Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126): study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

1. Driving Test Requirements

• The handbook requires visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye, with or without corrective lenses.
• Applicants need a 70-degree field of vision measured from the center of each eye.
• The Highway Signs Test has 15 questions.

2. Progression of Licenses

• The handbook says the sponsor may remove their sponsorship at any time.
• You need two documents that prove you live in Wisconsin, such as a utility bill or financial statement.
• A sibling may sponsor only if 18 or older; grandparents, aunts, uncles and foster parents may sign.

3. The Basics

• Stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the roadway.
• You should yield to cross traffic in an uncontrolled T-intersection.
• Wisconsin teaches the Four Second Following Distance Rule.

4. Signs

• The 2-Way Traffic sign appears when you leave a one-way roadway and enter one with opposing traffic.
• School Crossing and School Zone signs may be fluorescent green or yellow.
• The speed limit indicates the maximum speed you can drive in good driving conditions.

5. Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls

• If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, proceed as if the signal were a stop sign.
• You may turn left on red from a one-way onto a one-way street after stopping and yielding.
• A steady red arrow means stop and wait for the light to turn green.

6. Driving Situations

• If you are already in the roundabout, safely exit at the next right, then pull over; avoid stopping inside it.
• If you hit a deer you can keep it; if not, the next motorist can. Call police so they can issue a tag.
• The first vehicle in the line must follow traffic signs and signals; do not cut into the line.

7. Driving Conditions

• In reduced visibility, vehicles may appear to be moving slower than they actually are.
• Hydroplaning can happen at low speeds if your tires are bald.
• Give snowplows at least 200 feet of room when their lights are flashing red, amber or green.

8. Handling Emergencies

• The chance of a crash doubles if a teen driver has another teen in the vehicle.
• With ABS, apply firm, continuous pressure until the vehicle stops or the danger passes.
• A crash must be reported if property damage is $1,000 or more.

9. Dangerous Driving Behaviors

• The legal alcohol concentration for drivers under 21 is 0.00%; you cannot have any alcohol in your system.
• The handbook says any amount of a controlled substance is the same as operating impaired.
• Refusing means arrest for violating the Implied Consent Law and losing your driving privileges for at least one year.

10. Sharing the Road

• It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk unless you are crossing it.
• Move into the lane not nearest the stopped vehicle and stay there until past it, or slow down if you cannot move over.
• When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, stop at least 20 feet from it.

11. Your Driving Privilege

• You will not be able to drive if you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period.
• Probationary license holders have points doubled on the second conviction and any after that.
• A habitual offender is convicted of four or more major or 12 or more minor violations within five years.

12. Other Important Information

• Generally, children must be in a child safety seat until age four.
• Children generally ride in a booster seat until age eight.
• If you are driving someone else's car, it is your job to make sure it has insurance.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to Wisconsin, which are where most people lose points.