🚗Official 2026 Handbook
Wisconsin Driver's Handbook 2026
Official Driver's Handbook / DMV Manual published by Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles. Available in 1 language.
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B CONTENTS COVER
Dear New Driver:
You are starting down a path to getting a Wisconsin driver license. It’s an incredibly exciting time! It’s also
crucial to remember that driving is a privilege and a very important responsibility.
Any time you get behind the wheel you can become part of the solution to make Wisconsin’s roads safer
by not driving recklessly, avoiding distractions and staying focused on the road. We all have a shared
responsibility to step up and do something to prevent the tragedies that are destroying families across
our state.
This handbook is a helpful guide to understanding the rules of the road and developing safe behavior
behind the wheel to help you take control of your drive.
• Pay attention and learn from your driver’s education instructions and teachers.
• Take your time and be aware of other drivers, passengers and motorcyclists.
• Drive sober.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Obey the speed limits.
• Share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Eliminate distractions and focus on safely operating the vehicle.
Together, we can make our roads safer, but it is up to you to make good decisions every time you get
behind the wheel. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is committed to safety first, working to
keep travelers safe across all modes of transportation.
• DMV ensures drivers are trained and qualified to operate a vehicle, including through helpful resources
like this Motorists’ Handbook.
• Wisconsin State Patrol educates the public about rules of the road and enforces Wisconsin traffic laws.
• Wisconsin’s roads are engineered through a strategic Safe System approach to highway safety, which
aims to design and operate Wisconsin’s transportation system so driver mistakes do not become deadly.
After reviewing this material, please test your understanding of the rules of the road by taking our Online
Class D Driver License Practice Test. It can be found on our DMV website wisconsindmv.gov.
I encourage you, our newest driver, and all drivers, to not only drive safely for yourself, but for others on
the road as well.
Drive safely,
Administrator, WisDOT – DMV
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
HAPPENS HERE. YOU CAN HELP END IT.
Human Trafficking in Wisconsin
Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 72 counties in Wisconsin.
This crime happens in big cities and small towns. It can happen at hotels and
motels, truck stops, rest stops, casinos, restaurants, nail salons, farms, and more.
Any time a person manipulates or takes advantage of someone else so they will
work for them or provide sex acts for money, that’s human trafficking. Anyone
under age 18 that exchanges sex acts for money or other things of value is
considered a victim of human trafficking.
TAKE ACTION:
Get help. If you or someone
you know is in trouble, it’s okay
to ask for help. Talk to a safe
adult or contact the National
Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-888-3737-888
or text HELP to BeFree
(233733)
Know the signs. Human
trafficking happens in plain
sight. You could spot it at a
rest stop, gas station, hotel,
restaurant, or even in your
local community. (Visit the
website below to learn more.)
Stay safe. Traffickers often
meet their victims online while
they are pretending to be
someone else. Learn tips for
how you and your friends can
stay safe online:
love146.org/online-safety.
Share with your friends &
family. The more people
that know about this issue,
the better we will be able to
fight it. Share what you
learn with others!
1
LEARN MORE AND
GET INVOLVED HERE
www.tatnonprofit.org/youth
2
3 4
It might be scary or sad to think about, but the
good news is that you can do something about it!
Section 1: Driving Test Requirements
D. Skills Test
The skills test is also known as the road test or driving test. This is an actual demonstration in the
form of your ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control of your vehicle. One of the DMV
examiners will take you on this test. The DMV examiner will give you instructions like, “At the next
intersection, turn left,” or “Make a Y-Turn.”
You must make an appointment to take this test. Please visit our website to schedule this test:
wisconsindmv.gov/roadtest
Before your test the DMV examiner will check over your car. They will make sure the car is safe to drive.
They will check the horn, lights/signals, license plates, doors, mirrors and more. Make sure that you
know how to use all parts of your vehicle that you may need (headlights, wipers, defrost, etc.).
You will be tested on the different driving skills below. Make sure to practice them before you take the
skills test:
• Turning
• Intersections requiring you to stop
• Approaching intersections that do not require a stop
• Driving in a business or residential area
• Changing lanes
• Maneuvers such as a Y-turn, roadside stop/start and parking
• Backing
Visit DMV’s site for more information on how to prepare for the skills test.
