Wisconsin permit test: pavement markings and lanes
Edge and lane lines, white and yellow lines, crosswalk lines, shared center lanes and reversible lanes. 19 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key pavement markings and lanes rulesShow the rules
- Stop with your front wheels just before the solid white line; do not stop on the crosswalk. (p. 38)
- Crosswalks are usually at intersections but can sometimes be in the middle of a street or block. (p. 38)
- White dashed lines divide lanes of traffic going the same direction, and you may cross them when it is safe. (p. 38)
- A solid white edge line marks the right edge of the traffic lane. (p. 38)
- A dashed yellow line means you may pass other vehicles when it is safe to do so. (p. 39)
- With a dashed and solid yellow line, you may pass only from the dashed side; from the solid side you may not pass. (p. 39)
- Solid yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. (p. 39)
- Two solid yellow lines mean no passing, but you may cross them to turn into a driveway when it is safe. (p. 39)
- A shared center lane is only for vehicles turning left or making a U-turn, from either direction. (p. 40)
- On reversible lanes, a red X means the lane is closed to you. (p. 40)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings and lanes questions
1.Over a reversible lane you see a red X. What does it mean?
- AThe lane is closed
- BThe lane is open
- CThe lane is for buses only
- DThe lane is changing direction
Show the answer
✓ A. The lane is closed
On reversible lanes, a red X means the lane is closed to you.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 40
2.The center line has a solid yellow line on your side and a dashed line on the other side. May you pass?
- AYes, if it is safe
- BOnly if the car ahead signals
- CNo, you are on the solid side
- DOnly during daylight
Show the answer
✓ C. No, you are on the solid side
With a dashed and solid yellow line, you may pass only from the dashed side; from the solid side you may not pass.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 39
3.A solid white line separates your lane from the next lane. When may you cross it?
- AWhenever traffic in the next lane is light
- BNever, even to avoid a hazard in your lane
- COnly at night when you can see headlights
- DOnly for a hazard or to turn within the next block
Show the answer
✓ D. Only for a hazard or to turn within the next block
You cannot cross a solid white line between lanes unless there is a hazard or you are turning within the next block.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 38
4.How are reversible lanes marked on the pavement?
- ADouble solid yellow lines
- BSingle solid white lines
- CDiamond symbols
- DDouble dashed yellow lines
Show the answer
✓ D. Double dashed yellow lines
Each reversible lane is marked with double dashed yellow lines, and overhead lights show which lanes you can use.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 40