Originally Posted by rickair7777

Yes. You need one of these:

1. SID/DP
2. Radar Vectors (tower assigned HDG)
3. ODP (if no ODP is published, you're in a very flat area and can turn direct on course).

You'll use an ODP most often at an uncontrolled field but if tower clears you for takeoff without an assigned a HDG or SID, you must still comply with the ODP (if published).

A VFR climb exempts you from the ODP, but you must still comply with the cleared route (ie no cutting corners). If you want to go direct somewhere in a VFR climb, ask for that specifically.

The FOM does not regurgitate all of the FAR/AIM, but those still apply.