Practice test 1 of 10 — Wisconsin permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: D. They tell people where you are in an emergency

   Mile markers show your place on the highway, which helps you tell police or rescue workers where you are.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Guide and service signs

2. Question 2: C. Another lane of traffic will join yours

   The merge sign warns that traffic from another lane or ramp will join your lane ahead.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

3. Question 3: A. The no-passing zone has ended

   A pass with care sign marks the end of a no-passing zone. You may pass again, but only when it is safe.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

4. Question 4: A. A yield sign is coming up

   This sign warns of a yield sign ahead, so slow down and be ready to give way.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

5. Question 5: C. Traffic will soon come toward you on this road

   The two-way traffic sign warns that oncoming traffic will soon use the same road as you.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

6. Question 6: A. You may not pass other vehicles here

   This sign means do not pass. You must not pass other vehicles on this part of the road.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

7. Question 7: C. A hospital is nearby

   A blue sign with a white "H" points the way to a nearby hospital.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Guide and service signs

8. Question 8: B. Warn you of a hazard or change ahead

   Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. They tell you about a hazard or change in the road ahead.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

9. Question 9: D. Drive slower than the posted speed

   The posted speed is the most you may drive in good conditions. In heavy rain you must drive slower than that to stay safe.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

10. Question 10: C. Signal and merge when there is a safe gap

    When your lane ends, signal early and merge into the next lane when there is a safe gap.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

11. Question 11: C. The police officer

    A police officer directing traffic overrides signs and signals, so follow the officer.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

12. Question 12: A. So drivers can tell them apart even from behind

    Their unique shapes let drivers tell what they are even when the front is covered by snow or seen from behind.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

13. Question 13: D. Look both ways and stop if a train is near

    Treat a crossbuck like a yield sign. Slow down, look and listen, and stop if a train is near.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

14. Question 14: A. A white rectangle with rounded edges

    The Wisconsin county road sign "is rectangular with rounded edges" and is white with black letters.

    Handbook: Section 4: Signs — G. Route Number

15. Question 15: B. Slower drivers should use the right lane

    If you are driving slower than other traffic, keep to the right lane so faster cars can pass on the left.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

16. Question 16: A. Pull up beside the car in front of the space

    Signal, then pull up alongside the car in front of the space before you start to back in.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parallel parking

17. Question 17: A. Enough to see its rear tires touch the road

    If you can see the rear tires of the car ahead touching the road, you have room to steer around it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Managing space

18. Question 18: B. The car going straight

    A driver turning left yields to an oncoming car going straight, so let it go first.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

19. Question 19: A. After stopping, when there is a safe gap

    After you stop, yield to cross traffic that does not have to stop, and go only when there is a safe gap.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

20. Question 20: B. Close to and lined up with the curb

    A parallel-parked car should sit close to the curb and lined up with it, not sticking out into traffic.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parallel parking

21. Question 21: C. They can make driving unsafe

    Medicines that cause drowsiness can slow your reactions and make driving unsafe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Drugs and medicine

22. Question 22: A. Five years

    A Wisconsin habitual traffic offender "will not be able to drive for five years."

    Handbook: Section 11: Your Driving Privilege — B. Habitual Traffic Offender

23. Question 23: D. An area near your car your mirrors do not show

    A blind spot is an area near your car that your mirrors do not show, so you must turn your head to check it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Changing lanes

24. Question 24: D. About a foot

    At the end of a Wisconsin parallel park, "you should be about a foot away from the curb."

    Handbook: Section 3: The Basics — J. Parking

25. Question 25: C. Yes, if that speed is unsafe for conditions

    Yes. Under the basic speed rule you can be ticketed for driving at the limit when conditions make that speed unsafe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Basic speed rule

26. Question 26: D. Stop and let them cross

    A white cane or guide dog means the person may be blind. Always stop and let them cross; do not honk.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

27. Question 27: A. About four times as far

    Braking distance grows with the square of speed, so doubling your speed makes it about four times as far.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

28. Question 28: C. At least 20 feet

    In Wisconsin you must stop "at least 20 feet" from a school bus that has its red lights flashing.

    Handbook: Section 10: Sharing the Road — C. School Buses

29. Question 29: C. Stop before the sidewalk and yield to people

    When leaving an alley or driveway, stop before the sidewalk and yield to people walking on it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Entering a roadway

30. Question 30: A. Gravel gives less grip for stopping and turning

    Loose gravel gives your tires less grip, so stopping and steering take more care and lower speed.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

31. Question 31: D. At least 10 inches

    Sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel so a deploying airbag does not hurt you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Seat belts and airbags

32. Question 32: C. Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, then move

    Signal first, check your mirrors and blind spot, then move over smoothly when it is clear.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Changing lanes

33. Question 33: B. Yield and do not cut into the line

    In general, yield to a funeral procession and do not cut into it, even if your light is green.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Special situations

34. Question 34: C. Left turns by traffic from both directions

    This is a two-way left-turn lane. Drivers from both directions use it only to make left turns.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

35. Question 35: C. Clear the intersection, then pull over

    Do not stop in an intersection. Clear it first, then pull to the right and stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

36. Question 36: B. 35 mph

    The Wisconsin limit in outlying parts of cities and villages with no posted limit "is 35mph."

