2026 Wisconsin DMV Tests & Permit Practice Tests
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#1. Double parking is allowed:
Parking on the roadway side of any parked vehicle (double parking) is illegal.
#2. When passing a safety zone without a posted speed limit and where a bus has stopped to load or unload, you must:
Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed when passing a safety zone where a bus has stopped to load or unload is 15 mph.
#3. When entering or crossing a street from an alley, you must:
You must stop before crossing a sidewalk if you are entering or crossing a highway from a driveway, alley, or parking lot. You must yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already on the main road.
#4. If you have an older vehicle and your brakes fail, you should try to get them working by:
Pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop.
#5. When driving at night, be sure that you can stop:
A basic rule for safe night driving is to never outrun or overdrive your headlights! You must be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead with your headlights. Your headlights will let you see about 400 feet ahead. You should drive at a speed that allows you to stop within this distance.
#6. What does a sign with this shape mean?
The upside-down triangle shape is exclusively used for yield signs. Slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the right of way to vehicles and pedestrians.
#7. A wet pavement can often double your:
Braking distance is affected by the pavement condition. A wet pavement can often double your braking distance.
#8. What does this sign mean?
Crossroad (Intersection). A road crosses the main highway ahead (four-way intersection). Be alert for cross traffic entering the roadway.
#9. A Class D instruction permit allows you to drive while you are supervised by:
You may drive only when you are accompanied by a person with two years driving experience who holds a valid regular (not probationary or occupational) license and who sits in the front passenger seat and is one of the following:
- A qualified instructor 19 years or older.
- A parent, guardian, or spouse 19 years or older
- A person 21 years or older.
#10. At night, you should drive with your headlights on the high beam:
Use your high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles. High beams let you see twice as far as low beams. It is important to use high beams on unfamiliar roads, in construction areas, or where there may be people along the side of the road.
Use the low beams in fog or when it is snowing or raining hard. Light from high beams will reflect back, causing glare and making it more difficult to see ahead. Some vehicles have fog lights that you should also use under these conditions.
#11. The following equipment must be in proper working order for your car to be safe:
Windshield wipers are required equipment. Windshield wipers keep the rain and snow off the windshield. Some vehicles also have wipers for rear windows and headlights. Make sure all wipers are in good operation condition. If the blades are not clearing your windshield, replace them.
A bell, siren, or exhaust whistle is not allowed. A red light showing from the front is not allowed.
#12. A traffic light with a green arrow indicates that:
A green arrow means you can turn in the direction of the arrow. There should be no oncoming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green. This is known as a protected turn.
Remember, it does not mean that all other traffic is stopped by a red light.
#13. Do not pass another vehicle:
Never pass a car that has stopped for pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Passing in this type of situation is a frequent cause of death to pedestrians, especially if the passing vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed.
#14. Emotions affect your driving. If you feel angry or excited, you should:
If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off. Take a short walk if necessary, but stay off the road until you have calmed down. If you are worried, down, or upset about something, try to keep your mind on your driving.
Remember, emotions can have a great effect on your ability to drive safely. You may not be able to drive well if you are overly worried, excited, afraid, angry, or depressed.
#15. When an emergency vehicle sounding a siren or bell approaches from any direction on an undivided highway, you must:
You must yield the right-of-way to police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances or other emergency vehicles using a siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light. Pull over to the right edge of the road or as near to the right as possible and stop when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction.
If the emergency vehicle using lights or siren is on the other side of a divided highway, you do not need to pull over and stop.
#16. The best way to avoid last-minute moves when driving is to:
To be a good driver and avoid last-minute moves, you must know what is happening around your vehicle. You must look ahead, to the sides and behind the vehicle. Scanning helps you see problems ahead, vehicles and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them, signs warning of problems ahead and signs giving you directions.
#17. A vehicle carrying this sign:
A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it may be traveling less than 25 mph. You may see this sign on construction equipment and, in rural areas, on farm vehicles or horse-drawn wagons or carriages.
Slow down when approaching a slow-moving vehicle and, if possible, move over to the left to pass it.
#18. Which of the following increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide gases can cause death inside a vehicle in a very short time. Never run the engine in a closed garage.
#19. A road sign shaped like this means:
This three-sided sign is shaped like a pennant. The sign indicates the start of a no passing zone.
#20. When taking a prescription drug, who must decide whether you can drive?
Alcohol, drugs, or fatigue will cause your driving to suffer, and it is your responsibility to know when you are not in shape to drive.
#21. A shared center turn lane must be used for:
Shared center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted) by vehicles traveling in either direction. These lanes are marked on each side by solid yellow and dashed yellow lines. Be sure you enter the lane only if it is safe to do so. This lane is not a regular traffic lane or a passing lane. If a two-way left turn lane has been provided, do not make a left turn from any other lane.
#22. This sign is:
Regulatory Speed Limit sign. This indicates the maximum speed in miles per hour. It begins where this sign is posted and ends where a different speed sign is posted.
#23. What does this sign mean?
Divided Highway / Divided Highway Begins. Two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip ahead. Each roadway is one-way. Stay to the right.
