Wisconsin permit test: backing and parking
Backing, parallel parking and parking on hills. 16 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key backing and parking rulesShow the rules
- Park far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic, normally on the far-right side of the road. (p. 22)
- Parking is not allowed where there are yellow markings on the curb. (p. 22)
- On a level surface, put the car in Park (or in gear for a manual) and set the parking brake. (p. 22)
- The driver who parks must make sure the parked car does not create a hazard for others. (p. 22)
- Parking should be done at a very low speed to avoid crashes. (p. 22)
- When parked downhill, move your wheels all the way to the right and set the emergency brake. (p. 23)
- Find a parallel parking space about 3 to 6 feet longer than your vehicle. (p. 23)
- Signal, then stop even with the vehicle ahead of the space, about 2 feet away from it. (p. 23)
- You should end up about a foot from the curb and at least 2 feet from the vehicles in front and behind. (p. 24)
- Strong emotions such as anger, fear or worry make you a less safe driver, so wait until you are calm. (p. 24)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample backing and parking questions
1.You park facing downhill. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- AStraight ahead
- BAll the way to the right
- CAll the way to the left
- DToward the center line
Show the answer
✓ B. All the way to the right
When parked downhill, move your wheels all the way to the right and set the emergency brake.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 23
2.The curb next to an open space is painted yellow. May you park there?
- ANo, parking is not allowed at yellow curbs
- BYes, as long as you stay in the car
- CYes, for up to 15 minutes at a time
- DOnly after 6 p.m. on weekdays
Show the answer
✓ A. No, parking is not allowed at yellow curbs
Parking is not allowed where there are yellow markings on the curb.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 22
3.You park uphill next to a curb. Which way should you turn your wheels?
- AIt does not matter
- BStraight ahead
- CAll the way to the right
- DAll the way to the left
Show the answer
✓ D. All the way to the left
Parked uphill with a curb, turn your wheels all the way to the left before putting the car in park.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 23
4.You park on a level street in a car with an automatic transmission. What should you do?
- ATurn the wheels toward the street
- BLeave it in neutral
- CPut it in Park and set the parking brake
- DLeave it in drive with the brake on
Show the answer
✓ C. Put it in Park and set the parking brake
On a level surface, put the car in Park (or in gear for a manual) and set the parking brake.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 22