Vermont DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

This page covers what you need to know for the Vermont driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Vermont-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Vermont driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Vermont test has 20 questions and you need 16 correct (80%) to pass.

When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Vermont-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.

Vermont Permit Test and Licensing Facts

Knowledge Test	20 questions, must score 16/20 (80%) to pass
Minimum Permit Age	15
Minimum License Age	16
Speed Limits	Highway: up to 65 mph \| Residential: 25 mph \| School Zone: 15 mph
DUI Law	BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%)
Point System	Points range from 2 to 10. 10 points in 2 years results in license suspension.

Rules Specific to Vermont

Vermont requires headlights to be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
Vermont has relatively low speed limits — 65 mph maximum on interstates
Learner's permit holders must hold the permit for at least 12 months before applying for a license

Sample Vermont Permit Test Questions

These questions cover rules that are specific to Vermont. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.

What is the per se BAC level that makes it illegal to drive under the influence (DUI) in this state?
- A. 0.05%
- B. 0.08%
- C. 0.10%
- D. 0.02%
Answer: 0.08%. Driving is illegal when your alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. Even below that, you can still be arrested if impaired.
When it is practical to do so, children younger than what age must ride in a rear seat?
- A. Under 8 years
- B. Under 10 years
- C. Under 13 years
- D. Under 16 years
Answer: Under 13 years. Child passenger rules generally require children under 13 to ride in the back seat when a rear seat is available and it’s practical.
How far before turning must you signal continuously (at minimum)?
- A. At least 50 feet
- B. At least 75 feet
- C. At least 100 feet
- D. At least 200 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet. Your turn signal must be given continuously for at least the last 100 feet before the turn. Signal earlier when traffic conditions warrant.
Unless a different speed is posted, what is the maximum lawful speed on highways under the basic speed law?
- A. 45 mph
- B. 50 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: 50 mph. The basic statutory maximum is 50 mph unless a different speed limit is established and posted. Always slow down for hazards and conditions.
If you are ticketed for speeding in a posted worksite speed zone established under the worksite provision, how is the civil penalty calculated compared to a non-worksite speeding penalty?
- A. Same as a normal speeding penalty
- B. 1.5× the normal penalty
- C. Twice (2×) the normal penalty
- D. Three times (3×) the normal penalty
Answer: Twice (2×) the normal penalty. Worksite speed violations carry a doubled civil penalty compared with a similar non-worksite speeding violation. Obey reduced worksite speeds to protect workers.
What is the minimum age to take the Vermont learner's permit test?
- A. 14
- B. 15
- C. 15½
- D. 16
Answer: 15. You must be at least 15 to take the test.
What driver education must Vermont 16- and 17-year-olds complete?
- A. 10 hours classroom only
- B. 30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel, and 6 hours observation
- C. 20 hours classroom and 10 hours driving
- D. None
Answer: 30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel, and 6 hours observation. The state-approved course includes 30 classroom hours, 6 behind-the-wheel hours, and 6 hours of observation.
How much driving practice must a Vermont teen complete before a junior license?
- A. 30 hours, 5 at night
- B. 40 hours, 10 at night
- C. 50 hours, 10 at night
- D. 60 hours, 15 at night
Answer: 40 hours, 10 at night. You must complete 40 hours of practice, with at least 10 hours at night.
When don't you have to stop for a Vermont school bus with flashing red lights?
- A. When no children are visible
- B. On a divided highway when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction
- C. In a school yard
- D. After 5 p.m.
Answer: On a divided highway when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction. You don't have to stop on a divided highway if the bus is traveling in the opposite direction. Even in a school yard you must stop.
In Vermont, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A. 5 feet
- B. 6 feet
- C. 10 feet
- D. 15 feet
Answer: 6 feet. Vermont bans parking within 6 feet of a hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, and 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
In Vermont, how close may you stop to the nearest rail when a train is approaching?
- A. No closer than 5 feet
- B. No closer than 10 feet
- C. No closer than 15 feet
- D. No closer than 50 feet
Answer: No closer than 15 feet. Stop not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail when lights, gates, or a flagger signal a train.
When does Vermont law require headlights for poor visibility?
- A. When you can't see 200 feet ahead
- B. When you can't clearly see persons or vehicles 500 feet ahead
- C. Only at night
- D. Only in snow
Answer: When you can't clearly see persons or vehicles 500 feet ahead. If you can't clearly see people or vehicles 500 feet ahead, headlights are required.
What is the maximum speed on Vermont roads unless otherwise posted?
- A. 40 mph
- B. 45 mph
- C. 50 mph
- D. 55 mph
Answer: 50 mph. The maximum speed on all Vermont roads is 50 mph unless posted otherwise.
What following distance does the Vermont manual recommend?
- A. 2 seconds
- B. 3 seconds
- C. 4 seconds
- D. 6 seconds
Answer: 4 seconds. Vermont teaches the 4-second method, with more space in poor conditions.
How much clearance does Vermont require when passing a vehicle or bicycle?
- A. At least 2 feet
- B. At least 3 feet
- C. At least 4 feet
- D. At least 6 feet
Answer: At least 4 feet. Leave at least four feet between your vehicle and any vehicle or bicycle you're passing.
How many points does Vermont assess for failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing?
- A. 2
- B. 3
- C. 4
- D. 5
Answer: 5. Failing to stop for a stopped school bus is 5 points.
At how many points will Vermont notify you that your license is to be suspended?
- A. 6
- B. 8
- C. 10
- D. 12
Answer: 10. At 10 points, a letter notifies the driver of a pending suspension, and a hearing may be requested.
What is the Vermont recall for a junior operator texting violation?
- A. 7 days
- B. 30 days
- C. 90 days
- D. 1 year
Answer: 30 days. A junior operator texting violation brings a 30-day recall plus fines of at least $100 and two points.
How long do you lose your Vermont license for refusing an alcohol test?
- A. 30 days
- B. 90 days
- C. At least six months
- D. Two years
Answer: At least six months. Refusing the test means losing your license for at least six months.
What are Vermont's minimum liability insurance limits?
- A. $25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000
- B. $30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000
- C. $50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000
- D. $20,000 / $40,000 / $10,000
Answer: $25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000. Vermont requires $25,000 per person, $50,000 for two or more, and $10,000 for property damage.

Vermont Permit Test FAQ

How many questions are on the Vermont permit test?

The Vermont knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 16 correct answers (80%) to pass.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Vermont?

The minimum age for a learner's permit in Vermont is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Vermont?

Vermont calls impaired driving DUI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

How does the Vermont driver point system work?

Points range from 2 to 10. 10 points in 2 years results in license suspension.

What are the default speed limits in Vermont?

Typical limits in Vermont are up to 65 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.

Sources

The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Vermont government sources:

Facts and questions last checked against the Vermont Driver's Manual on September 26, 2026.

Laws change. Always check the current Vermont driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Vermont government agency.