Key Wisconsin facts: Traffic Signals
At a flashing red arrow, come to a full stop and go when it is safe. Section 5.A Traffic Signals, p. 32 If the yellow light comes on while you are already in the intersection, do not stop; continue through. Section 5.A Traffic Signals, p. 33 On a steady green, you may turn left when safe, but oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. Section 5.A Traffic Signals, p. 33 At a ramp meter, pulling fully up to the white stop line lets the tires trigger the pavement sensors. Section 6.B Metered Ramps, p. 41 On a metered ramp each lane has its own signal. Section 6.B Metered Ramps, p. 41 Sample Traffic Signals questions
Where should you stop at a metered freeway ramp?
Fully up at the white stop line Just past the signal on the shoulder At the merge point with the freeway Three car lengths behind the line Show the answer
Fully up at the white stop line
Pull all the way up so your tires trigger the sensors in the pavement.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 6.B Metered Ramps, p. 41
The signal is a steady green with no arrow, and you want to go left. Who has the right-of-way?
Oncoming traffic The car behind you Whoever signals first You, on the green Show the answer
Oncoming traffic
You may turn only when it is safe, since oncoming traffic goes first.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 5.A Traffic Signals, p. 33
A metered ramp has two lanes. How are they controlled?
Drivers take turns on their own One signal serves both lanes Each lane has its own signal The left lane has no signal Show the answer
Each lane has its own signal
Watch the signal for your lane, then go and merge when it turns green.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 6.B Metered Ramps, p. 41
A train has just passed at a double-track crossing. What should you wait for before crossing?
A full five minutes after the train passes The last car's rear lights to reach the road The train to be far enough to see clear tracks The car behind you to sound its horn Show the answer
The train to be far enough to see clear tracks
Hold back until the train has gone well past and you can tell the tracks are clear.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 4.H Railroad Crossing, p. 31
What should you avoid doing while driving across railroad tracks?
Looking both ways Keeping both hands on the wheel Shifting gears Listening for a train Show the answer
Shifting gears
Stay in one gear as you go over the tracks.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 4.H Railroad Crossing, p. 30
Lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. When may you go?
After they stop and the track is clear After the first car ahead goes After a full stop of five seconds As soon as you see no train Show the answer
After they stop and the track is clear
Wait for both: the lights to stop and a clear track.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 4.H Railroad Crossing, p. 30
The light turns yellow while you are already in the intersection. What should you do?
Continue through Turn around Back up to the line Stop right away Show the answer
Continue through
Don't stop in the intersection. Keep going through it.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 5.A Traffic Signals, p. 33
A crossing's gate has a horn or bell sounding. When may you cross?
While it sounds, if you are quick After the sound has stopped As soon as a train passes Once the gate starts rising Show the answer
After the sound has stopped
Stay put until the bell or horn stops, and never drive around or under the gate.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 4.H Railroad Crossing, p. 31
What should you do at a flashing red arrow?
Stop fully, then go when it is safe Wait for the arrow to turn green Slow down and keep turning Back up behind the stop line Show the answer
Stop fully, then go when it is safe
Unlike a steady red arrow, a flashing one lets you go after a full stop once it is safe.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 5.A Traffic Signals, p. 32
How do you know a Wisconsin freeway ramp is being metered?
A red X is showing A flagger is present Cones line the ramp The ramp sign is flashing Show the answer
The ramp sign is flashing
The ramp is metered when its sign is on and flashing.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2026, Section 6.B Metered Ramps, p. 41
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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.
