Vermont Road Signs: 4-Foot Passing Law, 50 mph General Maximum & DMV Permit Test

What is Vermont's general maximum speed limit? Does Vermont require 3 feet or 4 feet when passing a bicycle? Can you take the Vermont DMV permit test online? The Vermont DMV at dmv.vermont.gov says the learner permit test is taken online at mydmv.vermont.gov. Vermont requires at least 4 feet of clearance when passing a vulnerable user, including a bicyclist or pedestrian. Vermont's general maximum speed is 50 mph unless a different limit is established and posted; some limited-access highways are posted at 65 mph. School zone speed applies as posted, including signs that specify when flashing or when children are present.

1. Vermont 50 mph General Maximum, 4-Foot Vulnerable-User Passing Rule and Online Permit Test

Vermont roads wind through the Green Mountains, along Lake Champlains shoreline, and through the state small-city corridors in Burlington, Rutland, and Barre. The Vermont DMV at dmv.vermont.gov says the learner permit test is no longer taken in a DMV office; it is an online test available at mydmv.vermont.gov. The general maximum speed is 50 mph unless a different limit is established and posted; some limited-access highways are posted at 65 mph. The DMV provides reasonable accommodations when a disability significantly interferes with understanding information presented for a learner's permit or driver license.

2. Vermont Sign Shapes: What the DMV Permit Test Covers on Vermont Mountain and Lake Shore Roads

On Vermont Green Mountain pass routes, narrow covered-bridge approaches, and Lake Champlain shoreline highways, shape and color identify a sign before text is readable. The Vermont DMV permit test covers sign shapes, colors, and meanings. know every row in this table before you take the online test.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Legal requirement; obey this sign or face fines and points on your record
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

3. Vermont Regulatory Signs: 5-Point School Bus Violation and Vermont's 50 mph General Maximum

Regulatory signs carry legal force under Vermont statutes. Passing a stopped school bus in violation of Vermont law carries 5 points on your Vermont license. Vermont's general maximum speed is 50 mph unless a different limit is established and posted. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are tested on the VT permit exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Stop fully before proceeding; right turns may go after stopping

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Vermont Warning Signs: Green Mountain Curves, Moose Crossing, Covered Bridge Approaches and Railroad Grades

Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Vermont roads that means sharp curve warnings on Green Mountain passes, moose crossing signs on rural northern Vermont routes, bridge weight-limit advance warnings on covered-bridge roads, railroad crossing approaches on the Connecticut River Valley rail corridor, and school zone signs. Orange marks work zones where rear-end crashes are the most common hazard.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

A new lane is added ahead; stay in your lane and let merging traffic in

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Vermont Guide Signs: I-89, I-91, US-7 and the Routes Connecting Burlington, Montpelier and the Northeast Kingdom

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Vermont Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow, Red Arrow Rules and School Bus Yellow-Then-Red Sequence

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. Many Vermont intersections have lighted No Turn On Red signs during pedestrian crossing times; do not turn right on red when those signs are lit. A right turn on a red arrow is prohibited unless a regulatory sign specifically permits it. School bus drivers use alternating yellow lights to warn of an upcoming stop, then red lights require drivers to stop as Vermont law requires.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk; after stopping, a right turn or qualifying one-way-to-one-way left turn may be allowed unless prohibited, but a right turn on a red arrow requires a permitting sign

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed straight or turn right or left unless prohibited; yield to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or adjacent crosswalk

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The related green-arrow movement is ending and a red signal will follow; do not enter after the signal turns red

Steady Red Arrow

Stop and do not make the arrow movement; a right turn on a red arrow is allowed only when a regulatory sign specifically permits it

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or turn right or left unless prohibited; left turns must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Vermont bicycle-control signals: When a bicycle-control signal is present, a bicyclist must obey it instead of the motor-vehicle traffic signal. Green permits the allowed bicycle movement subject to signs and conflicts; steady yellow warns that red is next; steady red requires a stop, with turns allowed only as Vermont law permits. A bicyclist may not turn right on a red arrow unless a sign specifically permits the turn.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution. Do not turn right on red when a lighted No Turn On Red sign is active. A right turn on a red arrow is prohibited unless a regulatory sign permits it. School bus yellow = prepare to stop; school bus red = stop as required by Vermont law.

7. Vermont Pavement Markings: 50-Foot Railroad No-Parking Zone and the 4-Foot Bicycle Passing Buffer

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. Vermont permit test covers lane lines, road arrows, and pavement symbols. The no-parking zone within 50 feet of the nearest rail is a separate railroad-crossing rule, and Vermont's 4-foot passing clearance applies when passing a vulnerable user, including a bicyclist or pedestrian.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate opposing traffic; never cross a solid yellow line to pass

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; stay in your lane

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

Do not cross this line; it marks a lane edge, stop point, or crosswalk

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; yield to pedestrians as required by traffic controls and Vermont law

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross this line; it marks a lane edge, stop point, or crosswalk

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. Vermont Work Zone Signs: Rear-End Crashes Are the Main Hazard: and Flaggers Have Full Legal Authority

