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Vermont General Knowledge Test

You'll handle steep grades on Route 100 in winter and narrow, winding roads through the Green Mountains.

140

Questions

80%

To Pass

Minutes

140 questions · 60 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official Vermont CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the Vermont General Knowledge Test

Vermont's roads aren't like anywhere else. You'll face steep grades on I-89, tight curves on Route 7, and long stretches of two-lane highways through the Green Mountains. Mud season turns dirt roads into slick traps. Winter brings snow, ice, and black ice on bridges. You need more than textbook knowledge — you need local know-how.

Our practice test covers everything from vehicle inspection to safe driving techniques. We've pulled questions straight from the Vermont CDL manual. Every topic relates to what you'll actually see on the road: logging trucks on narrow lanes, maple syrup tankers on winding routes, and farm equipment on rural roads. You'll learn why pre-trip inspections matter when it's 10 degrees outside and you're driving a loaded dump truck over a mountain pass.

The General Knowledge Test is your first step toward getting a Vermont CDL. It covers air brakes, combination vehicles, and basic vehicle control. You need to know your stuff — Vermont is one of the most challenging states for truck drivers. Our practice test helps you pass the first time, saving you time and money.

Don't memorize answers. Understand the concepts. We explain why each answer is correct, so you build real skills for Vermont's unique driving environment.

Vermont's commercial driving centers on I-89 and I-91, which run north-south through the state. The Green Mountains create winding grades and severe winter conditions. Our general knowledge practice test mirrors the official Vermont DMV CDL written exam.

I-89 through the Green Mountains and I-91 through the Connecticut River Valley feature rolling grades and winter snow and ice. The Vermont Agency of Transportation maintains roads through heavy snow, but commercial drivers must handle sudden condition changes. The exam tests mountain driving, chain awareness, and winter following distance.

Topics Covered

✓Vehicle inspection – critical for Vermont's harsh winters, you can't afford breakdowns on remote roads

✓Basic control – essential for steep grades on Route 100 and tight turns in the Northeast Kingdom

✓Air brakes – most heavy trucks in Vermont have them, and the exam tests your knowledge of winter air brake operation

✓Combination vehicles – common on I-91 hauling dairy and lumber, requires precise backing and coupling

✓Safe driving practices – includes speed management on icy roads and how to handle deer crossings

✓Cargo handling – Vermont's logging and maple industries demand secure loads on bumpy dirt roads

Study Tips

Start with the Vermont CDL Manual. The DMV updates it every year, so use the latest online version. Focus on the General Knowledge section, but also read the air brake and combination vehicle chapters. You don't need to memorize every number — understand the rules.

Take our practice test at least three times. Space them out over a week. After each attempt, review the questions you missed. Watch the short video clips we link to for tricky concepts like braking on ice or coupling a trailer. Finally, schedule your exam at a Vermont DMV office. Walk-ins are okay in most locations, but call ahead to confirm they offer CDL written tests. Bring your permit, proof of residency, and the $30 fee.

Vermont Specific Information

Vermont DMV offices in Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and Burlington offer CDL written tests. You don't need an appointment, but it's smart to call before you go — hours vary. The fee for the General Knowledge Test is $30. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Bring your commercial learner's permit application if you haven't gotten it yet.
If you fail, you can retake the test the next business day. No waiting period. But you'll pay the $30 fee again. Don't rush — our practice test helps you pass the first time. For a complete list of DMV locations and hours, visit the Vermont DMV website.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles requires a knowledge test for all CDL classes; the general knowledge exam is the foundation for every commercial license.
I-89 through the Green Mountains has rolling grades and severe winter weather — engine braking and low-gear descents are essential.
Vermont's timber and dairy industries generate heavy rural hauls on two-lane highways.
Winter conditions are severe — chain use may be required on mountain routes; the exam tests cold-weather driving.
I-91 through the Connecticut River Valley carries cross-border freight to Canada; customs and hazmat procedures apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum age for a Vermont CDL?

You must be 18 for intrastate driving (within Vermont) and 21 for interstate driving. You can get a CLP at 18.

Do I need a CDL to drive a dump truck in Vermont?

It depends on the weight. If your dump truck has a GVWR over 26,000 pounds, you need a Class B CDL. If you haul hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers, you need endorsements.

Can I take the General Knowledge Test at any DMV office?

Yes, most Vermont DMV offices offer it. But call ahead — some smaller offices only do appointments. The Montpelier and Rutland offices are the busiest.

What happens if I fail the Vermont CDL written test?

You can retake it the next business day. There's no limit on retakes, but you pay the $30 fee each time. Study our practice test to avoid that.

Is the Vermont CDL manual the same as other states?

No. Vermont adds state-specific information about winter driving, mountain roads, and local regulations. Use the official Vermont CDL manual, not a generic one.

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content