Wisconsin DMV practice test
59 practice questions written from the official handbook, Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026. The mock test asks 50 questions and needs 40 correct, like the real test.
Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV.
examprepare.help wrote this study aid. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles did not write or review it, and your real test may differ.
Practice shows the right answer and the handbook page after every question.The mock test asks 50 questions and needs 40 correct to pass.
The real Wisconsin test
The Wisconsin knowledge test has 50 questions and needs 40 correct (80 percent). The separate highway signs test has 15 questions and needs 12.
Rule source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Driving Test Requirements.
Official handbook
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook
Read the handbook (PDF, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles) or the handbook page on the agency site.
We read this edition on 2026-10-05. Handbooks change. Check that your copy is the current one.
Key numbers from the handbook
| Rule | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Questions on the Wisconsin knowledge test | 50 questions | 1 |
| Correct answers needed on the Wisconsin knowledge test | 40 questions (80 percent) | 1 |
| Questions on the Wisconsin highway signs test | 15 questions | 1 |
| Correct answers needed on the Wisconsin highway signs test | 12 questions (80 percent) | 1 |
| Visual acuity needed for a Wisconsin licence | 20/40 in one eye, corrected or uncorrected | 1 |
| Field of vision needed for a Wisconsin licence | 70 degrees from the centre of each eye | 1 |
| Speed limit in residential areas unless posted | 25 miles per hour | 10 |
| School zone speed limit when children are present | 15 miles per hour | 10 |
| Speed limit in outlying parts of cities and villages with no posted limit | 35 mph | 10 |
| Following-distance rule in the Wisconsin handbook | The four second following distance rule | 10 |
| How often to check the rearview mirror for tailgaters | Every 6 to 8 seconds | 13 |
| How far you must stop behind a school bus with red lights flashing | At least 20 feet | 51 |
| Legal alcohol concentration for drivers under 21 in Wisconsin | 0.00 percent | 49 |
| Consequence of refusing a prohibited alcohol concentration test | Arrest and loss of driving privileges for at least one year | 49 |
| Points within any 12-month period that stop you driving in Wisconsin | 12 or more demerit points | 53 |
| Habitual offender threshold in Wisconsin | Four or more major violations or 12 or more minor violations within five years | 53 |
| Hours an occupational licence holder may drive each day | Up to 12 hours a day | 53 |
| Experience the accompanying driver needs for an instruction permit | At least two years of licensed driving experience | 5 |
Questions about the Wisconsin test
How many questions are on the Wisconsin DMV written test?
The real Wisconsin knowledge test asks 50 questions. The Wisconsin knowledge test has 50 questions and needs 40 correct (80 percent). The separate highway signs test has 15 questions and needs 12.
How many questions do I need to pass the Wisconsin written test?
You need 40 of 50 correct (80%) to pass.
Are these the real DMV test questions?
No. examprepare.help wrote these 59 practice questions from the official handbook, Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026. They are not the real test questions. Practice questions written from the official handbook; not affiliated with the state DMV. Check the Wisconsin DMV website before you take the real test.
Which handbook are the questions from?
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026, published by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles. Every answer cites the handbook section and page.
All 59 questions and answers
Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.
- 1.How many questions are on the Wisconsin knowledge test?
The Tests
- 50
The knowledge test has 50 questions. Handbook: C. Knowledge Test, page 1.
- 2.How many correct answers do you need on the knowledge test?
The Tests
- 40 of 50 (80 percent)
You need 40 correct, which is 80 percent. Handbook: C. Knowledge Test, page 1.
- 3.How many questions are on the Wisconsin highway signs test?
The Tests
- 15
The signs test has 15 questions. Handbook: B. Highway Signs Test, page 1.
- 4.How many answers do you need to pass the highway signs test?
The Tests
- 12 of 15 (80 percent)
You need 12 correct, which is 80 percent. Handbook: B. Highway Signs Test, page 1.
- 5.What visual acuity does Wisconsin require?