#24. Always wear your shoulder belt:
The lap belt should fit snugly across your hip bones just under your stomach. The shoulder belt should be worn across the chest. It should be snug enough that you can fit your fist between the belt and your chest. Never put the shoulder belt under your arm, or leave it so loose it hangs over your arm.
#25. Some drivers must always stop before they cross train tracks. What vehicles are not required to stop?
Leave extra room for vehicles required to come to a stop at railroad crossings, including transit buses, school buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials (gasoline tankers, etc.). If you are following this type of vehicle, you should be prepared to stop.
These vehicles are not required to stop before crossing tracks marked exempt or tracks out-of-service.
| This Wisconsin Permit Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions per test: | 25 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
| The Official Wisconsin Written Knowledge Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on real exam: | 50 questions |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 40 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | 45 minutes |
| Wait time before retest: | 1 day (5 attempts) |
Free Wisconsin Practice Test
This Wisconsin preparation test for your driver’s license or learner’s permit has 25 random questions from an extensive database. After each question, you will get instant feedback that tells you whether your answer is correct. There is also a short explanation of the rules and the best answer if you need help understanding a question.
Remember that the actual knowledge examination has 50 random multiple-choice questions, which means you should take more than one practice test to cover everything that may appear on your final test.
You can always find answers to test questions in the Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook. Get a copy at any DMV office, your driving school, or driver’s education course, or download it from DMV’s website .
The handbook is a necessary read to understand everything you need to learn for the examination. Many rules and practices will already be familiar; others may be new. The practice test will help you discover what you need to focus on.
True Understanding of Rules and Laws
Remember, the actual exam and the practice tests have questions from a vast question bank. It is best to avoid trying to memorize answers since questions and answers can appear in different shapes and be worded differently. Understanding rules and safe driving practices is a safer way to succeed on the knowledge exam. A true understanding of rules and laws also helps you become a responsible and safe driver.
It is also good to start studying a few weeks before the test and not try to cram a few nights before the big day.
Read more: Risky Study Tactics
Wisconsin Passing Score is 80%
The passing score in Wisconsin is 80 percent. On the actual exam, which has 50 questions, you must get at least 40 questions correct. Once you have reached your passing score, the test will end.
When you study for your exam, you should aim higher. Try to get a full score (25 correct answers) on several tests. It will give you a good margin on the actual test.
Go back to the handbook when you need help understanding the correct answers.
Allotted Time for the Wisconsin Written Test
There is an allotted time of 45 minutes for your test, but don’t let that scare you. Fifty questions and 45 minutes may seem a lot, but most applicants finish in 20 minutes. If you time yourself on a practice test, you will likely complete 25 questions in 5 minutes.
With the proper preparations, you will have no trouble passing.
What Happens if You Fail the Test?
The failure rate on the Wisconsin knowledge test is between 25 and 30 percent, which means that one out of four first-time test takers fail the exam.
The main reasons for failing are lack of preparation (about half of all applicants who failed did not prepare with practice tests) and poor reading comprehension.
If you fail the test, you can generally try again the next day, but remember that you will get a different test on your next attempt. Test questions will be different. Read everything with care.
You’ve got five chances to pass the exam within one year.
Who Must Pass the Wisconsin Knowledge Test?
The following must pass the Wisconsin written knowledge test:
- First-time applicants getting their initial instruction permit.
- New Wisconsin resident with a license from a foreign country other than Canada and Germany.
- New Wisconsin resident with an out-of-state license expired more than eight years.
- Drivers want to add a new class or endorsement to their driver’s license.
- Drivers with a Wisconsin license expired more than eight years.
New Wisconsin residents with a valid license from another state can replace their license and get a Wisconsin license without passing the knowledge or skills tests.
The Purpose of the Wisconsin Knowledge Exam
The purpose of the knowledge test is to determine your knowledge of Wisconsin traffic laws and safe driving, including knowledge of the following:
| What is on the test |
|---|
| Rules of the road |
| Highway signs |
| Vehicle equipment requirements |
| Driving techniques |
| Fuel efficient operation of motor vehicles |
| Effects of alcohol or controlled substance use in connection with driving |
| The need for anatomical gifts |
| The need for vehicle control near sight-impaired pedestrians |
What You Should Know about the Test
DMV Tests are typically given on a walk-in basis, even if appointments are highly encouraged to limit the number of customers in the lobby.
Wisconsin offers all tests on a computerized system with touch screens. After each question, you will know if you answered it correctly or not.
If you have trouble reading, the DMV can offer the test with an audio option. Make sure you ask about it before you start your exam. Examiners will lend you a headset.
If you fail the knowledge test, you cannot retake it until the next day. If you fail five times within a year, you must get special permission before retaking the test. In such a situation, you must show what you have done to improve your ability to succeed on your next attempt.
Class D (regular license) knowledge and signs tests are available in the following languages:
| Languages |
|---|
| Burmese |
| Chinese |
| Croatian |
| English |
| Hmong |
| Polish |
| Russian |
| Serbian |
| Somali |
| Spanish |
| American Sign Language |
Wisconsin Graduated Driver’s License Program
The Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program in Wisconsin helps young drivers gain driving experience and develop their skills over time and in lower-risk environments.
