Vermont permit test: vehicle care and equipment
Inspection, brakes, tires, steering, lights, wipers, defrosters, exhaust and emission controls. 9 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember7 key vehicle care and equipment rulesShow the rules
- All motor vehicles must be inspected within 15 days of registration unless they already have a valid Vermont sticker. (p. 60, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread. (p. 61, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- A pedal that goes down too far can mean a leak in the brake system, so have the brake fluid checked right away. (p. 61, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- If you can see all of Lincoln's head in the penny test, the tread is too worn; replace the tires before driving. (p. 61, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- The back license plate must be lit so it can be seen and read from at least 50 feet behind the vehicle. (p. 61, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- A leaking exhaust can let carbon monoxide into the car. (p. 61, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
- The law says nothing may hang from the rearview mirror or sun visors, because the driver must see clearly ahead and to the sides. (p. 62, Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample vehicle care and equipment questions
1.You put a penny head-first into a tire groove and can see all of Lincoln's head. What does that mean?
- AThe tire is too worn to use
- BThe tire is properly inflated
- CThe wheels need to be aligned
- DThe tread is still deep enough
Show the answer
✓ A. The tire is too worn to use
If you can see all of Lincoln's head in the penny test, the tread is too worn; replace the tires before driving.
2.How often must your vehicle be inspected in Vermont?
- AEvery 6 months
- BEvery 2 years
- COnly when sold
- DOnce a year
Show the answer
✓ D. Once a year
Vermont requires every vehicle to be inspected once a year, and a newly registered vehicle within 15 days unless it has a valid sticker.
3.While driving, you start to feel drowsy and sick to your stomach. Which equipment problem could be the cause?
- AA worn windshield wiper
- BA burned-out tail light
- CUnderinflated tires
- DA leaking exhaust system
Show the answer
✓ D. A leaking exhaust system
A leaking exhaust can let carbon monoxide into the car. You can't smell it, and drowsiness or nausea can be a warning sign.
4.What is the minimum legal tire tread depth in Vermont?
- A2/32 inch
- B4/32 inch
- C1/32 inch
- D6/32 inch
Show the answer
✓ A. 2/32 inch
Tires must have at least 2/32 inch of tread. Using tires worn down to the wear bars is unsafe and illegal.