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Wisconsin motorcycle permit practice test

It's based on Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110). Practise Wisconsin's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.

Wisconsin motorcycle rules

PermitClass M instruction permit (CYCI): minimum age 16; under 18 needs parent/guardian sponsorship, completed driver education (classroom and behind-the-wheel) and proof of enrollment in a Basic Rider Course; a Class D license is not required. Valid 6 months; no minimum holding time before the road test. Must wear an approved helmet (chin strap fastened) and eye protection. May carry a passenger only if the passenger has a Class M license and at least two years of licensed driving experience. After dark must be accompanied (nearby, not necessarily as passenger) by a person at least 25 with two years licensed experience and a Class M license. After three permits (two renewals) proof of enrollment in a Basic Rider Course is needed for the next one, unless living more than 50 road miles from a course site. Permit fee not required if the BRC is completed before getting a permit.
Skills test or courseClass M by (a) approved Basic Rider Course (MSF-developed, WisDOT-approved; ~5 h classroom + 10 h riding plus e-course), 3-Wheel BRC, or BRC2 with e-course — waiver valid one year from completion; or (b) DMV Motorcycle-in-Traffic road test by appointment (examiner follows and gives directions by radio/Bluetooth headset; motorcycle must pass a pre-test equipment inspection; must be 16+, wear helmet and eye protection); or (c) surrendering a valid out-of-state motorcycle license. After failing two road tests, a Basic Rider Course is required. Three-wheel course or test restricts the license to three-wheel cycles. Riders under 18 must complete a rider course unless they live more than 50 road miles from a site or hold a valid motorcycle license from another jurisdiction. BRC or ARC completion can reduce up to three demerit points for motorcycle violations in the previous 12 months.
Helmet lawPartial law: operators and passengers under 18, and anyone riding on a cycle instruction permit, must wear an approved helmet (at least U.S. DOT standard) with the chin strap fastened (Handbook pp. 5, 10). Recommended for 18+.
Eye protectionRequired for all operators (face shield, goggles, glasses), except when the cycle has a windshield rising at least 15 inches above the handlebars. Eye protection worn during hours of darkness may not be tinted or darkened (Wis. Stat. 347.485(2)); prescription photosensitive lenses are acceptable (Handbook pp. 5, 10).
PassengersA single passenger may ride if they sit on the seat designed for passengers, not in front of the operator, with feet on footrests/pegs (must reach them); more than one passenger only if the motorcycle is designed for it. Riding side saddle is forbidden. Permit holders may carry only a Class M licensee with two years' licensed experience. Passengers under 18 must wear helmets. Mopeds may not carry passengers (Handbook pp. 4, 6-7, 10).
Lane splitting or filteringNot allowed: motorcyclists are entitled to a full traffic lane and may not ride in any part of a lane occupied by another vehicle, except two motorcyclists may agree to ride side by side in one lane (Handbook p. 10, Lane use). The MSF section also says lane sharing is usually prohibited (p. 27).

Wisconsin motorcycle law questions

31 questions
  1. Question 1What license must Wisconsin residents have to operate a motorcycle on public roads?

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    B: A Class M license (or a valid motorcycle instruction permit). All Wisconsin residents who operate a motorcycle on public roads need a Class M license or a valid motorcycle instruction permit. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Introduction; Types of Cycles: Motorcycle, page 4.

  2. Question 2What is the minimum age for a Wisconsin cycle instruction permit (CYCI)?

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    C: 16. You must be at least 16 to get a cycle instruction permit. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Class M License in Four Steps: 1. Get cycle instruction permit, page 6.

  3. Question 3How long is a Wisconsin cycle instruction permit valid?

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    B: 6 months. The Cycle Instruction Permit (CYCI) is valid for 6 months. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Class M License in Four Steps: 1. Get cycle instruction permit, page 6.