2 CONTENTS COVER
Section 2: Progression of Licenses
E. Out of State Transfers
If you are new to Wisconsin and have a driver license from a different state, you are considered an out
of state transfer. For regular out of state driver license, you should apply for a Wisconsin driver license
within 60 days after moving. Below are some frequently asked questions:
I have a commercial driver license (CDL) from another state, how do I transfer this
to Wisconsin?
• You should apply for the CDL within 30 days after moving to Wisconsin. Visit our website for more
information on transferring your CDL.
I have a REAL ID in my previous state, will I get a REAL ID in Wisconsin?
• No. You will need to present all acceptable documents to Wisconsin.
Welcome to Wisconsin! Visit wisconsindmv.gov/newtowi for next steps.
F. REAL ID
A REAL ID is identification that meets the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements.
Wisconsin DMV issues REAL-ID (marked with a star ) that meets these requirements. If you plan
to fly within the U.S., visit a military base or other federal buildings, you will be required to show
identification that is REAL ID-compliant (or show another acceptable form of identification, such as a
passport) beginning May 7, 2025.
8 CONTENTS COVER
Section 3: The Basics
Low Beams (Headlights):
• Help you see others and others see you
• Most vehicles have an automatic setting for the low beams/headlights. Make sure you know how to
manually operate these even if they are automatic.
• Check your low beams/headlights settings to make sure they are on when you need them
• You must use your low beams/headlights when:
1. You cannot see a vehicle or person that is 500 feet (about one block) away
2. It is a half hour past sunset to half hour before sunrise
• It is recommended that you use your low beams/headlights when:
1. You are using your windshield wipers
2. It is rainy, snowy or foggy
High Beams (Brights):
• Let you see twice as far as low beams/headlights
• Go back to your low beams/headlights when a vehicle comes toward you
• If someone is driving toward you and forgets to turnoff their brights, look toward the right side of the
road
• You can use your high beams/brights when:
1. There are no vehicles coming toward you
2. You are in an unfamiliar place or construction area
Parking Lights should only be used when you are parked and idling.
Turn signal:
A turn signal lets others know where you plan on going and gives time to respond. It is important to
use your turn signal before you make a turn or switch lanes. Before you move your vehicle, turn on
your turn signal, check around you and then make your move.
If you are turning at an intersection, you should start signaling about three seconds (about 100 feet)
before the turn. If you are turning after an intersection, start signaling once you cross the intersection.
You can use hand signals if your car does not have turn signals or it is hard for others to see your turn
signals. If you would like to turn left, point your hand out the driver side window, straight. If you would
like to turn right, bend your elbow and point your hand up. If you are stopping or slowing down point
your hand to the ground.
21 CONTENTS COVER
Section 4: Signs
Railroad crossing sign examples continued below:
Report Problem or Emergency – This sign is blue with white lettering. This
sign is at every highway-railroad crossing. It shows a phone number to report
unsafe conditions.
Examples: A vehicle is stuck on the railroad tracks or the railroad warning light
isn’t working.
3
TRACKS
Number of Tracks – Crossings with more than one train track will often post a
sign showing the number of tracks they have. Not all crossings with more than
one train track will have these signs. It is important to check for more than one
track before crossing.
Before crossing double railroad tracking you should wait until the train is
far away so you can see the tracks are clear.
Train Gate – This will lower when a train is coming. Do not drive
around the gate or under a raising or lowering gate.
Some have a horn and lights that will sound. Do not cross until the
bell or horn has stopped.
OLI.ORG
#RAILSAFETYEDUCATION
YOU CAN
STOP TRACK
TRAGEDIES.
31 CONTENTS COVER
Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls
Flex Lane
Some highways allow you to use the paved shoulder as a travel lane. Signage will tell you when you
can use this lane as a “flex lane.” A solid yellow line separates this special lane. Traffic volumes and
special events dictate when this lane is open.
If there is an incident along the flex lane route, the yellow and red X’s will tell drivers to merge into the
next lane. No large trucks can drive in the flex lane.
Below is an example of what the flex lane looks like on the roadway and the signage you will see:
Outside Shoulder
General Purpose
General Purpose
General Purpose
Flex Lane / Shoulder
Barrier Wall
Green Arrow – The lane is open and can be used.
