Vermont permit test: safe driver habits
Safety belts and child seats, drowsy and distracted driving, cell phones and aggressive drivers. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
- Animals often travel in pairs, so after you see one, be ready for a second one to cross. (p. 46, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- When following a horse and rider, a horse and wagon, or herded animals, keep at least a 4-second following distance. (p. 46, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Never try to get even with an aggressive driver. (p. 46, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- A first violation costs $100 to $200; a second or later violation costs $250 to $500. (p. 56, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- When driving downhill, never coast with the gearshift in neutral or the clutch pushed to the floor. (p. 57, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- A lap belt should fit snugly across the hips, not over the stomach, so it holds you at your body's strongest points. (p. 63, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Vermont law requires a child under two to ride in a federally approved rear-facing car seat with a harness. (p. 63, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Shoulder belts go over the shoulder and across the center of the chest. (p. 63, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Vermont law says children under 13 must ride in the back seat when practical, away from front air bags. (p. 64, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- A child under 8 who is not in a harnessed car seat must be secured in a booster seat. (p. 64, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1.You are stopped at a red light on a public highway. May you pick up your phone and use it?
- ANo, the ban applies even when stopped
- BYes, if you keep it below the window
- CYes, the car is not moving
- DNo, unless the light is about to change
Show the answer
✓ A. No, the ban applies even when stopped
Vermont bans using a portable electronic device while operating on a public highway, even when the vehicle is stationary.
2.When driving down a hill, what should you NOT do?
- ACoast in neutral
- BKeep both hands on the wheel
- CKeep the car in gear
- DWatch your speed closely
Show the answer
✓ A. Coast in neutral
When driving downhill, never coast with the gearshift in neutral or the clutch pushed to the floor.
3.When are moose and deer most likely to be on Vermont highways?
- AOn winter days in any daylight hour
- BMid-morning on weekend days only
- CLate evening, night and early morning
- DAround noon and early afternoon
Show the answer
✓ C. Late evening, night and early morning
Moose and deer roam and feed most in the late evening, at night and in the early morning, so take extra care at those times.
4.You are driving behind a person riding a horse on a public road. What following distance should you keep?
- AAt least 2 seconds
- BAt least 10 feet
- CAt least 4 seconds
- DAt least 1 car length
Show the answer
✓ C. At least 4 seconds
When following a horse and rider, a horse and wagon, or herded animals, keep at least a 4-second following distance.