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Wisconsin permit test: conditions, emergencies and crashes

Headlights and communication, traffic stops, deer, funeral processions, reduced visibility, severe weather, winter, rural driving, avoiding crashes, crashes and roadside emergencies. 47 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key conditions, emergencies and crashes rulesShow the rules
  1. You must use your low beams when you cannot see a vehicle or person 500 feet (about one block) away. (p. 25)
  2. Headlights are required from a half hour past sunset to a half hour before sunrise. (p. 25)
  3. Start signaling about three seconds (about 100 feet) before turning at an intersection. (p. 25)
  4. Drivers under 16 may not run tractors or other self-propelled farm machines on the highway. (p. 49)
  5. Stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow that has its flashing lights on. (p. 49)
  6. Warn drivers behind you of a vehicle on the side of the road by tapping your brake pedal three or four times. (p. 50)
  7. Always steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go, and do not steer into the oncoming lane. (p. 50)
  8. Report a crash to police if property damage is $1,000 or more, among other reasons. (p. 51)
  9. Damage to government property such as signs or guard rails must be reported if it is $200 or more. (p. 51)
  10. When anyone is hurt, call 911, remain there and leave the cars where they are; leaving the scene is a crime. (p. 51)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample conditions, emergencies and crashes questions

  1. 1.Your turn signals don't work, and you want to turn right. Which hand signal do you use?

    • AArm straight out the window
    • BElbow bent with hand pointing up
    • CWave your hand up and down
    • DHand pointing down to the ground
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Elbow bent with hand pointing up

    For a right turn, bend your elbow and point your hand up; straight out is left, down is stopping.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 25

  2. 2.You are pulled over by a police officer. What should you do after stopping?

    • AUnbuckle and look for your papers
    • BGet out and walk to the officer
    • CStay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on
    • DTurn up the radio while you wait
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on

    During a traffic stop, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on, turn off the car and radio and roll down your window.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 47

  3. 3.Why are bald tires dangerous?

    • AThey cause the engine to run much hotter
    • BThey make the car burn more fuel on trips
    • CThey reduce traction and increase stopping distance
    • DThey make the steering wheel much heavier
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. They reduce traction and increase stopping distance

    Bald tires reduce traction and increase stopping distance, which is dangerous in bad weather.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 48

  4. 4.You plan to turn at the next intersection. When should you start signaling?

    • AOnly if a car is behind you
    • BAbout a quarter mile before the turn
    • CJust as you begin the turn
    • DAbout 3 seconds, or 100 feet, before the turn
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. About 3 seconds, or 100 feet, before the turn

    Start signaling about three seconds (about 100 feet) before turning at an intersection.

    Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 25