Yellow X – The lane is closing. You need to merge to the general-purpose lanes
(normal lanes).
Red X – The lane is closed and cannot be used.
Merge Sign – This is the end of the flex lane. Merge to the general-purpose lanes
(normal lanes).
SHOULDER USE
PERMITTED ON
GREEN ARROW
ONLY
MERGE ON YELLOW
Regulatory Signage – This sign gives you general directions on how to use the flex
lane. You will see this posted next to the flex lane signs.
38 CONTENTS COVER
Section 6: Driving Situations
• Put your vehicle in park, turn off your car and radio
• Stay in your vehicle and keep your seatbelt on
• Roll down your window
• Put your hands on the top of the steering wheel in plain sight
• Do not make any sudden movements or reach for things around you
• Do not argue if given a ticket. You will have an opportunity in front of a judge or court to express
concerns.
Stay calm and follow the officers’ directions. You will get back on your way as soon as possible.
E. Watch for Deer
Deer are the most active in the sunset to sunrise hours. Scan the road and watch for the reflection
of your headlights in the eyes of deer. If you see their eyes, slow down. Use your horn and be ready
to stop.
Watch for more than one deer. Deer are usually in rural areas, but they do wander into towns or even
cities. Deer may cross anywhere, at any time.
If you hit a deer, follow the steps below:
• Check to make sure your vehicle is still safe to drive
• Record the time, place and incident for insurance and crash reporting
• If you hit a deer, you can keep it. If you do not want it, the next motorist can keep it.
• Call the police so they can issue a tag for the deer. You will need to call them if you do not want
the deer to let them know where it is.
F. Funeral Processions
A funeral procession is a way of traveling with the deceased. This procession is from a funeral
home or a place of worship to a cemetery or a crematorium. The first vehicle in the line must follow
traffic signs and signals. Vehicles in the line must have their headlights on. Do not cut into the line or
interfere with the funeral line.
43 CONTENTS COVER
Section 7: Driving Conditions
Skidding:
This is when your tires are bouncing up and down on the road and you have lost control of the vehicle.
• Stay off the brake
• Turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go
• As soon as your car begins to straighten, turn the wheel back the other way
C. Winter
You need to drive with extra safety precautions in the winter. People are not used to driving on the first
day of snowfall so be alert and extra cautious.
Follow the winter driving tips below:
• Before driving clear off snow and ice from all parts of your vehicle. It is important to remove snow
and ice from, all windows, vehicle lamps, side mirrors and license plates
• Drive slowly, give extra room in front of your vehicle
• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads
• Turn on your headlights and do not use your high beams (brights)
• Give snowplows at least 200 feet of room when their lights are flashing red, amber or green
D. Farm Safety/Rural Driving
There are special hazards in rural/country areas. These hazards may include slow moving tractors,
farm equipment and livestock. Farmers may have difficulty seeing or hearing other traffic. Their
equipment may not have brake lights or turn signals.
Be patient when you are around farm equipment on the road. You should yield the right-of-way to
livestock on or along the highway.
Do not honk your horn because this might scare the animal. Slow down and keep a safe distance.
No one under 16 years old can operate a farm tractor or self-propelled farm machinery on highways.
45 CONTENTS COVER
Section 8: Handling Emergencies
C. Roadside Emergencies
Call 911 if you or someone else is injured. Turn on your emergency flashers.
Below are examples of possible roadside emergencies and how to react if they do happen:
Brakes Stop Working:
• Pump the brake pedal several times
• Pull the parking brake. If you start to skid, take off the parking brake
• Look for a safe place to slow to a stop
Tire Blowout:
• Hold the steering wheel to keep your vehicle going straight
• Lift your foot off the gas pedal and slow down little by little
• When it is safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road
Engine Stops Working:
• Hold the steering wheel and keep the key in the “on” position
• Pull the car to the side of the road when it is safe
• The steering wheel will be hard to turn
Headlights Stop Working:
• Flip your headlights on/off to see if you’re diving with parking lights on
• Put on your emergency flashers and low lights
• When it is safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road
Gas Pedal Sticks:
• Keep your eyes on the road
• Switch the car to neutral
• When it is safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road
• Turn off the engine
48 CONTENTS COVER
Section 9: Dangerous Driving Behaviors
• Focus on driving. If you need to read directions, pull over to a safe location. Eat when your car is
parked and not while driving.