    Handbook: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

37. Question 37: D. Stop and wait behind the stop line

    A steady red light means stop. Wait behind the stop line or crosswalk until you may legally go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

38. Question 38: C. When the lane is too narrow to share safely

    Cyclists may use the middle of a lane when it is too narrow for a car and bike to share it safely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Bicycles

39. Question 39: C. Stop and let them cross before entering

    Crosswalks are often placed just before a roundabout entry. Yield to people crossing before you enter.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Roundabouts

40. Question 40: B. Toward the right edge of your lane

    Look toward the right edge of your lane to keep your path in view until the car passes.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

41. Question 41: A. Open space you can steer into

    An escape route is open space you can steer into if you suddenly need to avoid a crash.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

42. Question 42: B. Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

    Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and let the car slow down before you brake gently.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Tire failure

43. Question 43: C. 60 hours

    A Wisconsin occupational license allows driving "up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week."

    Handbook: Section 11: Your Driving Privilege — C. Occupational License

44. Question 44: C. By driving, you agree to alcohol or drug tests

    Implied consent means that by driving, you have agreed to a test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Testing and implied consent

45. Question 45: D. Let it go through first

    Yield to vehicles already in the intersection. Wait for them to clear it before you go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

46. Question 46: A. No driver should insist on taking it

    The law says who must yield, but no driver should insist on the right-of-way if it could cause a crash.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Right-of-way basics

47. Question 47: D. In rain, fog, or at night

    Leave more space when it is wet, foggy or dark, since you need more time to see hazards and to stop.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

48. Question 48: D. The same way as traffic on that side

    Park on the right side facing the same way as traffic, so you can pull out safely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Where not to park

49. Question 49: D. Cover the brake so you can stop fast

    Taking your foot off the gas and covering the brake cuts the time it takes to stop if a child runs out.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

50. Question 50: A. Just before the solid white line

    In Wisconsin, "your front wheels should stop just before the solid white line," not on the crosswalk.

    Handbook: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — B. Types of Line Markings

51. Question 51: D. Turn on hazards and pull off the road

    Try your hazard lights or high beams, then pull off the road as soon as you safely can.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Lights failure

52. Question 52: B. Leave at the next exit, then pull over

    Do not stop inside a roundabout. Leave at your exit or the next one, then pull over to let the vehicle pass.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

53. Question 53: A. Pull over, get out, and move away

    Pull over, turn off the engine, get everyone out and move away. Call for help.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Vehicle fires

54. Question 54: C. Add a second for each bad condition

    Wisconsin says to "add a second for every adverse condition" such as heavy traffic, rain, snow or ice.

    Handbook: Section 3: The Basics — B. Understanding Vehicle Speed

55. Question 55: C. Pull to the right and stay in the car

    Pull to the right when it is safe, stop, and stay in the car with your hands where the officer can see them.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Traffic stops

56. Question 56: B. The first vehicle in the line

    In Wisconsin, "the first vehicle in the line must follow traffic signs and signals," and others must not cut in.

    Handbook: Section 6: Driving Situations — F. Funeral Processions

57. Question 57: A. Never drive faster than is safe for conditions

    The basic speed rule means you must never drive faster than is safe for the road, weather and traffic, whatever the posted limit.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Basic speed rule

58. Question 58: D. Pull off the road and turn on hazards

    Pull off the road as far as you can and turn on your hazard lights so others can see you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Breakdowns

59. Question 59: D. Passing

    Keep right except to pass. The left lane is mainly for passing.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Lane use

60. Question 60: D. Far ahead and all around you

    Look well ahead and all around, not just at the car in front, so you spot hazards early.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Seeing and scanning

61. Question 61: C. A gap in traffic to merge into

    Look for a safe gap in traffic, signal, and match your speed to merge into it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving

62. Question 62: C. Pump the brakes and shift to a lower gear

    Pump the brake pedal to build pressure and shift to a lower gear, then use the parking brake slowly if needed.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Brake failure

63. Question 63: B. Seconds stay right at any speed

    A time gap grows with your speed on its own, so a count of seconds stays right at any speed.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Following distance

64. Question 64: D. Slow to the school limit and watch for children

    In an active school zone, slow to the posted school zone limit and watch closely for children.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Special speed zones

65. Question 65: D. Take turns and let one car in at a time

    When lanes merge, take turns and leave room so each driver can merge smoothly and safely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Right-of-way basics