20 questions from the Wisconsin driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Why does the handbook advise against putting your car in neutral while driving?
Answer: It helps maintain full control over your vehicle. The handbook states that staying in gear ensures the driver maintains full control over the vehicle.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 16: “Stay in “gear” so that you can have full control over your vehicle.”
2. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, what action does the handbook require you to take?
Answer: Move into the lane not nearest the stopped vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers to move into the lane farthest from the stopped emergency vehicle to give it room.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 55: “If you are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, make sure to move into the lane not nearest the stopped vehicle.”
3. What is the minimum supervised driving requirement for obtaining a probationary license in Wisconsin?
Answer: 40 hours of daylight driving and 10 hours of darkness driving. The handbook specifies a mandatory split of 40 hours during daylight and 10 hours during darkness, totaling 50 hours.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 10: “With a valid instruction permit you must practice driving for at least 40 hours during daylight and 10 hours during darkness (50 total hours).”
4. What instruction is given for the 'Lane Ends' sign?
Answer: Move to the other lane when it is safe to do so. The handbook advises drivers to merge into the remaining lane safely when encountering a Lane Ends sign.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 26: “Move to the other lane when it is safe to do so.”
5. If a traffic light loses power or is not working correctly, how should a driver proceed?
Answer: Proceed as if the signal were a stop sign. The handbook instructs drivers to treat a non-functioning traffic signal exactly like a stop sign.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 36: “If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, proceed as if the signal were a stop sign.”
6. Under the Wisconsin Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions, during which hours is a probationary driver allowed to drive alone?
Answer: From 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. The handbook states that driving alone is permitted between 5 a.m. and midnight, whereas driving alone between midnight and 5 a.m. is restricted to specific trips.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 10: “From 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., you can drive: • Alone and go anywhere”
7. What action should a driver take when encountering a funeral procession?
Answer: Do not cut into the line or interfere with the funeral line. The handbook specifically advises against cutting into or interfering with the procession, distinguishing this rule from general traffic light rules.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 47: “Do not cut into the line or interfere with the funeral line.”
8. When is a driver permitted to turn left on a red light according to the handbook?
Answer: When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. The handbook specifies that left turns on red are allowed specifically when moving from one one-way street to another.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 36: “You may turn left on red if you are turning from a one-way on to a one-way street.”
9. What does a yellow pennant-shaped sign indicate?
Answer: You are not allowed to pass any vehicle in the no passing zone. The handbook defines the yellow pennant sign as indicating a no passing zone where passing vehicles is prohibited.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 29: “No Passing Zone – A yellow pennant with black lettering. You are not allowed to pass any vehicle in the no passing zone.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the maximum speed limit in outlying parts of cities and villages when no speed limit sign is posted?
Answer: 35 miles per hour. The handbook states that the default maximum speed in these specific areas is 35 mph.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 14: “The maximum speed limit in outlying parts of cities and villages with no posted speed limit is 35mph.”
11. Where should a driver position their vehicle if they are driving slower than most traffic on a multi-lane road?
Answer: In the far-right lane. The handbook specifies that slower drivers should use the far-right lane to allow others to pass on the left.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 17: “Drive in the far-right lane of multi-lane roads if you are driving slower than most traffic.”
12. Which vehicles are permitted to use a lane marked with a white diamond and the handbook "Buses and 4 Rider Car Pools Only"?
Answer: Buses and cars carrying four riders. The handbook states the lane is for buses and car pools, specifying that the car pool example requires four people in the car.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 41: “This lane is for buses and car pools only. Some signs show the hours and days you can drive in this lane. Example: There must be four people in the car.”
13. According to the handbook, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers under the age of 21?
Answer: 0.00%. The handbook states that drivers under 21 must have no alcohol in their system, defined as 0.00%.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 53: “The legal alcohol concentration allowed for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.00%.”
14. Why are bridges and overpasses particularly hazardous during severe weather?
Answer: They freeze before the rest of the roadway. The handbook states that bridges and overpasses freeze earlier than the surrounding road surface, requiring extra caution.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 48: “It is important to remember that in severe weather bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the roadway.”
15. What should a driver do with their steering wheel if they must wait for traffic to pass while making a left turn?
Answer: Keep the steering wheel straight. The handbook instructs drivers to keep the steering wheel straight while waiting in an intersection to prevent being pushed into oncoming traffic if rear-ended.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 18: “If you must wait for traffic to pass, keep your steering wheel straight.”
16. Under what specific condition are you NOT required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
Answer: When you are on a divided highway and not on the side of the school bus. The handbook specifies that drivers on the opposite side of a divided highway do not need to stop for the bus.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 55: “If you are on a divided highway/roadway and not on the side of the school bus, you do not need to stop.”
17. What is the recommended action if an oncoming driver forgets to dim their high beams?
Answer: Look toward the right side of the road. The handbook advises looking to the right side of the road to avoid glare from oncoming high beams.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 25: “If someone is driving toward you and forgets to turnoff their brights, look toward the right side of the road”
18. Who is responsible for ensuring a vehicle has valid liability insurance when driving someone else's car?
Answer: The driver. The handbook clarifies that the person driving the vehicle is responsible for verifying that it carries valid insurance.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 59: “If you are driving someone else’s car, it is your job to make sure it has insurance.”
19. What is the required minimum distance to give snowplows when their lights are flashing?
Answer: 200 feet. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 200 feet when approaching snowplows with flashing lights.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 49: “Give snowplows at least 200 feet of room when their lights are flashing red, amber or green”
20. Under what condition will your driving privilege be suspended or revoked according to the point system rules?
Answer: If you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period. The handbook states that accumulating 12 or more demerit points within a 12-month timeframe results in suspension or revocation.
Wisconsin driver handbook, page 57: “You will not be able to drive if you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period.”