont?
- AOnly if you are directly behind the bus
- BOnly if you are driving in the same direction as the bus
- CTraffic in both directions must stop when the bus displays flashing red lights✓ Correct
Why: On an undivided road, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays its flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended. Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 39 · Sharing the Road With School Buses
Question 9 · Turns & Intersections
What is the proper way to use a roundabout?
- AEnter at full speed to merge with circulating traffic
- BStop inside the roundabout to let entering vehicles in
- CYield to circulating traffic, enter when safe, and exit at your destination✓ Correct
Why: At a roundabout, yield to vehicles already circulating, enter when there is a safe gap, travel counterclockwise, and signal before exiting at your desired road. Do not stop inside the circle.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 30 · Roundabouts
Question 10 · Weather & Visibility
When must you use your headlights in Vermont during the day?
- AWhenever your windshield wipers are in continuous use✓ Correct
- BOnly when it is raining heavily
- CDaytime headlight use is always optional
Why: Vermont requires headlights whenever your windshield wipers are in continuous operation because of rain, snow, or other precipitation. Headlights are also required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 46 · Hazardous Driving Conditions
Question 11 · Accidents & Emergencies
What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on a slippery road?
- ABrake firmly and steer straight ahead
- BAccelerate to regain traction quickly
- CEase off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go✓ Correct
Why: If your vehicle skids, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Do not brake suddenly, as that can make the skid worse.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 48 · How to Control a Vehicle in a Skid
Question 12 · Driver Readiness
Who is required to wear a seat belt in Vermont?
- AOnly the driver
- BThe driver and all front-seat passengers
- CAll occupants of the vehicle✓ Correct
Why: Vermont law requires all occupants of a vehicle to wear a seat belt, regardless of where they are seated. The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 18 are properly restrained.
Source: Vermont Driver Handbook, page 62 · Wearing Your Safety Belt
988+ more Vermont practice questions in the app
Download DMV Ace — FreeVermont-specific rules to know
A few traffic rules that are particular to Vermont and frequently show up on the test.
One-year learner's permit holding period
Vermont drivers under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least one year before they can apply for a Junior Driver's License. The permit-holder must always drive with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat.
Staged Junior Driver's License passenger restrictions
For the first three months, a Junior Driver's License holder may drive alone or only with a parent/guardian, driver-ed instructor, or licensed adult 25+. For the next three months they may also carry family members; only after six months are passenger limits lifted.
Hands-free electronic device law
Vermont bans all drivers from using handheld cell phones and portable electronic devices while driving — hands-free use only. Drivers under 18 may not use any portable electronic device, even hands-free or while stopped in traffic.
Zero-tolerance BAC for drivers under 21
Vermont's general BAC limit is 0.08%. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02% under the state's zero-tolerance law — any measurable alcohol can result in a DUI charge and license suspension.
Move Over law
When approaching a stopped emergency, law-enforcement, or maintenance vehicle displaying flashing lights, Vermont law requires you to move over one lane when safe, or slow down significantly if you cannot change lanes.
How to get your Vermont driver's license
The knowledge test is one step in Vermont's licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.
Check the age and eligibility requirements
Eligibility in Vermont: 15 for a learner's permit (parent or guardian consent required if under 18); 16 for a Junior Driver's License. Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.
Study the official handbook
Read the Official Vermont Driver's Manual (dmv.vermont.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.
Pass the knowledge test
The Vermont written test has 20 questions, and you need 16 correct (80%) to pass. Permit/licensing fee: $39 to apply for the learner's permit (the same fee applies to each retest after a failure).
Build supervised driving experience
Hold your permit for the period Vermont requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.
Pass the road test and get licensed
After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Vermont issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.
Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Vermont DMV office.
How DMV Ace prepares you for the Vermont test
1,000+ Vermont-specific questions
Every question is sourced from the official Vermont Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.
Explanations on every answer
Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.
Hard Questions module
A curated bank of the trickiest Vermont questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.
Smart progress tracking
See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Vermont DMV.
FAQ
Vermont DMV permit test — common questions
How many questions are on the Vermont DMV permit test?
- The Vermont learner's permit knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly (80%) to pass. Each question is multiple-choice, with only one correct answer.
What's the passing score for the Vermont permit test?
- 80% — meaning you can miss no more than 4 of the 20 questions. The threshold is the same for first-time testers and retakes.
What's the minimum age to get a learner's permit in Vermont?
- You can apply for a Vermont learner's permit at 15. If you are under 18, you need permission from a parent or legal guardian (unless you are an emancipated minor). A Junior Driver's License is available at 16 after holding the permit for at least one year.
Can I take the Vermont knowledge test online?
- Yes. Vermont offers the learner's permit knowledge test online. Once you pass the test and pay the required fee, your permit is issued. Check dmv.vermont.gov for current eligibility and instructions.
How many times can I retake the Vermont test if I fail?
- You may take the test as many times as you need to pass, but you must wait at least one day before retaking it after a failure. The $39 application fee applies again to subsequent testing after a failure.
How much does a Vermont learner's permit cost?
- It costs $39 to apply for the learner's permit in Vermont. This same fee is required again for any subsequent testing if you fail and need to retest.
How long must I hold a Vermont learner's permit before getting a license?
- Drivers under 18 must hold a Vermont learner's permit for at least one year and complete the required driver education and supervised-driving hours before applying for a Junior Driver's License. Throughout the permit period you must drive with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat.
What are the passenger restrictions for new Vermont drivers?
- For the first three months of a Junior Driver's License, you may drive alone or only with a parent/guardian, driver-ed instructor, or licensed adult 25 or older. For the next three months you may also carry family members. After six months, the passenger restrictions are lifted.
Coming Soon
Vermont motorcycle permit test prep
Studying for your motorcycle endorsement instead? Dedicated Vermont motorcycle practice is coming to DMV Ace soon — meanwhile, the app already includes full motorcycle question banks for every state.
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