2026 Wisconsin DMV Tests & Permit Practice Tests
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#1. When turning in the direction of a green arrow, you must:
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.
You must yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
Remember, it does not mean that all other traffic is stopped by a red light.
#2. You approach this sign. What should you do?
Traffic signal ahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop, if necessary.
#3. Children must ride rear-facing until they reach both:
Children less than one year of age or weighing less than 20 pounds are required to use a rear-facing child restraint system.
#4. You must turn on your headlights:
Wisconsin requires you to use headlights during hours of darkness and when visibility is less than 500 feet. Hours of darkness is half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Anytime weather conditions make it hard to see, you should turn on your headlights. A good rule to follow is if you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights.
#5. What does this sign mean?
This sign warns that there is a flag person ahead. Always follow their directions.
#6. If there is a double solid yellow line in the center of a roadway, crossing the solid yellow line is:
You may cross yellow lane markings, except medians, to turn left if it is safe.
#7. It is illegal to park a vehicle if a railroad crossing is within:
Do not park within 25 feet of a railroad crossing. Most states don’t allow parking within 50 feet.
#8. What does this sign mean?
Deer Crossing. Deer often cross the road in this area. Be alert. Slow down if you see deer or other wildlife.
#9. You are at a stop sign. A motorcycle approaches from the left and signals a right turn into the road you are about to leave. What should you do?
Never assume another driver will share space with you or give you space. For example, do not turn just because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn after they pass your vehicle, or they may have forgotten to turn off the signal after a prior turn. This is particularly true of motorcycles, as their signals often do not cancel by themselves. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn and then go if it is safe to do so.
#10. If you are involved in a collision, you must always:
If you are involved in an accident, you must stop.
Do not move the injured unless they are in a burning vehicle or in immediate danger of being hit by another vehicle. Moving a person can make injuries worse.
The law enforcement agency will file an accident report with DMV. However, if the law enforcement agency does not investigate the accident or file a report, you need to file the report within ten days of the accident.
#11. You should adjust your speed to a crawl when:
Remember, when the road is slippery, the vehicle’s tires do not grip as well as they do on a dry road. On a wet road, you should reduce your speed by about 10 mph. On packed snow, you should cut your speed in half.
#12. You are driving on a highway when a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do?
If a tire suddenly goes flat, you should tightly hold the steering wheel and keep the vehicle going straight. Gradually slow down. Take your foot off the gas pedal but do not apply the brakes until the vehicle has almost stopped. Then, move slowly and safely off the road. Do not stop on the road if at all possible.
#13. If you have a green light and an intersection is blocked by vehicles, you should:
Even if you have the green light, do not start across the intersection if vehicles are blocking your way. If you are caught in the intersection when the light changes to red, you will block other traffic.
#14. What does the dot to the left of the arrow represent?
The dot to the left of the arrow represents the island in the center of a roundabout. It shows that the driver is required to drive counterclockwise around the island in the center to make a left turn.
#15. Being tired while driving increases the risk of:
When you are tired, you could fall asleep behind the wheel and crash.
#16. By completing an approved traffic safety course you can reduce the following number of demerit points on your driving record:
You can reduce your points by 3 by completing an approved traffic safety course.
#17. If you see a pedestrian with a white cane at a crosswalk, you should:
Pedestrians using a dog guide or carrying a white cane have absolute right-of-way (even if not at an intersection.) Do not use your horn as it could startle the blind pedestrian. If you see anyone in the roadway with a dog guide or a white cane, stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the roadway.
#18. If you are in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches from behind, you should:
If you are in an intersection, including a roundabout, drive through the intersection before you pull over.
#19. On a narrow street are oncoming vehicles on your left and parked vehicles on your right. What should you do?
Split the difference between two hazards. For example, steer a middle course between oncoming and parked vehicles. However, if one is more dangerous than the other, leave a little more space on the dangerous side. If the oncoming vehicle is a tractor-trailer, leave a little more room on the side that the truck will pass.
#20. Signs with this shape and color show:
Diamond shaped signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Slow and proceed with caution.
#21. Alcohol reaches your brain in:
Alcohol goes from your stomach into your blood and to all parts of your body. It reaches your brain in 20 to 40 minutes.
#22. If the pavement is wet when you see this sign, which is most likely to cause a problem?
Slippery when wet. When pavement is wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake quickly or change direction suddenly. When you brake quickly, you could skid and lose control of your vehicle.
#23. An exempt sign beneath a Crossbuck sign means:
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.
#24. If another driver follows you too closely while driving on a two-lane road, you should:
Every now and then you may find yourself being followed too closely or being tailgated by another driver. If another driver follows you too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce speed. This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater. All that does is increasing your risk of being hit from behind.
#25. If you plan to turn after an intersection, you should:
Be careful that you do not signal too early. If there are streets, driveways, intersections, or entrances between you and where you want to turn, wait until you have reached that point before signaling. For example: If you intend to turn into a driveway just after an intersection, wait until you pass the intersection before signaling.
| 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!
There should be no caching problem on the server side. Checked with the most common browsers and android this morning. Caching means keeping a copy of data on your device that you’ve already received, to avoid having to ask for it again.
Try to hit refresh in your browser before you start a new test. If that does not work, check your caching settings.
Worked for me. I took my test today and passed
give us different tests not the same one we pass the test that is given and that same test appears.
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.