Vermont work zones include construction, maintenance, and utility work areas. Most Vermont work zone crashes are rear-end crashes caused by driving too fast. Vermont DMV guidance says work-zone rules apply 24/7, and fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Follow signs, do not change lanes, do not tailgate, and merge as instructed as soon as it is safe. A flagger in a Vermont work zone has full legal authority to control traffic. disobeying a flagger is a violation.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• Flaggers in Vermont work zones have legal authority to control traffic, you must obey them.
• Most Vermont work zone crashes are rear-end crashes caused by driving too fast. Slow down, increase following distance, and be prepared to stop at any time.
• Work-zone rules apply 24/7, and speeding fines are doubled in a Vermont work zone.
• Do not change lanes, tailgate, or engage in aggressive driving in Vermont work zones.
• Cones, drums, and barricades guide you safely through. never drive through or around a lane closure barrier.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Vermont Railroad Crossings: Stop 15-50 Feet From the Nearest Rail and Know the Emergency Notification Number

When required to stop at a Vermont railroad crossing, stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail. Vermont crossings have emergency notification signs. if you see a problem at a crossing or something is blocking the tracks, use the emergency number on the sign to allow the rail company to stop or reroute approaching trains.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign is the first sign before a Vermont railroad crossing. slow down, look, and listen.
• Stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail when required. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail.
• Vermont crossings have emergency notification signs. use the number on the sign if you see a problem at the crossing. This allows the rail company to stop or reroute approaching trains.
• Never stop on railroad tracks. Make sure there is room on the far side before beginning to cross.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required in Vermont, stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet. Use the emergency notification sign number to report crossing problems.

10. Vermont School Zone and School Bus Rules: "When Children Are Present" Includes Weekends: and School Yards Too

Vermont school zone speed limits apply as posted, including signs that say "when flashing" or "when children are present", and the manual specifically notes that after-school and weekend activities at schools also count as children being present. Vermont law doubles the civil penalty for speeding in a properly designated school zone. The school bus stop rule applies even in school yards. you must not pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing even on school property. Illegal passing of a school bus carries 5 points.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Obey the posted speed limit only when the lights are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Vermont school zone speed limits apply as posted, including signs that say "when flashing" or "when children are present"; after-school and weekend activities at the school can count as children being present.
• Speeding in a properly designated Vermont school zone carries twice the civil penalty for the same non-school-zone speed violation.
• When a school bus activates alternating flashing yellow lights, prepare to stop. When the red warning lights activate, stop as required by Vermont law.
• This applies in school yards too. Even on school property, you must not pass a stopped school bus with its red warning lights activated.
• Illegal passing of a school bus carries 5 points on your Vermont drivers license.
• Exception: You do not have to stop when the school bus is on a different roadway of a highway with separate roadways. Vermont also has a controlled-access-highway exception for a bus stopped in a loading zone where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Vermont Pedestrian and Bike Signs: 4 Feet of Clearance When Passing Vulnerable Users

When traffic-control signals are not operating, Vermont drivers must yield, slowing or stopping if necessary, to a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk. Vermont law requires reducing speed and increasing clearance to at least 4 feet when passing or approaching a vulnerable user, including a bicyclist or pedestrian. Do not honk at cyclists unexpectedly. the startling noise can cause them to lose control. Both school and pedestrian/bicycle warning signs may use fluorescent yellow-green.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• When traffic-control signals are not operating, drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk, slowing or stopping if necessary. Pedestrians may not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle that is so close it is impossible to yield.
• Vermont requires reducing speed and increasing clearance to at least 4 feet when passing or approaching a vulnerable user, including a bicyclist or pedestrian.
• Do not honk at cyclists unless you have a good reason to warn them. a sudden loud noise can startle a rider and cause them to lose control.
• Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators in Vermont.
• Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for school and pedestrian/bicycle warning signs. the sign shape and symbol identify the specific warning.

Key test point: At a Vermont crosswalk without an operating traffic-control signal, drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing within the crosswalk, slowing or stopping if necessary.

12. How to Pass Vermont DMV Permit Test: Online Test, 4-Foot Passing Rule and Vermont-Specific Signs

• Take the learner permit test online. The Vermont DMV says the learner permit test is no longer taken in its offices; it is available online at mydmv.vermont.gov. Study materials and the online tutorial are available through dmv.vermont.gov.
• Vermont's general maximum speed is 50 mph. The general maximum is 50 mph unless a different limit is established and posted; some limited-access highways are posted at 65 mph.
• 4 feet for vulnerable users. When passing or approaching a vulnerable user such as a bicyclist or pedestrian, reduce speed and increase clearance to at least 4 feet.
• School zones include weekends and after-school activities. The Vermont manual explicitly states that regular school hours are not the only time children are present. after-school and weekend activities also count. The rule applies whenever the sign says "when children are present."
• School bus stop applies in school yards. Even on school property, you cannot pass a stopped school bus with red lights activated when the stop requirement applies. Illegal passing of a school bus carries 5 points.
• No right on red when pedestrian crossing signs are lit. Vermont specifically prohibits right turns on red when pedestrian crossing signal signs are activated.
• Railroad stop = 15-50 feet. When a stop is required, stop within 15-50 feet of the nearest rail. No parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail. Use the emergency notification sign number to report crossing problems.
• Disability accommodations available. Vermont DMV provides reasonable accommodations when a disability significantly interferes with understanding information presented for a learner's permit or driver license.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution.
• Bicycle-control signals. If a Vermont bicycle-control signal is present, bicyclists follow that signal instead of the motor-vehicle signal.
• Moose crossing signs are serious in Vermont. Moose are far larger and darker than deer. they are extremely difficult to see at night and a collision is usually fatal at highway speeds. Slow down significantly on northern Vermont rural routes.