WI Permit Practice Test 22

All 20 questions in test 22

Every question below comes from the Wisconsin question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. In Wisconsin, a green arrow glows above one lane of a flex lane while you drive toward it. What does that arrow tell you about that lane?

   1. The lane is closing, so merge out of it right away
   2. The lane is closed and cannot be used at all today
   3. Only buses and car pools may enter that open lane
   4. The lane with the green arrow is open for use
   Show answer

   The lane with the green arrow is open for use. On a flex lane, a green arrow over the lane tells you the lane is open for use. That open signal differs from a yellow X, which warns the lane is changing, and from a red X, which closes the lane completely. It also does not limit the open lane to buses or car pools. Check the signal above your exact lane before entering, because neighboring lanes can show different signals at the same time.

   Study this in the handbook: Lane lines, crosswalks and special lanes

2. 2. In Wisconsin, when may a driver use hand signals instead of vehicle turn signals?

   1. Whenever the driver prefers not to use the lever
   2. Only while driving in a parade or funeral line
   3. Only after the vehicle passes inspection that day
   4. When the car has no turn signals or others cannot easily see them
   Show answer

   When the car has no turn signals or others cannot easily see them. Hand signals may be used when your car does not have turn signals or when other drivers cannot easily see the signals your car has, such as in bright glare. Preference alone, parade participation, or inspection timing do not set the rule. Keep the hand signals correct and timely, and repair broken turn signals promptly, because most drivers expect to see lights first.

   Study this in the handbook: The horn, headlights and turn signals

3. 3. In Wisconsin, a yellow diamond sign shows traffic moving in a counterclockwise circle with a plaque below it. What is ahead?

   1. A railroad crossing with tracks crossing your lane
   2. A roundabout is ahead on the road
   3. A sharp turn requiring you to slow for one bend
   4. A lane that ends and merges into the next lane
   Show answer

   A roundabout is ahead on the road. A yellow diamond with a counterclockwise circle symbol warns that a roundabout is ahead. The plaque below the symbol adds detail for that location. It is not the round railroad warning, a single sharp turn arrow, or a lane ends symbol. Seeing the circle early tells you to prepare to yield, choose your lane before entering, and follow the circulating traffic around to your exit without switching lanes inside.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning and construction signs

4. 4. In Wisconsin, as you near a railroad crossing the gate begins lowering in front of you. What must you do?

   1. Wait and do not drive around the lowering gate
   2. Drive around the gate quickly before it fully lowers
   3. Stop on the tracks and wait for the gate to rise again
   4. Cross behind the vehicle ahead as it drives around
   Show answer

   Wait and do not drive around the lowering gate. When a railroad crossing gate is lowering, wait and do not drive around the gate. The lowering gate warns that a train is approaching, so racing its descent, following another vehicle around it, or stopping on the tracks to wait all put a vehicle in the train path. Stop before the crossing, stay clear of the rails, and cross only after the gate rises and the tracks are clear.

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossing signs and rules

5. 5. In Wisconsin, after parking on a level surface you prepare to leave the vehicle. What should you do before leaving?

   1. Leave the vehicle in neutral so it can roll freely
   2. Set the parking brake only when parking on hills with a curb present
   3. Put the vehicle in Park or in gear, and set the parking brake
   4. Turn the wheels to the left on every level street
   Show answer

   Put the vehicle in Park or in gear, and set the parking brake. After parking on a level surface, put the vehicle in Park, or in gear with a manual transmission, and set the parking brake before leaving. Neutral leaves the vehicle free to roll, and reserving the brake for hills omits a step that applies on the flat as well. Wheel turning rules belong to hill parking. Make the Park or gear selection and brake a habit at every stop.

   Study this in the handbook: Turns, passing, backing and parking

6. 6. In Wisconsin, a car is closing in and will strike your vehicle from behind unless you act, so you speed up to escape. What must you do after?

   1. Slow down again once the danger has passed
   2. Keep the higher speed for the rest of the trip
   3. Brake hard immediately to return to your old speed
   4. Chase the other vehicle to report its plate number
   Show answer

   Slow down again once the danger has passed. When a vehicle will strike yours in the side or rear unless you act, speeding up can be the best escape, but you must slow down once the danger has passed. Holding the escape speed, braking hard in front of the threat, or chasing the other driver all extend the emergency. Ease back to a lawful, controlled speed, check mirrors for new hazards, and settle back into normal following distance.

   Study this in the handbook: Avoiding crashes, crash duties and roadside emergencies

7. 7. In Wisconsin, when may a driver use a paved shoulder to go around another vehicle?

   1. Whenever the shoulder looks wide and smooth
   2. To pass a slow vehicle on any two-lane road
   3. When late for work and traffic is heavy
   4. Only if that vehicle is stopped or making a left turn
   Show answer

   Only if that vehicle is stopped or making a left turn. A paved shoulder may be used to go around someone only if that vehicle is stopped or making a left turn. It is not a general passing lane for slow traffic, wide shoulders, or rushed mornings. Wait behind a moving vehicle until a legal passing zone appears. Shoulder driving risks hitting a pedestrian, a parked car, or loose gravel that throws your car off line.

8. 8. In Wisconsin, a driver is holding up traffic on a two-lane road. What courteous action is described?

   1. Speed up beyond the limit to clear the road
   2. Flash headlights until followers back off
   3. Drive in the center of the road to block others from passing
   4. Pull over to the side so others can pass on the left
   Show answer

   Pull over to the side so others can pass on the left. On a two-lane road, pull over to the side so others can pass on the left when you are holding up traffic. Speeding beyond the limit, flashing followers, or blocking the center breeds frustration and risky passes. A safe turnout lets the line by without drama. Check that the shoulder is firm and wide enough, signal, and re-enter only when the road behind is clear.

   Study this in the handbook: The four second rule and space around you

9. 9. In Wisconsin, a driver suddenly decides to turn at the corner just ahead. Why is that risky?

   1. Other drivers can always predict late turns
   2. Last second changes are unsafe and could cause a crash
   3. Late turns matter only on high-speed roads
   4. Brake lights make late turns fully safe
   Show answer

   Last second changes are unsafe and could cause a crash. Last second changes are unsafe and could cause a crash, because drivers around you have no time to react to a sudden swerve or brake. Others cannot predict a late decision, town corners carry the same risk as highways, and brake lights cannot create reaction distance. If you miss a turn, keep going and circle back safely. A short detour beats a crash at the corner.

   Study this in the handbook: Turns, passing, backing and parking

10. 10. In Wisconsin, you reach an uncontrolled intersection with no signals or signs, at the same time as a vehicle from your right. Who yields?

    1. The vehicle from the right yields, because you arrived facing it
    2. Whoever drives faster through the intersection goes first
    3. You yield to the vehicle coming from the right
    4. Both drivers enter together and sort it out inside
    Show answer

    You yield to the vehicle coming from the right. At an uncontrolled intersection with no signals or traffic lights, yield to vehicles coming from the right. Speed, confidence, or entering together does not replace that assignment. Slow on approach, look right for the vehicle with priority, look left for anyone else entering, and proceed only when the intersection is clear. Right-of-way tells drivers who goes first and who must wait, and here the wait falls on you.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way

11. 11. In Wisconsin, ahead of you an orange triangle on the back of a slow vehicle marks it as traveling at what speed or slower?

    1. 35 miles per hour, the outlying district maximum speed
    2. 25 miles per hour or less on the road
    3. 15 miles per hour, the school zone limit with children
    4. 45 miles per hour on roads without a posted limit
    Show answer

    25 miles per hour or less on the road. The slow moving vehicle sign identifies a vehicle that could travel at 25 miles per hour or less. That emblem warns following drivers of a large speed difference ahead. It does not borrow the outlying district maximum, the school zone limit, or an unposted road speed. When you see the orange triangle, slow early, judge the closing speed honestly, and pass only with a long clear view of the road ahead.

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory, destination and service signs

12. 12. In Wisconsin, you approach a railroad crossing where a small sign below the crossbuck lists a number. What does that number tell you?

    1. The minutes until the next train reaches the crossing
    2. How many tracks you must cross at that crossing
    3. The speed limit for trains passing through that crossing
    4. The distance in miles to the next railroad crossing ahead
    Show answer

    How many tracks you must cross at that crossing. A sign below the crossbuck on a railroad crossing assembly may list the number of tracks at the crossing. That count tells you how many sets of rails your vehicle must clear, so one passing train does not end your check on a multi-track crossing. It does not predict a train arrival, post a train speed, or measure distance to another crossing. Use the count to keep looking until every listed track is clear.

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossing signs and rules

13. 13. In Wisconsin, people saw a crash happen but were not involved. What should drivers collect from them?

    1. Ask witnesses to move the damaged vehicles out of the road for you
    2. Ask witnesses to decide who was at fault
    3. Ask witnesses to direct traffic around the crash scene
    4. Get the witnesses information before they leave the scene
    Show answer

    Get the witnesses information before they leave the scene. If there are witnesses, get their information too, because an outside account can settle conflicting stories about signals, speeds, and positions. Witnesses should not move the damaged vehicles, decide who was at fault, or direct traffic around the scene. A name and phone number takes seconds and can matter months later. Thank them, keep the exchange brief, and let police gather full statements.

    Study this in the handbook: Avoiding crashes, crash duties and roadside emergencies

14. 14. In Wisconsin, after moving away from a stopped emergency vehicle, how long must a driver stay in the far lane?

