The Wisconsin knowledge test
Part 1: Highway Signs 12 of 15 (80%)
Part 2: Knowledge 40 of 50 (80%)
Practice test 65 questions in 2 parts The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets this passing score . An instruction permit takes both tests, the 15-question highway signs test and the 50-question knowledge test.
Practice by topic
Road Signs What signs mean and what to do when you see them Right-of-Way Who goes first at intersections, crosswalks and roundabouts Traffic Signals Lights, arrows and pedestrian signals Lanes & Turns Lane markings, turns, passing and merging Speed Limits Limits and how to adjust your speed Parking Curb colors, hills and where you can't park Safe Driving Following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road Alcohol & Drugs Blood alcohol limits, DUI rules and medication Emergencies Breakdowns, emergency vehicles and railroad crossings License Rules Permits, restrictions for new drivers and points Insurance & Collisions Required coverage and what to do after a crash Phones & Distraction Phone rules and other distractions Sample Wisconsin practice questions
You are 17 with a permit. Your practice driver is an unrelated licensed 30-year-old. What must they have before you drive?
A signed letter from your school Written permission from your parent or guardian A certificate from a driving school A commercial driver license Show the answer
Written permission from your parent or guardian
A licensed person 21 or older riding with a minor needs written authorization from the parent or guardian first.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 2.B Instruction Permit, p. 5
How close to the near limits of a crosswalk may you park in Wisconsin?
No closer than 5 feet No closer than 50 feet No closer than 15 feet No closer than 30 feet Show the answer
No closer than 15 feet
State law keeps parked vehicles at least 15 feet back from a crosswalk's near limits.
Source: Wisconsin Statutes, ch. 346, Wis. Stat. § 346.53(5)
When may you cross a solid white line between lanes?
Whenever you have signaled first For a hazard, or to turn within the next block Whenever the next lane is empty Only after dark, to pass a truck Show the answer
For a hazard, or to turn within the next block
Otherwise a solid white line between lanes is not to be crossed.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 5.B Types of Line Markings, p. 34
A permit holder wants to practice after dark. Who must sit in the seat beside them?
Any licensed member of the family Any licensed passenger of 19 or older An instructor or a licensed person 25 or older Any licensed driver of 18 or older Show the answer
An instructor or a licensed person 25 or older
In darkness the rule narrows to a qualified instructor, or a licensed person 25 or older with at least two years of experience.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 2.B Instruction Permit, p. 5 ; Wisconsin Statutes, chapter 343, Wis. Stat. § 343.07(1g)(d)
After a minor crash, the other driver seems to be under the influence. Must you report it to police?
Yes, you must report it No, if the damage is small Only if that driver agrees Only if someone was hurt Show the answer
Yes, you must report it
A driver who seems impaired by alcohol or drugs is one of the reasons to report.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 8.B Crashes, p. 47
Nobody was hurt in your crash, but your vehicle cannot move. What should you do?
Call 911 and stay away from traffic Leave a note and go home Stand beside the car in the lane Walk to the nearest repair shop Show the answer
Call 911 and stay away from traffic
Call 911, follow what they tell you, and keep clear of traffic.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 8.B Crashes, p. 47
Who may take the Wisconsin knowledge test online for a $10 fee?
Applicants aged 15 to 17 Only people moving from another state Applicants of any age Only applicants 18 or older Show the answer
Applicants aged 15 to 17
The online option is for applicants between 15 and 17 years old.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 1.C Knowledge Test, p. 1
What does Wisconsin's inattentive driving law cover?
Only activities during rush hour Only watching a video screen Any activity interfering with safe driving Only texting on a phone Show the answer
Any activity interfering with safe driving
State law bars any activity other than driving that interferes, or appears to interfere, with driving safely.
Source: Wisconsin Statutes, ch. 346, Wis. Stat. § 346.89(1)
When can hydroplaning happen at low speeds?
Only on gravel roads Only when towing a trailer Only when your ABS is off When your tires are bald Show the answer
When your tires are bald
Worn tires can ride up on water even when you aren't going fast.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 7.B Severe Weather, p. 44
What exception lets you cross double solid yellow lines to pass?
Any vehicle under the speed limit, if safe A vehicle with its flashers on, at night A vehicle under half the speed limit, if safe Any truck, if no one is coming toward you Show the answer
A vehicle under half the speed limit, if safe
This narrow Wisconsin exception needs safe conditions, and it doesn't apply to farm equipment.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 5.B Types of Line Markings, p. 35
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (2026 (BDS126), PDF created 2026-07-03, read 2026-11-08. Page numbers cited are the handbook's printed ones (PDF page = printed page + 4). Where the handbook gives no value, Wisconsin Statutes chs. 340, 343, 346 and 347 (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, published 2026-11-04) are the source. edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