  4. Question 4A 16-year-old applies for a Wisconsin cycle instruction permit. Which is required?

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    D: Parent or guardian sponsorship, proof of completed driver education, and proof of enrollment in a basic rider course. Applicants under 18 need sponsorship, proof of completed driver education, and proof of enrollment in a basic rider course. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Class M License in Four Steps: 1. Get cycle instruction permit, page 6.

  5. Question 5Under Wisconsin rules, who may ride as a passenger with a cycle instruction permit holder?

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    B: Only a person with a Class M license and at least two years of licensed driving experience. A permit holder may carry a licensed passenger who has a Class M license and at least two years of licensed driving experience, though DMV does not recommend it until experienced. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): 2. Practice riding, page 7.

  6. Question 6A Wisconsin cycle instruction permit holder wants to ride after dark. What is required?

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    C: Accompaniment by a licensed person at least 25 years old with two years of licensed experience and a Class M license, who must be nearby. During darkness the permit holder must be accompanied by a Class M holder at least 25 with two years licensed experience; that person need not be a passenger but must be nearby. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): 2. Practice riding, page 7.

  7. Question 7How long must you hold a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit before taking the Class M road test?

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    C: There is no minimum. WisDOT says there is no minimum amount of time you must hold the permit before attempting the road test. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Instruction permit.

  8. Question 8You have held three Wisconsin cycle instruction permits. What must you do before getting a fourth?

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    B: Successfully complete, or be enrolled in, a basic rider course (unless you live more than 50 road miles from a site). After three CYCIs you must complete or enroll in a basic rider course before a 4th, unless you live more than 50 road miles from a course site. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): 1. Get cycle instruction permit (note), page 6.

  9. Question 9Which of these lets you get a Wisconsin Class M license without the DMV road test?

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    D: Successfully completing an approved Basic Rider Course. Completing an approved Basic Rider Course (or 3-Wheel BRC, or BRC2 with the e-course) waives the DMV road test. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): 3a. Or complete course; Waiver of skills test, page 51.

  10. Question 10After failing how many Wisconsin motorcycle-in-traffic skills tests must you complete a basic rider course to get a Class M license?

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    A: Two. If you have failed two motorcycle-in-traffic skills tests, you must complete a basic rider course, after which the skills test is waived. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): 3. Take motorcycle skills test, page 7.

  11. Question 11How does the examiner give you directions during the Wisconsin Motorcycle-in-Traffic test?

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    C: Over a radio receiver worn under your helmet while following several car lengths behind. You wear a small radio receiver under the helmet and the examiner follows several car lengths behind giving directions. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): The Motorcycle Skills Test: The skills test, page 8.

  12. Question 12Which defect will stop a Wisconsin motorcycle skills test from being given?

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    D: No left rear view mirror. The pre-test inspection list includes no left rear view mirror, along with items such as no headlight, no horn, no brake light and no speedometer. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): The pre-test inspection, page 8.

  13. Question 13Under Wisconsin's pre-test inspection, handlebars may not rise more than how far above the lowest part of the top of the occupied seat?

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    C: 30 inches. The test is not given if handlebars rise more than 30 inches above the lowest part of the top of the seat when occupied. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): The pre-test inspection, page 8.

  14. Question 14How long is a Wisconsin Basic Rider Course road test waiver valid after completion?

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    D: One year. WisDOT says the waiver certificate is valid for one year from the completion date. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): The Basic Rider Courses.

  15. Question 15What happens if you complete only the 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse in Wisconsin?

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    B: Your Class M is restricted to three-wheel cycles. Completing only a 3-Wheel BRC or testing on a three-wheel cycle restricts the Class M license to three-wheel cycles only. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Types of Cycles: To operate, page 4.

  16. Question 16A 17-year-old in Wisconsin lives more than 50 road miles from any basic rider course site. What does that mean?

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    D: They are exempt from the rider course requirement for persons under 18. Persons under 18 are exempt from the rider course requirement if they live more than 50 road miles from a basic rider course site (or hold a valid motorcycle license from another jurisdiction). Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Exemptions to rider course requirements for persons under 18, page 6.