• Put pets in their carrier or have a passenger hold them. Do not hang things from your rearview
mirror or clutter your windows with decals.
C. Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is when someone is very tired because of little sleep. This can also happen if you have
an untreated sleep disorder or a long shift at work.
It is important to get a good night’s sleep before you drive. Teen and young adult drivers are at greater
risk of drowsy related crashes.
Pull over and rest if you are:
• Yawning or blinking a lot
• Drifting from your lane
• Hitting the rumble strip on the side of the road
WANT TO END
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
WHERE YOU LIVE?
START HERE.
www.tatnonprofit.org/youth
50 CONTENTS COVER
Section 10: Sharing the Road
E. Bicycles
Bicyclists can use the whole traffic lane. Do not share a lane with bicyclists. They can move into your
path quickly and without warning. Wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing a bicyclist.
Give bicyclists at least three feet of room when you pass. Bicyclists should have reflectors or lights on
their bikes. Some do not so be watchful and alert when moving around them.
Know your bicycle hand signals!
▼ LEFT TURN
▼ RIGHT TURN
2 options
■ STOP
or
F. No-Zones
No-Zones are where large vehicles cannot see you. This area is about 200 feet behind and 20 feet in
front of large trucks. Big trucks, such as commercial vehicles, have trouble seeing you if you get too
close. They cannot see cars close behind them or right in front of them.
Either speed up or drop back so that the other driver can see you. If you want to pass a vehicle, get
out of their blind spot quickly.
No-Zone
No-Zone
No-Zone
No-Zone
52 CONTENTS COVER
Section 11: Your Driving Privilege
To keep your driver license, you must always drive safely. In this section we will go over points,
violations and occupational licenses.
A. Point System
Your driving record starts with zero points. If you are convicted of violating a traffic law, you could
receive demerit points. If you hold a probationary license, ID card or no type of license, you will have
your points doubled. These points are doubled on the second conviction and any thereafter.
You will not be able to drive if you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period. Your
driving privilege will be suspended or revoked.
B. Habitual Traffic Offender
A habitual offender is someone who is convicted of four or more major traffic violations or 12 or more
minor violations within five years. Visit our website for a list of points, major and minor violations. You
will not be able to drive for five years if you are a habitual traffic offender. Your driving privilege will be
revoked. You could be eligible for an occupational license after a two-year waiting period.
C. Occupational License
You may lose your Wisconsin driving privilege because of a suspension, revocation, cancellation,
disqualification or denial. You do not need a Wisconsin license to lose your Wisconsin driving privilege.
If you want to apply for an Occupational license, check our website to see if you are eligible. You will
need to show proof of financial responsibility.
An occupational license allows you to drive up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week to and
from work, school, and places that you need to visit to maintain your household, such as grocery
store, medical appointments, and to the agency where you are completing your Intoxicated Driver
Program (IDP) assessment and Driver Safety Plan (DSP).
D. Reinstating a Revoked or Suspended License
A revoked license can be reinstated after the period of revocation is over. You may need to file proof of
financial responsibility with the DMV. Present proof of identity and pay a reinstatement fee.
53 CONTENTS COVER
Section 12: Other Important Information
The lap belt should fit snugly across your hip bones just under your stomach. The shoulder belt
should be worn across your chest. Adjust your belt so that you can put your fist between the belt
and your chest. Never put the shoulder belt under your arm or leave it so loose that it hangs over
your arm.
Generally, children must be in a child safety seat until they reach age four and in a booster seat
until age eight. Make sure to check the safety seat’s manual for the right way to fasten the seat
belt. Check the manual for the child safety seat’s weight and height requirements.
If you are not able to buy or get a child safety seat, visit https://www.safekidswi.org/events/Car-Seat-
by-Appointment or call (414) 316-8058 for more information.
E. Insurance Requirements
You must have valid liability car insurance to drive in Wisconsin. You must present proof of insurance
if a police officer requests it. The insurance must be issued by an approved business in Wisconsin. If
you are from a different state, you can provide proof from the insurance company from your state.
If you are driving someone else’s car, it is your job to make sure it has insurance.
