The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Vermont DMV knowledge test has 20 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 16 correct and can miss up to 4. Each question is multiple-choice with four answer options.
Retake policy: if you fail, you must wait at least one day before retaking the test. The test fee is $39 (combined with the $24 Learner's Permit fee = $63 total).
Where: the Vermont knowledge test is taken online at mydmv.vermont.gov — not at a DMV office. You can take it from home on a computer or mobile device.
Prep: Vermont also offers DriveVermont, a web tutorial with images, videos, quizzes, and a practice exam at dmv.vermont.gov. Driver education (30 hr classroom + 6 BTW + 6 observation) is required to advance to a Junior Driver's License (under-18 path), but is not required to take the Learner's Permit knowledge test (Vermont Driver's Manual p.13, p.18).
Adult per se BAC = 0.08. Under-21 Zero Tolerance = 0.02 (civil traffic violation + license suspension + paid alcohol-ed). CDL = 0.04 (federal). The Vermont manual is explicit: "a person is impaired at blood alcohol concentration levels below .08. Even one drink impairs your judgment." Refusing a chemical test under Implied Consent = at least 6 months license loss (p.52-53).
A DUI conviction in Vermont brings license suspension, large fine, lawyer fees, paid alcohol-and-driving education class, possible jail time, and significantly increased insurance rates. Vermont also uses an administrative suspension that can take effect before the criminal conviction. The Vermont manual does not publish fixed dollar/jail-day ranges (p.53).
Learner's Permit at age 15; clean record for prior 2 years required if under 18. Hold permit at least 1 year. Supervisor in front seat: parent/guardian, driver-ed instructor, or licensed person 25+. Junior License at 16: alone-only first 3 months; immediate family only second 3 months; no passenger limit after 6 months. No state nighttime curfew. Full license at 18 (p.12-21).
Vermont uses the 4-second following-distance method (p.27). Pick a fixed checkpoint, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two…" If you reach the checkpoint in less than 4 seconds, you are following too closely. In rain, snow, fog, ice, behind a motorcycle, or at higher speeds — increase well beyond 4 seconds. At 30 mph it takes ~75 ft to stop on dry pavement; at 60 mph ~240 ft (p.27, p.35, p.42).
Default Vermont roads (other than interstates): 50 mph. Vermont interstates: 65 mph. School zones use signs that say "when flashing" or "when children are present" — the lower limit applies whenever those conditions exist. Fines are DOUBLED in work zones. Always obey the posted sign — it is the maximum (p.28, p.35, p.38).
Vermont law requires signaling not less than 100 feet before a turn or lane change — about 3 to 5 seconds in advance. Right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding (unless a sign prohibits it); never turn right on a red ARROW (p.26, p.31, p.38).
STOP from any direction on a 2-lane road when a school bus has its red warning lights flashing. Only exception: on a divided highway you do NOT have to stop if the bus is traveling in the OPPOSITE direction. Even on school grounds, never pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing. Penalty: substantial fine + 5 points (p.39-40, p.64).
Required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time you cannot clearly see persons or vehicles 500 feet ahead. Use LOW beams in fog, heavy rain, snow, dust, and when meeting/following another vehicle. Parking lights are for parked vehicles only (p.46, p.49).
Fire hydrant 6 ft; crosswalk at intersection 20 ft; stop sign / signal / flashing red-yellow 30 ft; railroad crossing 50 ft from nearest rail; fire-station driveway 20 ft on the same side / 75 ft across street with signs. Parallel parking — wheels within 12 inches of curb. Rural highway: visible for at least 150 ft in either direction (p.29).
ALL occupants must be restrained. Children under 2: rear-facing seat (never in front of an active airbag). Over 2 but under 5: rear- or forward-facing harnessed seat. Under 8 (not in harnessed seat): booster. Under 13: back seat if practical. Under 18 (not in harnessed/booster seat): seat belt (p.62-63).
You need 16 of 20 (80%) to pass. Aim for 18+ correct (90%+) in practice — that gives you a comfortable margin if a question stumps you on test day (p.18).
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Vermont test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Vermont Driver's Manual (2025) at dmv.vermont.gov. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Vermont's default of 50 mph on all roads (other than interstates) is unusually high compared to many states' 25-30 mph urban defaults. Don't be tricked — interstates are 65 mph, and "as posted" always wins. Fines are DOUBLED in work zones (p.28, p.35).
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual