Wisconsin permit test: passing, special lanes and ramps
Passing, reserved, flex and special lanes, and metered ramps. 22 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key passing, special lanes and ramps rulesShow the rules
- Change lanes one lane at a time, using your turn signal and checking your blind spot each time. (p. 21)
- Blind spots are areas beside and behind you that you cannot see by looking only in your mirrors. (p. 21)
- If you pass someone on the right, they might not be able to see you, which could cause a crash. (p. 21)
- The lane farthest on the left of a multi-lane road is used to go around slower vehicles. (p. 21)
- If someone is trying to pass you, stay in your lane and slow down. (p. 21)
- Do not stay in the passing lane; move safely back to your lane. (p. 22)
- Pass only one vehicle at a time on the left side. (p. 22)
- In a bus and 4-rider car pool lane, there must be four people in the car; buses may also use it. (p. 41)
- Reserved lanes often have a white diamond on the sign and on the roadway. (p. 41)
- Some highways let you use the paved shoulder as a travel lane, a flex lane, when signs show it is open. (p. 42)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample passing, special lanes and ramps questions
1.You are turning right across a bike lane and a bicyclist is in it. What should you do?
- AWait in the travel lane with your door open
- BMove behind the cyclist and turn when safe
- CHonk so the cyclist stops
- DTurn in front of the cyclist
Show the answer
✓ B. Move behind the cyclist and turn when safe
If a bicyclist is in the reserved lane, move behind them and make your turn once it is safe.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 41
2.You need to move two lanes to the left. How should you do it?
- AMove one lane at a time, signaling each time
- BSignal once and go when there is a gap
- CCross both lanes in one smooth move
- DOnly move after the next intersection
Show the answer
✓ A. Move one lane at a time, signaling each time
Change lanes one lane at a time, using your turn signal and checking your blind spot each time.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 21
3.After you finish passing, what should you do?
- ASlow down in the passing lane
- BMove safely back to your lane
- CPass the next car right away
- DStay in the passing lane
Show the answer
✓ B. Move safely back to your lane
Do not stay in the passing lane; move safely back to your lane.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 22
4.You want to pass, but the car ahead won't move over. Does it have to?
- AYes, slower cars must always move right
- BYes, on any two-lane road with a center line
- CYes, as soon as you tap your horn at them
- DNo, other drivers need not move to let you pass
Show the answer
✓ D. No, other drivers need not move to let you pass
Other vehicles do not have to move to let you pass; only pass if there is enough room.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 22