Vermont Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

Vermont's motorcycle knowledge test is a closed-book multiple-choice exam, widely reported at 25 questions. You need 80% correct — about 20 of 25 — to pass. The Vermont DMV charges an $11 fee for the knowledge test.

You must score at least 80%. On the standard 25-question test that means 20 correct answers. The manual states the test is geared toward motorcycle operation and may not be used during the exam.

It is based on the Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), which combines Vermont's own licensing, helmet, eye-protection and equipment rules with the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, 17th Edition — lane positioning, the SEE strategy, braking, turning, swerving, hazards, and carrying passengers.

A Vermont-licensed resident without a motorcycle endorsement can get a learner permit by either passing the motorcycle knowledge test or completing the 4-hour Vermont Motorcycle Awareness Program (VMAP) course. Riders 16 or 17 also need a parent or guardian's permission and a valid Junior Driver's License.

A Vermont Motorcycle Learner Permit is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. It may be renewed, but only twice. If you still have not passed the skills test or completed the rider course after the original permit and two renewals, you cannot get another permit for 12 months.

You may ride only during daylight hours, you may not carry any passenger, and the permit is valid in Vermont only. Ignoring any of these restrictions voids the permit.

Yes. After you pass the knowledge test, you must pass an off-road skills test before the motorcycle endorsement is issued. It checks balance, shifting, maneuvering, stopping, a quick stop and a swerve. If you fail, a one-week practice period is required before you can retest.

Yes. Completing the Vermont Rider Education Program (VREP) Basic Rider Course — a 15-hour course — waives both the DMV knowledge and skills tests, and the Department issues the endorsement. The Experienced Rider License Waiver course waives the skills test only.

The motorcycle endorsement fee is $4.00 per year of license validity. Separately, the knowledge test costs $11.00 and the road (skills) test costs $23.00.

Vermont has a universal helmet law (23 V.S.A. §1256): every operator and passenger must wear protective headgear that meets the federal FMVSS 218 standard, at every age. The only exception is occupants of fully enclosed autocycles.

Yes, unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen. Under 23 V.S.A. §1257, a rider on a motorcycle with no windshield must wear glasses, goggles or a face shield. From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise — and in other low-light conditions — the lenses must be colorless.

A scooter requires a motorcycle endorsement. A motor-driven cycle — 50cc or less, 30 mph or less, with automatic transmission — needs only a regular Vermont driver's license, not an endorsement.

No. A motorcyclist has full use of a traffic lane, but two motorcycles may not be operated beside each other in the same lane.

Yes. A motorcycle must be inspected once each year by an authorized inspection station, and any uninspected motorcycle must be inspected within 15 days of the date of registration.

Yes. You must carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for death or injury to one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage, and you must carry the insurance ID card while riding.

The knowledge test is taken in person at a Vermont DMV office. Motorcycle skills tests are scheduled by appointment at mydmv.vermont.gov and are usually conducted April through October, weather permitting.

You must have your valid Vermont driver's license (or learner permit), the motorcycle's registration, and your insurance card in your possession whenever you operate the motorcycle.

The Vermont Motorcycle Manual (form VN-008) is published free by the Vermont DMV at dmv.vermont.gov. It contains Vermont's licensing and equipment rules plus the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, and the knowledge-test questions come from it.