Vermont permit test: sharing the road
Pedestrians, school zones and school buses, bicyclists, motorcycles, large trucks, slow vehicles, animals and moose. 24 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- When a pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog is crossing or waiting to cross, you must stop and yield. (p. 39, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Even when pedestrians cross carelessly, such as against a red light, the driver must yield. (p. 39, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Do not turn right on red when a lit "No Turn On Red" sign is showing, and never turn right on a red arrow. (p. 39, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian, even with two lanes; this is a frequent cause of pedestrian deaths. (p. 39, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Always be extra watchful when backing in or out of a driveway; children may run or play behind your vehicle. (p. 40, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Riding two abreast is legal for cyclists. (p. 42, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or easing off the throttle, so the brake light may not come on; allow more than 4 seconds. (p. 43, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. (p. 44, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Never go around a truck that is preparing to back up or is backing; you can end up in its blind spot. (p. 44, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Slow-moving vehicles cannot travel at highway speed. (p. 45, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.How should you pass a motorcycle on a multilane road?
- AChange lanes completely
- BPass within the same lane quickly
- CPass on the right shoulder
- DShare its lane if there is room
Show the answer
✓ A. Change lanes completely
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane. When passing, change lanes completely and don't cut in closely afterward.
2.You are about to turn left and see a motorcycle approaching. Why should you be careful judging its distance?
- AIt may be closer than it looks
- BMotorcycles must stop for turning cars
- CIts headlight shows its true speed
- DIt is always farther than it looks
Show the answer
✓ A. It may be closer than it looks
Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away and slower than it is, so assume it is closer than it looks.
3.You come up behind a tractor with an orange and red triangle on the back. What should you do?
- AHonk until it pulls over
- BSlow down and pass only when safe
- CPass it right away on a curve
- DFollow closely so the driver sees you
Show the answer
✓ B. Slow down and pass only when safe
Slow-moving vehicles cannot travel at highway speed. Slow down, keep a safe gap, and pass only when safe with no oncoming traffic.
4.You are stopped at a red light waiting to turn. Where should your car be?
- APartly in the crosswalk
- BOn the shoulder
- CFully in the crosswalk
- DBehind the crosswalk
Show the answer
✓ D. Behind the crosswalk
Do not block a crosswalk while stopped or waiting to turn; it forces pedestrians around your car into danger.