Turn signals and turning

Key points

1. Signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes; signaling 3 to 5 seconds ahead covers this.

   Source: Handbook 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. Signaling three to five seconds before any of these actions covers this requirement.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

2. If your turn or brake lights do not work, use hand signals and fix the lights immediately.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “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. Directional lights or brake lights which do not work must be fixed immediately.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

3. For a left turn, position within one foot of the centerline if safe, and keep wheels straight until you turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Position your vehicle within one foot of the centerline, if it is safe to do so. Keep your wheels straight until you are ready to turn”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

4. When turning left, any oncoming motor vehicle or bicyclist has the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Any oncoming motor vehicle or bicyclist has the right-of-way.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 26

5. Approaching a right turn, be about three feet from the right side and do not swing left first.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “At the approach to a right turn the vehicle should be about three feet from the right side of the road. Do not swing your vehicle to the left before turning right.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

6. When turning into a street with several lanes going your way, turn into the nearest lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “If you are turning into a street with more than one lane going in your direction, turn into the nearest lane.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

7. Do not change lanes while turning; it is illegal and leads to crashes.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Avoid changing lanes while turning. This is an illegal maneuver and leads to crashes.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 35

8. When using a two way left turn lane, get your whole vehicle into the lane so you do not block traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “So that you don't block traffic, all of your vehicle should be in the turn lane.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. How far before a turn or lane change must a Vermont driver use a turn signal?

   1. Not less than 100 feet
   2. Not less than 25 feet
   3. Not less than 50 feet
   4. Not less than 200 feet
   Show answer

   Not less than 100 feet. Vermont requires a turn signal not less than 100 feet before making a turn or changing lanes. The manual notes that signaling three to five seconds before either action covers this requirement. The shorter distances in the other choices give following drivers less time to understand your plan, while 200 feet is not the stated minimum. Start the signal early, then confirm that the maneuver is safe before moving or turning.

2. 2. When preparing for a left turn, where should a Vermont driver position the vehicle before turning?

   1. Across the centerline before the turn
   2. Against the right curb
   3. Within one foot of the centerline, when safe
   4. In whichever lane has the most traffic
   Show answer

   Within one foot of the centerline, when safe. For a left turn, Vermont's manual directs the driver to position the vehicle within one foot of the centerline when it is safe to do so. The vehicle must still wait for oncoming traffic and keep its wheels straight until the turn begins. Moving against the right curb leaves the vehicle poorly positioned, and crossing the centerline early creates a conflict with opposing traffic. A good cue is position first, scan, then turn only through a clear path.

3. 3. As a driver approaches a right turn, about how far from the right side of the road should the vehicle be?

   1. Centered over the lane line
   2. About one foot
   3. About six feet
   4. About three feet
   Show answer

   About three feet. Before a right turn, the vehicle should be about three feet from the right side of the road. The driver should signal three to five seconds ahead, slow gradually, search left, front, and right, and watch for bicyclists or pedestrians. One foot is the left-turn position near the centerline, so it applies to a different maneuver. Do not swing left before turning right. The cue is a close but controlled approach along the right side of the lane.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Driving Safely and Studying for Your Permit. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.