The Tests
- 20/40 in one eye, corrected or uncorrected
Regular applicants need 20/40 in one eye, corrected or uncorrected. Handbook: A. Vision Screening, page 1.
- 6.What field of vision does Wisconsin require?
The Tests
- 70 degrees from the centre of each eye
You need a 70-degree field of vision from the centre of each eye. Handbook: A. Vision Screening, page 1.
- 7.Do you need an appointment for the knowledge test at a DMV service centre?
The Tests
- No
You do not need to make an appointment to take the knowledge test. Handbook: C. Knowledge Test, page 1.
- 8.May drivers aged 15 to 17 take the knowledge test online?
The Tests
- Yes, for a fee of $10
Applicants 15 to 17 may take the knowledge test online for a fee of $10. Handbook: C. Knowledge Test, page 1.
- 9.What must the driver beside you hold when you drive on an instruction permit?
Permits and Licences
- A valid regular licence and at least two years of licensed driving experience
The accompanying driver needs a valid regular licence and two years of licensed experience. Handbook: B. Instruction Permit, page 5.
- 10.Where must that accompanying driver sit?
Permits and Licences
- In the passenger seat beside you
The licensed driver must ride in the passenger seat beside the applicant. Handbook: B. Instruction Permit, page 5.
- 11.What must an under-18 permit holder have before applying for the instruction permit?
Permits and Licences
- A completed driver education programme, including behind-the-wheel training, on the MV3001 form
The school signs the MV3001 application after the driver education course. Handbook: B. Instruction Permit, page 5.
- 12.What is the minimum age for a Wisconsin instruction permit?
Permits and Licences
- 15
Under-18 applicants must be at least 15 and enrolled in driver education. Handbook: B. Instruction Permit, page 5.
- 13.May you make a U-turn on a rural two-lane highway?
Permits and Licences
- Yes, if it is done safely and you do not interfere with traffic
A U-turn is allowed in any rural two-lane highway if done safely without interfering with traffic. Handbook: G. Turning, page 15.
- 14.What speed limit applies in a residential area unless otherwise posted?
Speed
- 25 mph
The residential default is 25 miles per hour. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 15.What is the school zone speed limit when children are present?
Speed
- 15 mph
The normal school zone limit with children present is 15 miles per hour. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 16.What speed limit applies in outlying parts of cities and villages with no posted limit?
Speed
- 35 mph
Outlying areas of cities and villages have a 35 mph limit. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 17.May you drive faster than the speed limit to pass another vehicle?
Speed
- No, that is illegal
You cannot drive over the speed limit to pass other vehicles. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 18.Which lane should you use if you are driving slower than most traffic?
Speed
- The far-right lane of a multi-lane road
Drive in the far-right lane of a multi-lane road when you are slower than most traffic. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 19.What happens if you drive too slowly?
Speed
- You could be given a ticket, and vehicles behind may crash
Going too slow can cause vehicles to back up and crash, and you can be ticketed. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 20.How far ahead should you be able to see?
Speed
- 10 to 15 seconds
The driver needs to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead to keep control. Handbook: E. Sight Distance Rule, page 12.
- 21.What should you slow down for?
Speed
- Curves, hills, rain, snow, parking lots, schools, playgrounds and heavy traffic
The handbook lists curves, hills, rain, snow, parking areas, schools and heavy traffic. Handbook: Changing speed for conditions, page 11.
- 22.What is the following distance rule in the Wisconsin handbook?
Following Distance and Space
- The four second following distance rule
The handbook uses the four second following distance rule. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 23.How do you measure the four second gap?
Following Distance and Space
- Pick a stationary object you can clearly see and count one thousand one to four
Pick a tree, sign or house and count; reaching it before one thousand four means you are going too fast. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 24.What should you do for each adverse condition such as rain, snow or ice?
Following Distance and Space
- Add a second to your gap
Add a second for every adverse condition. Handbook: B. Understanding Vehicle Speed, page 10.
- 25.How often should you check your rearview mirror for a tailgater?
Following Distance and Space
- Every 6 to 8 seconds
Check the rearview mirror every 6 to 8 seconds for someone too close behind. Handbook: F. Space Between Vehicles, page 13.
