Turns, passing, backing and parking

Key points

1. While waiting to turn left, keep your steering wheel straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “If you must wait for traffic to pass, keep your steering wheel straight. This is to keep you and others safe.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 14

2. You may make a U turn on any rural two lane highway if it is safe and does not interfere with traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “You can make a U-turn in any rural two-lane highway if it is done safely and you do not interfere with traffic.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 15

3. To turn right off a four lane road, turn from the lane nearest the right curb or edge.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “To turn right off a four-lane roadway, you must turn from the lane nearest the right curb or edge of the roadway.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 16

4. Pass only one vehicle at a time, on the left, and do not stay in the passing lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Pass only one vehicle at a time on the left side. Do not stay in the passing lane, move safely back to your lane.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 18

5. Return to your lane once you see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Once you see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror it is safe to return to the driving lane.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 18

6. Back up no faster than a slow walk, and do not rely only on mirrors and a backup camera.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Back up no faster than a slow walk. Do not only depend on your mirrors and backup camera when backing up.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 18

7. No parking on yellow curb markings or in front of fire hydrants.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Parking is not allowed where there are yellow markings on the curb or areas in front of fire hydrants.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 18

8. Parked uphill with a curb, turn your wheels all the way left. Uphill without a curb, turn them all the way right.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “If you are parked uphill with a curb, you will turn your wheels all the way to the left before you put your car in park. If you are parked uphill without a curb, you will turn your wheels all the way to the right before you put your car in park.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 19

9. For parallel parking, pick a space about 3 to 6 feet longer than your car.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Find a parking space that is about 3-6 feet longer than your vehicle.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 19

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test

1. 1. When passing another vehicle in Wisconsin, what does the handbook say about the number of vehicles to pass at one time?

   1. Pass only one vehicle at a time on the left
   2. Pass two vehicles together if the lane is clear
   3. Pass as many vehicles as fit before the next curve
   4. Pass only on the right side
   Show answer

   Pass only one vehicle at a time on the left. Wisconsin's passing guidance limits a driver to one vehicle at a time and places that pass on the left side. Passing a group increases the distance and time exposed to opposing traffic, so a clear view is not enough to justify overtaking several vehicles. The right-side option conflicts with the handbook's stated method, and the number of vehicles cannot be expanded because a curve is still distant. After passing, return safely to the driving lane rather than lingering in the passing lane.

2. 2. How fast should you back up when backing is necessary?

   1. At the same speed as nearby traffic
   2. At the posted speed limit for the road
   3. Fast enough to clear the area immediately
   4. No faster than a slow walking pace
   Show answer

   No faster than a slow walking pace. Backing has limited visibility, so Wisconsin advises moving no faster than a slow walk. The speed-limit and traffic-flow choices are far too fast for a maneuver where people, objects, and cross traffic can be hidden. Turn your body, look through the rear window, and use a helper outside when possible instead of relying only on mirrors or a camera. Slow movement gives you time to stop when the view changes.

3. 3. Where does the Wisconsin handbook say parking is not allowed?

   1. Only on the left side of a one-way street
   2. On yellow curb markings or in front of fire hydrants
   3. Anywhere within one block of a business
   4. On every road with a paved shoulder
   Show answer

   On yellow curb markings or in front of fire hydrants. The handbook identifies yellow curb markings and areas in front of fire hydrants as places where parking is not allowed. The restriction is not a blanket ban on left-side parking, business districts, or paved shoulders. Drivers must also check for posted No Parking signs and keep the vehicle far enough from the travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic. Look at the curb and nearby hydrants before leaving the vehicle, then confirm that no sign adds another restriction.

Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 3: The Basics. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.