F. Save Fuel and Your Vehicle
Save fuel by carpooling, ride sharing, riding a bike, taking a bus or walking. Avoid driving during heavy
traffic periods. Stop-and-go driving causes extra wear and tear on the vehicle. When you slow down
little by little this helps save fuel and your brakes.
When a vehicle is not in good working condition it costs more to run and it could cause it to break
down and crash. Low air pressure in tires decreases fuel mileage.
G. Driver Education Grant Program
The new Driver Education Grant Program enables teens who are income eligible to have their classroom
and/or behind-the-wheel driver training paid for by the state. See wisconsindmv.gov/degrant.
H. Organ Donation Program
You can help save and improve lives by registering to be an organ and tissue donor. People of all ages
can donate regardless of health history. Your gift will make a different through transplantation, therapy,
research or education. If you are 18 years old or older, your decision may not be overridden by your
family or any other person, so it is important to share your decision with your family. See our website
for more information about how to register as a donor - https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-
drvs/rnew-and-chge/donor.aspx.
55 CONTENTS COVER
Section 13: Website Page Links
Page 8: Section 2: E. Out of State Transfers – Second link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/new-res-default.aspx or wisconsindmv.gov/NewToWi
Page 8: Section 2: F. REAL ID
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/realid.aspx
Page 25: Section 4: B. Regulatory – Reserved Parking Only
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/dsbld-prkg/discards.aspx
Page 42: Section 6: C. Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/inter-design/ddi.aspx
Page 45: Section 7: C. Winter
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/winter-drv/default.aspx
Page 53: Section 11: A. Point System
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/point-system.aspx
Page 53: Section 11: B. Habitual Traffic Offender
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/hto-law.aspx
Page 53: Section 11: C. Occupational License – First Link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/reinstate.aspx
Page 53: Section 11: C. Occupational License – Second Link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/proof-of-insurance.aspx
Page 53: Section 11: D. Reinstating a Revoked or Suspended License
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/susp-or-rvkd/reinstate.aspx
Page 54: Section 12: A. Accessibility – First Link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-hw-aply/knowledge.aspx
Page 54: Section 12: Medical Conditions to Report – First link
https://wisconsindot.gov/documents/formdocs/mv3001.pdf
Page 54: Section 12: Medical Conditions to Report – Second link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/mdcl-cncrns/med-concerns.aspx
Page 54: Section 12: C. ID Card for Voting – Petition Process – First Link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv3004.pdf
Page 54: Section 12: C. ID Card for Voting – Petition Process – Second Link
https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv3012.docx
Page 54: Section 12: C. ID Card for Voting – Petition Process – Third Link
https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/petition-process.aspx
Page 55: Section 12: D. Seat Belts (Safety Belts)
https://www.safekidswi.org/events/Car-Seat-by-Appointment
Page 55: Section 12: F. Save Fuel and Your Vehicle
https://wisconsindot.gov/pages/travel/road/rideshare/default.aspx
Page 55: Section 12: G. Driver Education Grant Program
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-sfty/degrant.aspx
57 CONTENTS COVER
Section 14: Practice Quiz
B. Answers
Question 1: B
Question 2: D
Question 3: C
Question 4: C
Question 5: C
Question 6: D
Question 7: B
Question 8: A
Question 9: A
Question 10: C
Question 11: A
Question 12: D
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Motorists’ Handbook BDS126
2024
60 CONTENTS COVER
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Wisconsin DMV written test?
The Wisconsin (WI) DMV written knowledge test typically consists of 20–50 multiple-choice questions. The exact number varies — check the official Wisconsin DMV website for the current format.
What topics are covered in the Wisconsin driver's handbook?
The Wisconsin driver's handbook covers traffic laws and regulations, road signs and signals, safe driving practices, right-of-way rules, speed limits, DUI/DWI laws, and vehicle operation requirements specific to Wisconsin.
Is the Wisconsin driver's handbook available in Spanish?
Many states provide their driver's handbook in multiple languages. Download links for all available languages — including Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and more — are listed above on this page.
How do I pass the Wisconsin DMV written test?
Study the official Wisconsin driver's handbook thoroughly, then take free practice tests at DMVSOS.com to reinforce what you've learned. Most test-takers who study the full handbook and complete several practice tests pass on their first attempt.