Vermont Permit Practice Test

In a four-wheel skid, you should:

Explanation. "Steer into the skid" — point the wheels where you want the car to go and ease off the gas. Sudden braking worsens a skid.

The minimum following distance under ideal conditions is:

Explanation. The three-second rule: pick a fixed point, count three seconds after the vehicle ahead passes it. Add a second per adverse condition.

A black-and-white horizontal arrow sign tells you:

Explanation. Black-on-white horizontal arrows mark one-way streets — traffic moves only in the direction the arrow points.

When parking on a road with no curb (uphill or downhill), your front wheels should be:

Explanation. Without a curb, always turn wheels toward the shoulder so a runaway car rolls off the road instead of into traffic.

Driving slower than other traffic on a freeway is:

Explanation. Driving too slowly on a freeway can be a hazard. Most states have minimum speeds (typically 40 mph) and require slow drivers to use the right lane.

A green sign with white letters and arrows is:

Explanation. Green guide signs provide direction and distance information on highways and Interstates.

A "Stop Ahead" sign is shaped like a:

Explanation. "Stop Ahead" is a warning sign — yellow diamond — used where a stop sign may be hidden by curves, hills, or vegetation.

The most common cause of rear-end collisions is:

Explanation. Following too closely (tailgating) accounts for the majority of rear-end crashes. Maintain at least three seconds of following distance.

At a four-way stop where two cars arrive at the same time, who has the right of way?

Explanation. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

It is illegal to drive while impaired by:

Explanation. You can be cited for DUI for any substance that impairs your driving, including legal prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

When merging onto a freeway from an entrance ramp, you should:

Explanation. Use the entire ramp to accelerate to freeway speed, then merge into a gap. Stopping on the ramp is dangerous and illegal in most states.

Pedestrians at an intersection without marked crosswalks:

Explanation. Pedestrians have the right of way at every intersection — marked or unmarked — unless a sign or signal directs otherwise.

When passing a bicyclist, you should leave at least:

Explanation. Most states require at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist; a few (such as PA) require 4 feet.

When should you turn on your headlights?

Explanation. Most states require headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is below ~1,000 feet (rain, fog, snow, dusk).

For drivers under 21, the BAC limit in every state is:

Explanation. All 50 states have zero-tolerance laws for drivers under 21. The limit is 0.02% or less — practically any detectable alcohol.

What does a regulatory sign that is octagonal in shape and red in color always mean?

Explanation. The octagonal red sign is reserved exclusively for STOP. You must come to a complete stop before the painted line, crosswalk, or intersection.

You may not park within ___ feet of a fire hydrant.

Explanation. 15 feet is the universal distance from a fire hydrant in nearly every US jurisdiction.

Seatbelts in the front seat of a vehicle are required:

Explanation. All 50 states require seatbelts for front-seat occupants. Most states also require them for back-seat passengers under 18 (and many for all back-seat passengers).

Texting while driving is:

Explanation. All 50 states ban texting while driving. Hands-free voice texting may still be illegal in some states for drivers under 18.

You are at an intersection waiting to make a left turn on a green light. You must:

Explanation. A green ball (no arrow) means you may turn left only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk.