WI Permit Practice Test 8

All 20 questions in test 8

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. Using Wisconsin's four second rule, you count "one thousand one" through "one thousand four" toward a stationary object. You reach the object before you finish counting. What does this mean?

   1. Your following distance is safe
   2. You should speed up to keep pace
   3. You are driving too slowly
   4. You are going too fast
   Show answer

   You are going too fast. Wisconsin's four second rule uses a stationary object, such as a tree, sign or house, as a checkpoint. You start counting "one thousand one, one thousand two" and continue to "one thousand four." If you reach the object before you finish saying "one thousand four," the handbook says you are going too fast. The rule exists so that you drive at a speed where you can always safely stop, so slow down and open the gap. Add a second for every adverse condition such as heavier traffic, rain, snow or ice.

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

2. 2. What score is required to pass Wisconsin's separate Highway Signs test?

   1. 10 correct out of 15
   2. 12 correct out of 15
   3. 13 correct out of 20
   4. 8 correct out of 10
   Show answer

   12 correct out of 15. The separate Highway Signs test contains 15 questions, and an applicant must answer 12 correctly. That is an 80 percent passing score. The 10-of-15 option is below the handbook's threshold, while 13-of-20 and 8-of-10 describe different test sizes. The important cue is the paired numbers 15 and 12. Do not substitute the Knowledge test's 50-question format, even though both tests use an 80 percent passing standard.

   Study this in the handbook: The vision, signs, knowledge and skills tests

3. 3. Your engine stops working while you are driving. What does Wisconsin tell you to do?

   1. Turn the key off right away
   2. Shift into park while still rolling
   3. Hold the steering wheel, keep the key on, and pull to the side when safe
   4. Stop in your lane and wait for help
   Show answer

   Hold the steering wheel, keep the key on, and pull to the side when safe. If the engine stops while you are driving, Wisconsin says to hold the steering wheel and keep the key in the on position, then pull the car to the side of the road when it is safe. The handbook warns that the steering wheel will be hard to turn, so be ready for that. Turning the key off or shifting into park while moving are not the handbook's steps, and stopping in your lane is not the instruction. Expect that extra effort and steer smoothly toward a safe place off the road.

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

4. 4. When may a driver travel briefly in a Wisconsin reserved lane that is marked for special vehicles?

   1. Whenever traffic in regular lanes is slow
   2. When turning across it in the next half of a block
   3. Only to pass a bicyclist at full speed
   4. Anytime the lane has a white diamond
   Show answer

   When turning across it in the next half of a block. Reserved lanes are for special vehicles, but Wisconsin allows a driver to travel in one when a turn across that lane is needed in the next half of a block. Slow traffic does not open the lane for convenience. Passing a bicyclist at full speed is unsafe and misses the narrow turning exception. A white diamond marks the reserved lane, not general permission. The cue is an upcoming turn across the lane: enter only for that short movement and yield as needed.

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

5. 5. What does a slow moving vehicle sign identify in Wisconsin?

   
   1. A vehicle carrying hazardous cargo only
   2. A vehicle that must travel at least 55 mph
   3. A road closed to farm equipment
   4. A vehicle that could travel at 25 mph or less
   Show answer

   A vehicle that could travel at 25 mph or less. Wisconsin describes the slow moving vehicle sign as a triangle with reflective orange markings and says the vehicle could travel at 25 mph or less. It is not a minimum-speed sign, a road closure for farm equipment, or a hazardous cargo placard. The low speed warning gives following drivers time to reduce speed and avoid a rear-end crash. When you see the orange triangle, expect a much slower vehicle ahead, often farm equipment or another slow machine.

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

6. 6. Where should your front wheels stop when approaching a crosswalk?

   1. Just before the solid white line
   2. On top of the crosswalk
   3. Past the crosswalk near the opposite curb
   4. At least one car length beyond the intersection
   Show answer

   Just before the solid white line. At a crosswalk, stop with the front wheels just before the solid white line. This leaves the marked pedestrian space open and gives people room to cross safely. Stopping on the crosswalk blocks that protected area, while stopping beyond it places the vehicle too far into the crossing path. The handbook notes that crosswalks are common at intersections but may also appear midblock, so do not rely only on traffic lights. See the line, stop before it, and keep scanning for pedestrians.

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

7. 7. Which Wisconsin drivers have their demerit points doubled on the second conviction and after?

   1. Holders of a regular license who are over 65 years old
   2. Holders of a commercial driver license with an endorsement
   3. Every licensed driver in the state
   4. Holders of a probationary license, an ID card, or no license
   Show answer

   Holders of a probationary license, an ID card, or no license. The point system starts every record at zero. Points are doubled on the second conviction and any later one for a person who holds a probationary license, an ID card, or no type of license. Age over 65 and commercial status do not trigger doubling in this rule. Regular license holders are not included, so doubling is not a rule for every driver. Twelve or more points in any 12-month period leads to suspension or revocation.

   Study this in the handbook: Points, seat belts, child seats and insurance

8. 8. A Wisconsin teen does not live with a parent or legal guardian. Which of these people may sign as the teen's sponsor?

   1. A 17 year old sibling
   2. A grandparent
   3. A family friend who is 25
   4. The driving school instructor
   Show answer

   A grandparent. When a teen applicant is not living with a parent or legal guardian, Wisconsin lets a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a sibling 18 or older, a spouse 18 or older, or a foster parent sign as sponsor and accept liability. A 17 year old sibling is too young, because siblings must be at least 18. A family friend and a driving instructor are not on the list. The sponsor becomes legally and financially responsible for incidents caused by the minor driving.

9. 9. When does Wisconsin say a driver is entering a roadway with opposing traffic?

   
   1. When approaching a roundabout from the right
   2. When passing through a school zone
   3. When leaving a one-way roadway
   4. When driving onto a divided highway
   Show answer

   When leaving a one-way roadway. The handbook says opposing traffic begins when a driver leaves a one-way roadway and enters the next roadway. The choice “When leaving a one-way roadway” states that transition. A school zone concerns children and crossing pedestrians, not traffic direction. A roundabout has its own lane and yielding rules, while a divided highway separates opposing flows with a physical barrier. Use the two-way warning as a visual prompt to expect vehicles coming toward you and to position yourself for the new traffic pattern before continuing.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning and construction signs

10. 10. What action is associated with a Lane Ends warning?

    
    1. Pass on the shoulder before the lane disappears
    2. Stop in the ending lane and wait for traffic to clear
    3. Move to the other lane when it is safe
    4. Keep the ending lane by crossing the center barrier
    Show answer

    Move to the other lane when it is safe. A Lane Ends sign means the displayed right or left lane will end. The handbook directs drivers to move to the other lane when it is safe to do so. Stopping in the ending lane can create a new hazard, and passing on the shoulder is not the instructed response. Crossing a center barrier is plainly outside the roadway guidance. Read which side is ending, check the adjacent traffic, and make one controlled lane change with a signal before the available lane narrows further.

    Study this in the handbook: Warning and construction signs

11. 11. How does Wisconsin classify driving after a measurable amount of a controlled substance has been used?

    1. As operating while impaired
    2. As a nonmoving equipment violation
    3. As legal unless alcohol is also present
    4. As a warning-only offense for a first occurrence
    Show answer

    As operating while impaired. The handbook places any amount of a controlled substance in the same category as operating while impaired. That rule does not require alcohol to be present, so the combined-substances choice adds a condition Wisconsin does not state. Calling it an equipment matter or a warning-only event also misses the safety and legal treatment described in the alcohol and drugs section. A useful recall cue is the word any: even a measurable amount of a controlled substance is enough for the handbook to connect the conduct with impaired operation.

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and implied consent

12. 12. What visibility condition requires low beams or headlights?

    1. Only when driving on an interstate
    2. When a vehicle or person cannot be seen 500 feet away
    3. Whenever the road has a posted speed limit
    4. Only after midnight
    Show answer

    When a vehicle or person cannot be seen 500 feet away. Wisconsin requires low beams or headlights when a driver cannot see a vehicle or person 500 feet away. The handbook also requires them from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise. A posted speed limit and an interstate roadway do not determine this requirement, and midnight is not the controlling time. Use visibility and the daily light cycle as the cues. In rain, snow, fog, or when using windshield wipers, the handbook recommends low beams as an added safety measure.

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

13. 13. What information do destination signs provide?

    1. The location of emergency vehicles only
    2. Warnings about slippery pavement only
    3. Rules for parking in the next block
    4. Directions and distances to different places
    Show answer

    Directions and distances to different places. Destination signs guide drivers by showing directions and distances to places such as cities, states, airports, parks, and museums. They are not hazard warnings, parking regulations, or emergency-vehicle notices. Green or brown backgrounds with white lettering are useful visual clues, but read the route and direction information before choosing a lane. Plan early so a needed exit or turn does not become a last-second maneuver.

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

14. 14. At an uncontrolled Wisconsin intersection, which vehicles should you yield to when there are no signals or traffic lights?

    1. Vehicles coming from the right
    2. Vehicles parked along the curb
    3. Only vehicles sounding a horn
    4. Only vehicles turning into driveways
    Show answer

    Vehicles coming from the right. Wisconsin includes vehicles coming from the right among the road users to yield to at uncontrolled intersections. The rule applies when there are no signals or traffic lights to assign turns. Parked vehicles are not entering the intersection, and a horn is not the condition that creates priority. Driveway turns are too narrow and miss the broader cross-traffic risk. At a quiet intersection with no control devices, slow enough to scan right and left before entering.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way

15. 15. What insurance must a vehicle have before it is driven in Wisconsin?

    1. Collision coverage only
    2. Valid liability car insurance
    3. A vehicle warranty instead of insurance
    4. Insurance only when traveling outside Wisconsin
    Show answer

    Valid liability car insurance. Wisconsin requires valid liability car insurance for driving in the state. Liability coverage addresses responsibility for harm caused to others, while collision coverage alone is not the requirement stated in this handbook. A warranty is not an insurance policy, and the duty applies to Wisconsin driving rather than only out-of-state trips. Carry proof and be prepared to present it if an officer requests it. If borrowing a vehicle, confirm that the car has the required coverage before driving away.

    Study this in the handbook: Points, seat belts, child seats and insurance

16. 16. You are waiting in the intersection to turn left while oncoming traffic passes. How should your steering wheel be positioned?

    1. Turned to the left so you are ready to go
    2. Turned slightly to the right
    3. Straight
    4. It does not matter while you are stopped
    Show answer

    Straight. While you wait to turn left, Wisconsin says to keep your steering wheel straight. The reason is a rear-end crash: if your wheel is already turned to the left and someone hits you from behind, you will be pushed into oncoming traffic. A wheel turned to the right is not the handbook's position either, and the position matters even while you are stopped. The handbook also says to keep close to the center line, wait about halfway in the intersection, and leave room for oncoming traffic to turn in front of you. Turn left only when it is safe.

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

17. 17. What does a solid white line between lanes generally mean?

    1. You cannot cross it except for a hazard or an imminent turn within the next block
    2. You may cross it at any time to pass
    3. It separates traffic traveling in opposite directions
    4. It marks a lane that must be used for parking
    Show answer

    You cannot cross it except for a hazard or an imminent turn within the next block. A solid white line between lanes means you should not cross it in ordinary lane changes. The handbook allows crossing when there is a hazard or when you are turning within the next block. It is not a passing invitation, and it does not divide opposing traffic because yellow lines serve that purpose. Parking is not the meaning of the marking. Treat the line as a restriction, then identify one of the handbook’s limited reasons before crossing.

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

18. 18. How should a Wisconsin driver handle a bicyclist's lane position?

    1. Tap the bumper lightly to signal passing
    2. Crowd the bicyclist only when oncoming traffic appears
    3. Do not share the lane with the bicyclist
    4. Assume the bicyclist must stay on the shoulder
    Show answer

    Do not share the lane with the bicyclist. Wisconsin says bicyclists can use the whole traffic lane and drivers should not share that lane with them. Crowding a bicycle because oncoming traffic appears is exactly when waiting becomes more important. Contacting a bicycle or assuming shoulder use can create a crash. The safe cue is lane width: if you cannot pass with a separate, clear path, remain behind the bicyclist until oncoming traffic clears and the maneuver can be completed with room.

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

19. 19. During the daytime GDL period, how many immediate family members may ride with a Wisconsin probationary driver?

    1. Exactly two immediate family members
    2. Only one immediate family member
    3. No immediate family members
    4. Any number of immediate family members
    Show answer

    Any number of immediate family members. From 5 a.m. to midnight, a Wisconsin probationary driver may carry any number of immediate family members. The rule also lists limits for a qualifying licensed person and one other person, but those are separate passenger categories. “Only one” and “exactly two” impose numbers the handbook does not use, while a complete ban contradicts the stated family allowance. When checking a daytime passenger question, separate immediate family from the licensed adult and the additional passenger. The family category is the one with no numerical cap during this period, provided the driver still follows all other safety and licensing requirements.

    Study this in the handbook: The probationary license and GDL restrictions

20. 20. 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.

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