    1. Only until reaching the bumper of the emergency vehicle
    2. Until the emergency lights turn off behind
    3. Until the driver has gone past the emergency vehicle
    4. For the next full mile after passing
    Show answer

    Until the driver has gone past the emergency vehicle. After moving into the lane away from a stopped emergency vehicle, keep in the farthest lane until you have gone past it, giving workers room for the whole pass. Returning at its bumper, waiting for lights to die, or an arbitrary extra mile either crowds the scene or overstates the rule. Once fully past, signal and return smoothly to your normal lane.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, emergency vehicles and school buses

15. 15. In Wisconsin, a school bus displays flashing red lights across a divided highway from your lane. What is the rule for you?

    1. Stop at least 20 feet from the bus in every case
    2. Stop only when children step into your side of the divided highway itself
    3. You do not have to stop on the opposite side of the divided roadway
    4. Slow to 15 miles per hour and pass the bus carefully
    Show answer

    You do not have to stop on the opposite side of the divided roadway. When a school bus has flashing red lights on the other side of a divided highway, drivers on the opposite side do not have to stop. The physical division separates your lanes from the loading side, which is why the usual 20 foot stop does not apply there. Stopping anyway in fast traffic or crawling past at a guessed speed can create its own hazard. Keep alert for the unexpected, but the stop duty belongs to the bus side.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, emergency vehicles and school buses

16. 16. In Wisconsin, whose responsibility is it to find a safe gap when merging onto a highway?

    1. The merging driver must find a safe gap in traffic
    2. Highway drivers must always brake to create gaps for merging cars
    3. The largest vehicle must move over for mergers
    4. The driver behind the merger must speed up
    Show answer

    The merging driver must find a safe gap in traffic. It is your responsibility to find a safe gap in traffic to legally merge; highway drivers may cooperate, but they do not owe you a braking-created opening. The largest vehicle cannot always move over, and a follower speeding up only compresses the ramp. Use the acceleration lane to match speed, scan early for a gap that fits your car, and adjust before the lane ends.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the sight distance rule

17. 17. In Wisconsin, why must drivers stay watchful for bicyclists at dusk even though bikes should have lights?

    1. All bicyclists are invisible until sunrise daily
    2. Some riders lack lights or reflectors, so stay watchful
    3. Bicycles always ride against traffic at dusk
    4. Drivers may ignore bikes that have no lights
    Show answer

    Some riders lack lights or reflectors, so stay watchful. Bicyclists should have reflectors or lights, but some do not, so be watchful and alert when moving around them, especially at dusk. An unlit rider is hard to see yet fully entitled to protection, and riders travel with traffic, not against it. Slow, scan the road edges, and pass with at least three feet only when oncoming traffic is clear. Your headlights and patience find the rider equipment missed.

    Study this in the handbook: Motorcycles, bicycles and truck no zones

18. 18. In Wisconsin, a driver faces a steady green light and wants to turn left. Who holds the right-of-way?

    1. The left-turning driver, over all oncoming cars
    2. The driver behind who honks first
    3. Oncoming traffic, so the driver may turn only when safe
    4. Pedestrians waiting at the far curb
    Show answer

    Oncoming traffic, so the driver may turn only when safe. On a steady green, a left turn is permitted only when it is safe, because oncoming traffic holds the right-of-way. Your green does not transfer priority from straight-moving cars, a honk grants nothing, and waiting pedestrians do not control vehicle priority. Wait with wheels straight, watch for a real gap, and turn promptly once oncoming lanes are clear, including a check for bicyclists.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic lights and arrows

19. 19. In Wisconsin, a police stop with flashing lights is visible on the shoulder. What must a passing driver avoid doing?

    1. Staring at the pulled-over driver or roadside activity
    2. Slowing down and moving over for safety
    3. Watching the road ahead while passing
    4. Checking mirrors before changing lanes
    Show answer

    Staring at the pulled-over driver or roadside activity. Do not stare at drivers who have been pulled over or at other roadside activity, because rubbernecking causes crashes and slows traffic. Slowing and moving over, watching ahead, and mirror checks are all proper responses. Keep your eyes on your lane and the traffic in front, since a fascinated driver often drifts or brakes suddenly. Curiosity can wait until you are parked.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and the sight distance rule

20. 20. In Wisconsin, why does using a turn signal help other drivers besides naming your direction?

    1. It gives other drivers time to respond to your move
    2. It gives your car the legal right-of-way
    3. It tells the police that your car passed its safety inspection
    4. It shows that your headlights are working
    Show answer

    It gives other drivers time to respond to your move. A turn signal tells others where you plan to go and gives them time to respond, easing brakes and lane changes around you. It does not grant right-of-way, prove inspection, or test headlights. Signal early, then check mirrors and blind spots before moving. That pairing of warning plus checking is what turns a blinking light into real protection for everyone nearby.

    Study this in the handbook: The horn, headlights and turn signals