Vermont permit test: distracted & drowsy driving
Phone and texting laws, other distractions and fatigue. 5 questions.
In Vermont, when is it illegal for a driver to use a handheld portable electronic device?
Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.
Sample distracted & drowsy driving questions
In Vermont, when is it illegal for a driver to use a handheld portable electronic device?
- A Only when the vehicle is moving faster than 25 mph on a highway
- B Only in school and work zones
- C Only for drivers under 18
- D While operating on a public highway, even when stopped
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D. While operating on a public highway, even when stopped
Vermont law bans using a portable electronic device while operating on a public highway, including while the vehicle is stopped. Pull over somewhere safe or have a passenger help.
Outside any work zone or school zone, what is the fine range for a first violation of Vermont's portable electronic device law?
- A $100 to $200
- B $25 to $50
- C $250 to $500
- D $500 to $1,000
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A. $100 to $200
Outside work and school zones, a first violation brings a fine of $100 to $200 and a second or later violation within two years brings $250 to $500. Each conviction also adds points: 2 points, or more in a work zone with workers present or a marked school zone, where fines are higher too.
A driver is convicted of a first portable electronic device violation in an active Vermont work zone. How many points are assessed?
- A 5 points
- B 2 points
- C No points
- D 4 points
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D. 4 points
Under 23 V.S.A. § 1095b, a handheld device conviction in a work zone with workers present (or a marked school zone) adds 4 points for a first conviction and 5 for a later one. Outside those zones it is 2 points. Note: the 2025 manual still says 2 points for a first work-zone conviction, but the statute was changed.
You start yawning repeatedly and drifting out of your lane. What should you do?
- A Find a safe place to pull over and rest
- B Open the window and turn up the radio
- C Drink coffee and keep going
- D Drive faster to get home sooner
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A. Find a safe place to pull over and rest
Yawning, trouble focusing and drifting out of your lane are signs of drowsy driving. Pull over in a safe place and rest; tricks to stay awake do not work.