Turn signals — Vermont Permit Test

The law says a driver must use a turn signal not less than 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes. Signaling 3 to 5 seconds before covers that.

The distance is what the law measures, but nobody can pace out 100 feet while driving, so the seconds are the usable version.

The law states that a driver must use a turn signal not less than 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes.

Applying your brakes signals the vehicles behind you that you plan to slow down or stop.

The brake light is a message as much as a consequence, and it arrives before your car has slowed at all.

Applying your brakes will signal vehicles behind you that you are planning to slow down or stop.

If your directional lights or brake lights are not working you must use hand signals, and the lights must be fixed immediately.

Without a working light nobody behind you knows what is coming, so an arm out of the window has to do the job until it is repaired.

If your vehicle’s directional lights or brake lights are not working, you must use hand signals to let other drivers know you are planning to stop or turn.

How far before a turn does Vermont law require a signal?

Not less than 100 feet. The distance is what the law measures, but nobody can pace out 100 feet while driving, so the seconds are the usable version. 2025 Vermont Driver's Manual, p.26: “The law states that a driver must use a turn signal not less than 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes.”