The program applies to all new drivers under 18 years of age.
It contains three steps, from the first instruction permit to a full, unrestricted driver’s license.
| License | Minimum age | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction Permit | 15½ | 6 months |
| Probationary License | 16 | Until first renewal |
| Class D License | 19 | – |
Your First Instruction Permit
You can apply for your first Wisconsin instruction permit when you are 15 years and six months old.
Where Can I get My Instruction Permit?
It would be best if you started online with the interactive Driver’s License Guide to learn what you need to bring your DMV office.
You can pre-fill the required application online and submit the form electronically.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents before you schedule an appointment.
After you are approved, have paid the fee, and have passed a vision screening, the DMV will let you take the knowledge test.
Requirements for Applicants under 18 Years
If you are under 18 years old, the GDL rules apply. You must enroll in or have completed a driver education class.
You must also enroll in a school program or high school equivalency program, have graduated from high school or been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency, or be enrolled in a home-based private education program and cannot be identified as habitually truant.
An adult sponsor, usually your parent or legal guardian, must approve your application.
Restrictions on the Instruction Permit
Under no circumstances can you practice driving on your own while you hold an instruction permit.
A supervising driver who occupies the seat beside you must accompany you. The supervising driver must have a valid regular (non-probationary) driver’s license and have at least two years of driving experience.
The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old unless the driver is a qualified driving instructor, a parent, guardian, or spouse, for which a minimum age of 19 years applies.
When you drive with a parent, guardian, or spouse, your immediate family members may occupy the rear seats.
No other passengers are allowed if a person other than a parent, guardian, or spouse supervises you. The licensed person accompanying you must also have written authorization from your parent or legal guardian to supervise you.
When driving during darkness, a qualified driving instructor or a licensed person who is at least 25 years old and has two years of licensed driving experience must accompany you.
When you hold an instruction permit, all cell phone use (hands-free and handheld) while driving is prohibited except for reporting an emergency.
How Long is the Instruction Permit Valid?
A Wisconsin instruction permit is valid for 12 months. You can renew once for another 12 months.
You need proof of enrollment or completion of a driver’s education course to renew your instruction permit.
When Can I Get a Probationary Driver’s License?
You must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before applying for your probationary license (minimum age: 16).
Your driving record must be clear of any violations in the six months before applying for the probationary license.
You must also have practiced driving for at least 30 hours (10 during darkness) and be certified as a parent, guardian, or adult sponsor.
You must complete an approved driver-education training course.
When you have fulfilled these requirements, you must pass the driving skills test.
What are the Restrictions on a Probationary Driver’s License?
GDL restrictions apply only for the first nine months if you drive violation-free.
Night Curfew
There is a night curfew between midnight and 5 a.m.
During the night curfew, you can only drive alone if you must drive between home and school or work.
A supervising driver must accompany you if you drive anywhere else during the curfew.
Passenger Restriction
In addition to any number of immediate family members, you can only carry the following:
- One person who holds a valid, regular license with at least two years of licensed driving experience and who is:
- a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, or
- a person 21 or older
- One other person
Cell Phone Restriction
Cell phone use (hands-free and handheld) while driving is prohibited except for reporting an emergency.
Driver’s License FAQ
At what age can I get my first Wisconsin learner's permit?
You may apply for a Wisconsin instruction permit when you are 15 years and 6 months old or older.
Where can I get my Wisconsin instruction permit?
You will get your permit at a DMV customer service center. Pre-fill an application online and gathered all necessary documents. Then schedule an appointment with a service center. If approved, you will get your permit after passing a vision screening and a knowledge test.
How long is the instruction permit valid?
A Wisconsin instruction permit is valid for 12 months. It can be renewed once for another 12 months.
What are the restrictions on a Wisconsion instruction permit?
You must always drive under supervision of a licensed driver.
If you drive together with an authorized instructor, parent, legal guardian, or spouse, the supervising driver must be a least 19 years.
If you drive together with another adult, the supervising driver must be at least 21 years.
If you drive at night (during darkness), the supervising driver must be at least 25 years.
The supervising driver must always have a valid regular (non-probationary) driver's license and have at least two years of driving experience.
You can only carry passengers that are immediate family, and only when driving under supervision of an authorized instructor, parent, legal guardian, or spouse.
Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, except to report an emergency.
Can I use a hands-free cell phone if I have an Instruction Permit?
In Wisconsin, handheld or hands-free cell phone use while driving is against the law for drivers with a probationary license or instruction permit, except to report an emergency.
When can I get a probationary driver's license in Wisconsin?
You must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before to applying for your probationary license. Your driving record must be clean of any violations during the six months prior to applying.
What are the restrictions on a probationary driver license?
Night curfew between midnight and 5 a.m. unless driving directly from/to home and work or school.
If you drive anywhere else you must drive accompanied by a supervising driver.
Passenger restrictions: only one non-family member that is not a supervising driver.
No cell phone use.
It’s giving the same test all the time!
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Worked for me. I took my test today and passed
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We are truly sorry for this inconvenience. The test had a caching error which affected only some web browsers, like Windows Edge. This is now fixed.