US driving theory test practice

Vermont DMV Cheat Sheet

A condensed study guide for the Vermont DMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the Vermont-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official Vermont driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just Vermont? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.

20Questions
80%To Pass
$63.00 for a Learner's Permit ($39.00 knowledge test + $24.00 permit).Fee

Vermont-Specific Rules

Minor & Provisional Licensing

  • Learner's Permit: at least 15 years old; an under-18 applicant needs a clean driving record for the two years prior.
  • Permit holder supervisor: parent/guardian, driving instructor, or a licensed unimpaired adult at least twenty-five.
  • Junior License: hold the permit at least one year, plus a clean six-month record right before applying.
  • Junior License prerequisites: 30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel + 6 hours observation driver ed, plus a separate 40 hours of practice with at least ten at night.
  • Junior License holders can't drive for an employer until one year after issuance or age eighteen, whichever comes first; passengers for hire are never allowed.
  • Junior License passenger stages: supervised-only for three months, then siblings/parents allowed, then no restriction after six months (besides seat belt count).
  • Provisional-license recalls: a 90-day recall for a single 3-point speeding violation or 6 total points; a 30-day recall plus a fine and two points for texting.
  • An out-of-state Junior License transfer skips Vermont's Graduated License provisions only if held six-plus months in the other state.
  • Junior-to-full license: must be eighteen, with a clean six-month record dating from any reinstatement.
  • A foreign exchange student's consent form must be signed by their actual parent or guardian -- a host parent can't sign.

Licensing Procedure & Documents

  • New residents: 60 days to get a Vermont license; CDL holders only get thirty days to transfer.
  • Every application triggers a national Problem Driver Pointer System check; a hit in another state means denial until cleared.
  • Proof of lawful U.S. status is only required for a REAL ID or Enhanced license, not a standard Vermont license.
  • The Driver Privilege Card (non-REAL-ID) needs no proof of legal presence or citizenship, just Vermont residency.
  • Height, weight, eye color, and gender are self-designated on a Vermont license -- no documentation required.
  • Learner's Permit: $63.00 total ($39.00 test + $24.00 permit); Junior License: $62.00 total ($23.00 road test + $39.00 license).
  • An expired Learner's Permit still allows a direct road test within three years; beyond that, a new written exam is required first.

Rules of the Road

  • Default max speed: 50 mph on any Vermont road, 65 mph on an Interstate, unless posted otherwise.
  • Never pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing, except on a divided highway with a concrete barrier and the bus going the opposite way.
  • Passing a stopped school bus with red lights on carries a substantial fine plus five points.
  • Move Over Law: pull right and stop for an approaching emergency vehicle; on a four-lane highway, change lanes away from a stopped one if safe.
  • All portable electronic device use is banned while driving, even stationary -- not just texting -- fined $100 to $200 first offense, $250 to $500 after.
  • A work-zone device violation with personnel present adds two points first offense, five points after.
  • Child restraint: under two rear-facing with a harness; two to under five rear- or forward-facing with a harness; under eight not harnessed needs a booster.
  • Any child under 18 not otherwise in a harnessed seat or booster must wear a seat belt.
  • At a four-way stop with simultaneous arrivals, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

DUI & Alcohol Laws

  • .08+ BAC (21+) is presumed impaired, but the manual notes impairment can start well below .08.
  • Under-21 drivers face a civil violation, license suspension, and a self-paid alcohol education program at .02+ BAC.
  • Refusing a chemical test under implied consent costs at least six months of license loss.
  • Vermont's administrative suspension is a civil process that can suspend a license before any criminal DUI conviction.
  • A minor ticketed for alcohol must contact TASP within 15 days, or face a $300.00 fine and 90-day suspension if found liable.
  • Impersonating someone on a license application: up to $1,000 fine, up to two years imprisonment, plus a 90-day suspension.
  • Only time reduces alcohol's effects -- at least one hour per drink -- not coffee, a cold shower, or exercise.

Vehicle, Insurance & License Actions

  • Reaching 10 points triggers a warning letter that driving privileges are to be suspended; length depends on points in the prior two years.
  • Point values: speeding two to eight, texting two to five, failing to stop for a school bus five.
  • New residents get 60 days to register a vehicle; any name, address, or vehicle color change must be reported within 30 days.
  • Purchase and Use Tax: 6% of the price paid or fair market value, whichever is greater.
  • A rear license plate must be lit and readable from at least 50 feet away.
  • A Junior License road test requires a valid insurance card with carrier name, coverage dates, insured's name, and VIN, or testing is refused.
  • Selling a 2011-or-newer vehicle requires a signed odometer statement from both buyer and seller.
Want the core rules and road signs that apply everywhere, not just Vermont?General cheat sheet →

Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with Vermont DMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-07.