- 26.What should you do if someone is tailgating you?
Following Distance and Space
- Slowly reduce your speed to encourage them to go around
Slowly reduce your speed so the tailgater moves around you. Handbook: F. Space Between Vehicles, page 13.
- 27.When should you give extra space in front of your vehicle?
Following Distance and Space
- On slippery or snowy roads, behind large vehicles, with a heavy load, near a railroad crossing or on a hill
The handbook lists eight situations that call for extra space in front. Handbook: F. Space Between Vehicles, page 13.
- 28.What should you do with a vehicle driving right next to you?
Following Distance and Space
- Move ahead of it or drop back behind it when it is safe
Move ahead or drop back to keep space all around your vehicle. Handbook: F. Space Between Vehicles, page 12.
- 29.May you put your car in neutral to coast downhill?
Following Distance and Space
- No, stay in gear so you keep full control
Do not coast; stay in gear for full control. Handbook: D. Stopping, page 12.
- 30.How far must you stop from a school bus with its red lights flashing?
Sharing the Road
- At least 20 feet
You must stop at least 20 feet from the school bus. Handbook: C. School Buses, page 51.
- 31.Do you have to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on the other side of the road?
Sharing the Road
- Yes, whether it is on your side or the opposite side
You must stop whether the bus is on your side or the opposite side. Handbook: C. School Buses, page 51.
- 32.When are you not required to stop for a school bus?
Sharing the Road
- On a divided highway or roadway when you are not on the bus's side
On a divided highway with a barrier, you do not need to stop on the other side. Handbook: C. School Buses, page 51.
- 33.When may you proceed after stopping for a school bus?
Sharing the Road
- Once the red lights on the bus have stopped flashing
You can proceed once the bus's red lights have stopped flashing. Handbook: C. School Buses, page 51.
- 34.What should you do when you see emergency lights and hear sirens?
Sharing the Road
- Pull over to the side of the road and stop until it has passed
Pull over and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed; do not stop in the middle of an intersection. Handbook: B. Emergency Vehicles, page 51.
- 35.A police car is stopped on the roadside with lights and sirens on. What must you do?
Sharing the Road
- Move over or slow down, because it is the law
Move over or slow down for a stopped police car with lights and sirens on. Handbook: B. Emergency Vehicles, page 51.
- 36.What should you do about a police officer stopped at the roadside?
Sharing the Road
- Do not look at pulled-over drivers or roadside activity
Looking at drivers pulled over or roadside activity could cause a crash. Handbook: E. Sight Distance Rule, page 12.
- 37.Why should you allow extra room for pedestrians?
Sharing the Road
- Children or others may run into the road without looking
Children and others may step out without looking, so allow extra room. Handbook: A. Pedestrians, page 51.
- 38.What should you do about a driver's blind spot?
Sharing the Road
- Avoid driving in it
Avoid driving in a blind spot where another driver's view of you is blocked. Handbook: Section 10: Sharing the Road, page 51.
- 39.What alcohol concentration is legal for a driver under 21 in Wisconsin?
Alcohol and Distraction
- 0.00 percent
The legal concentration for drivers under 21 is 0.00 percent. Handbook: A. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, page 49.
- 40.What happens if you refuse a prohibited alcohol concentration test?
Alcohol and Distraction
- The officer must arrest you and you lose your driving privileges for at least one year
Refusal means arrest under the Implied Consent Law and at least a year without driving privileges. Handbook: Implied Consent, page 49.
- 41.What does a PAC test measure?
Alcohol and Distraction
- A measurable amount of alcohol by breathalyzer or blood test
A prohibited alcohol concentration test finds measurable alcohol by breathalyzer or blood test. Handbook: Implied Consent, page 49.
- 42.What does the handbook say makes you sober again?
Alcohol and Distraction
- Time
Time is the only thing that will sober you up. Handbook: A. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, page 49.
- 43.What should you check before taking a prescription drug that warns against operating heavy machinery?
