Vermont motorcycle permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 26 Vermont numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

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Numbers flashcards

15 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

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  • Alcohol & drugs

    On a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle to fight fatigue?

    At least every two hours

    Riding a motorcycle is more tiring than driving a car. Take rest breaks at least every two hours, and limit your distance: experienced riders seldom ride more than about six hours a day.

    Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 78

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What is the fee for the Vermont motorcycle knowledge test?

    $11.00

    The Vermont motorcycle knowledge test costs $11.00 and the road test costs $23.00.

    Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 13

  • Distances & following gaps

    What is the normal minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

    2 seconds

    Normally keep at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Pick a marker, and when the vehicle passes it, count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.' If you reach the marker before two, you are too close.

    Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 48

Every Vermont motorcycle number, by topic

Official Vermont laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driverslegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
when the person’s alcohol concentration is: (A) 0.08 or more; or (B) 0.02 or more if the person is operating a school bus as defined in subdivision 4(34) of this title; or (C) 0.04 or more if the person is operating a commercial vehicle
0.02%BAC limit for underage driverslegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
when the person’s alcohol concentration is: (A) 0.08 or more; or (B) 0.02 or more if the person is operating a school bus as defined in subdivision 4(34) of this title; or (C) 0.04 or more if the person is operating a commercial vehicle
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclelegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
when the person’s alcohol concentration is: (A) 0.08 or more; or (B) 0.02 or more if the person is operating a school bus as defined in subdivision 4(34) of this title; or (C) 0.04 or more if the person is operating a commercial vehicle
$750, 2 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)Up to $750 fine and/or up to 2 years in prisonlegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
A person who violates section 1201 of this title may be fined not more than $750.00 or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.
$300, 180-dayDrunk driving (DUI)Failing the program brings a $300 penalty and a 180-day suspensionlegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
For a first offense, a civil penalty of $300.00 and suspension of the person’s operator’s license and privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of 180 days
six monthsDrunk driving (DUI)Civil (administrative) suspension of the license or privilege to drive for six months, with an ignition interlock license possiblelegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
the person refused to submit to a test, the Commissioner shall suspend the person’s operating license or nonresident operating privilege or the privilege of an unlicensed operator to operate a vehicle for a period of six months
two hoursOn a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle to fight fatigue?Answer: At least every two hoursVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 78
Quote
Stop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours.

Fines, points & penalties

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$11.00What is the fee for the Vermont motorcycle knowledge test?Answer: $11.00Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 13
Quote
The fee for the knowledge test is $11.00. The fee for the road test is $23.00.
$25,000, $50,000, $10,000What are Vermont's minimum liability insurance amounts for a motorcycle?Answer: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, $10,000 property damageVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 18
Quote
A minimum coverage of $25,000 for death or injury to one person; $50,000 for death or injury of two or more persons; and $10,000 for property damage is required.

Speed limits

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 feetLane splittingNo motorcycle may ride in the same lane alongside, or within 10 feet ahead of or behind, another motorcycle or vehicle, so riding two abreast in one lane is also illegallegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
No motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may be operated in the same lane with, and alongside or closer than 10 feet ahead of, or 10 feet behind another motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or other motor vehicle.

Distances & following gaps

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
2 secondsWhat is the normal minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?Answer: 2 secondsVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 48
Quote
Normally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead.
Three secondsThe pavement is slippery and you cannot see past the van ahead. What following distance should you use?Answer: Three seconds or moreVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 48
Quote
If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze in front of you, open up a three-second or more following distance.
one secondIn a staggered group formation, the leader rides in the left side of the lane. Where does the second rider ride?Answer: In the right side of the lane, at least one second behindVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 71
Quote
the second rider stays at least one second back and rides in the right side of the lane.

Ages, permits & the test

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25Questions on the testdmv.vermont.gov
Quote
You must pass a 25-question, multiple-choice knowledge exam (80% or better) based on the material in the motorcycle manual. If you fail the exam, you must wait at least one day before retaking the exam.
80%Passing scoredmv.vermont.gov
Quote
You must pass a 25-question, multiple-choice knowledge exam (80% or better) based on the material in the motorcycle manual. If you fail the exam, you must wait at least one day before retaking the exam.
at least 16Motorcycle permitMust already hold a Vermont driver's or Junior Driver's license (so at least 16)dmv.vermont.gov
Quote
If you are 16 or 17 years old and have a valid Junior Driver's License, you MUST have a parent or legal guardian sign the Motorcycle Learner Permit Application.
120 daysMotorcycle permit120 days from issuelegislature.vermont.gov
Quote
to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle only, or to operate any motorcycle, upon the public highways for a period of 120 days from the date of issuance.
120 daysHow long is a Vermont Motorcycle Learner Permit valid from the date it is issued?Answer: 120 daysVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 11
Quote
After the permit is issued you may schedule an appointment for your skills test. The permit is valid for 120 days from the date of issue.
12 monthsYou used your original Vermont Motorcycle Learner Permit and both renewals without taking the skills test or finishing a rider training course. How long must you wait before you can get another permit of the same type?Answer: 12 months from when the last permit expiredVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 11
Quote
may not obtain another Motorcycle Learner Permit for a period of 12 months from the expiration date of the last permit.
one-weekIf you fail the Vermont motorcycle skills test, how soon can you retake it?Answer: After a one-week practice periodVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 12
Quote
If you fail the skills test a one-week practice period is required before another skills test may be taken.
15 daysAn officer stops you in Vermont. You have insurance but cannot show proof. What happens?Answer: You have 15 days to produce the proof to the officerVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 18
Quote
If, at the time you are stopped, you have insurance but cannot show proof, you have 15 days to produce the proof to the officer.
at least 45A track or pavement seam runs parallel to your path and you need to cross it. How should you cross?Answer: Move away from it, then cross at an angle of at least 45 degreesVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 65
Quote
move far enough away from tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an angle of at least 45

Time limits & deadlines

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 minutesDuring which period must a Vermont rider's glasses, goggles or face shield have colorless lenses?Answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunriseVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 19
Quote
colorless lenses when the motorcycle is being operated during the period of 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
15 daysYour motorcycle was just registered in Vermont and has not been inspected. How soon must it be inspected?Answer: Within 15 days from the date of registrationVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 17
Quote
All uninspected motor vehicles, including motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, must be inspected within 15 days from the date of registration.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 inchesUnder Vermont inspection rules, how high may the hand grips of high-rise handlebars be above the saddle?Answer: No more than 15 inchesVermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 17
Quote
High-rise handlebars with the hand grips over 15 inches above the saddle are not permitted.

Other numbers

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
70%About how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power can the front brake provide?Answer: At least 70%Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), page 45
Quote
The front brake is more powerful and can provide at least 70% of your total stopping power.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Vermont motorcycle permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 26 of them for Vermont, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Vermont Motorcycle Manual (VN-008), Vermont statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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