Alcohol and Distraction
- Whether the warning label says not to operate heavy machinery, which includes motor vehicles
A label warning against heavy machinery includes your car. Handbook: A. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, page 49.
- 44.What should you do with your phone while driving?
Alcohol and Distraction
- Avoid answering, and pull over to the side of the road when it is safe if you need to use it
Avoid answering your phone while driving and pull over safely if you need it. Handbook: B. Distracted Driving, page 49.
- 45.What are the rules on headphones in the Wisconsin handbook?
Alcohol and Distraction
- No headsets or headphones in both ears, and keep the radio low so you can hear emergency vehicles
Do not drive with headsets or headphones that cover or go in both ears. Handbook: B. Distracted Driving, page 49.
- 46.What is the best advice if you have been drinking at a party?
Alcohol and Distraction
- Ask a sober friend for a ride or a bartender to call a cab
Ask a sober friend or family member for a ride, or a bartender to call a cab. Handbook: A. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, page 49.
- 47.How many demerit points within any 12-month period stop you driving in Wisconsin?
Points and Privileges
- 12 or more
Twelve or more demerit points in 12 months suspends or revokes your privilege. Handbook: A. Point System, page 53.
- 48.What happens to points if you hold a probationary licence?
Points and Privileges
- They are doubled on the second conviction and after
Points double for probationary, ID card or no-licence holders from the second conviction. Handbook: A. Point System, page 53.
- 49.What makes a habitual traffic offender in Wisconsin?
Points and Privileges
- Four or more major violations or 12 or more minor violations within five years
Four or more major or 12 or more minor violations within five years make a habitual offender. Handbook: B. Habitual Traffic Offender, page 53.
- 50.How long will a habitual traffic offender be unable to drive?
Points and Privileges
- Five years
A habitual offender cannot drive for five years and may apply for an occupational licence after two years. Handbook: B. Habitual Traffic Offender, page 53.
- 51.What must you show to apply for an occupational licence?
Points and Privileges
- Proof of financial responsibility
An occupational licence application needs proof of financial responsibility. Handbook: C. Occupational License, page 53.
- 52.How much may an occupational licence holder drive each day?
Points and Privileges
- Up to 12 hours
An occupational licence allows up to 12 hours a day and 60 hours a week. Handbook: C. Occupational License, page 53.
- 53.Which places may an occupational licence holder drive to?
Points and Privileges
- To and from work, school, grocery store, medical appointments and the agency for the IDP assessment and Driver Safety Plan
The list covers work, school, household needs and the IDP and DSP agency. Handbook: C. Occupational License, page 53.
- 54.What is needed to reinstate a revoked or suspended licence?
Points and Privileges
- Proof of financial responsibility, proof of identity and a reinstatement fee
You may need proof of financial responsibility, proof of identity and a reinstatement fee. Handbook: D. Reinstating a Revoked or Suspended License, page 53.
- 55.What should you do at a railroad crossing?
Intersections and Signs
- Stop before the crossing, look both ways, listen and make sure there is room on the far side
Do not assume a train is not coming; stop, look and listen. Handbook: E. Sight Distance Rule, page 12.
- 56.How far ahead should you signal a turn?
Intersections and Signs
- About three seconds, roughly 100 feet
Start signalling about three seconds, about 100 feet, before the turn. Handbook: Signals and Lane Changes, page 21.
- 57.What does a merge sign show?
Intersections and Signs
- A right or left lane merge, so move over to let the traffic in
A merge sign shows a right or left lane merge and tells you to move over. Handbook: Sign Shapes, page 23.
- 58.When must you use your low beams or headlights?
Intersections and Signs
- When you cannot see a vehicle or person 500 feet away, and from a half hour past sunset to a half hour before sunrise
You must use low beams when you cannot see 500 feet and from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Handbook: Low Beams (Headlights), page 21.
- 59.What should you do when you cannot see far enough at an intersection?
Intersections and Signs
- Move forward with caution
If you cannot see, move forward with caution and be ready to brake. Handbook: C. Intersections, page 11.