  17. Question 17Who must wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Wisconsin?

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    B: Operators and passengers under 18, and anyone riding on a cycle instruction permit. Operators and passengers under 18, and anyone with a cycle instruction permit, must wear approved helmets with chin straps fastened. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Lane use (equipment rules), page 10.

  18. Question 18When may a Wisconsin motorcycle operator ride without eye protection?

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    B: When the motorcycle has a windshield rising at least 15 inches above the handlebars. All operators must wear eye protection except when the cycle has a windshield rising at least 15 inches above the handlebars. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Lane use (equipment rules), page 10.

  19. Question 19Under Wis. Stat. 347.485(2), what is illegal for eye protection worn while riding during hours of darkness?

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    D: Tinted or darkened eye protection (other than prescription photosensitive lenses). Eye protection worn during darkness may not be tinted or darkened; prescription photosensitive corrective lenses are acceptable. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Protective gear for motorcycle operation, page 5.

  20. Question 20In Wisconsin, when may you ride in part of a lane already occupied by another vehicle?

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    C: Only when two motorcyclists agree to ride side by side in one lane. Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane and may not ride in any part of a lane occupied by another vehicle, except when two cyclists agree to ride side by side. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Lane use, page 10.

  21. Question 21Which rule applies to carrying a single passenger on a motorcycle in Wisconsin?

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    C: The passenger must ride on the seat designed for passengers, not in front of the operator, with feet on the foot rests or pegs. A single passenger must ride on the passenger seat, not in front of the operator, with feet on standard foot rests or pegs. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Riding, page 10.

  22. Question 22Is riding 'side saddle' on a motorcycle allowed in Wisconsin?

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    D: No, it is forbidden. The handbook states that riding side saddle is forbidden. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws, page 10.

  23. Question 23When must a motorcycle's headlight and taillight be on when riding on a Wisconsin highway?

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    A: At all times. When riding on a highway, the headlight and taillight must be on at all times. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Lane use (equipment rules), page 10.

  24. Question 24What does Wisconsin law require regarding insurance for motorcycle operation?

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    C: Liability insurance must be in effect and proof carried; failure could mean up to a $500 fine. No one may operate a motorcycle unless liability insurance is in effect, and proof must be carried; failure to have insurance could mean up to a $500 fine. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws, page 10.

  25. Question 25On a Wisconsin motorcycle, you are stopped at a vehicle-activated red light that does not detect you. How long must you wait before proceeding cautiously, if no other vehicle is there to trigger it?

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    B: At least 45 seconds. You may proceed cautiously through the red if you believe the signal is vehicle activated, no other vehicles are present, you have stopped at least 45 seconds, and you yield to others. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Driving, page 11.

  26. Question 26How many motorcycles may park in one marked parallel or angle parking space in Wisconsin?

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    D: Three. If spaces are marked, three cycles may park in one space; at a violated meter each operator gets a citation. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Parking, page 11.

  27. Question 27May a moped carry a passenger in Wisconsin?

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    A: No, a moped may not carry any passenger. Mopeds are designed for one person and may not carry any passenger. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Types of Cycles: Moped; Motorcycle Laws: Moped, page 11.

  28. Question 28Where may two mopeds ride side by side in one lane in Wisconsin?

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    C: Only where the speed limit is 25 mph or less. Mopeds may ride two abreast only where the speed limit is 25 mph or less; above that they must ride single file in the right lane. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Motorcycle Laws: Moped, page 11.

  29. Question 29What is Wisconsin's alcohol rule for cyclists under age 21?

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    C: 'Not a Drop': any amount of alcohol can lead to arrest. Under absolute sobriety ('Not A Drop'), cyclists under 21 can be arrested for riding with any amount of alcohol in their body. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Wisconsin's alcohol laws, page 19.

  30. Question 30If you refuse a requested alcohol (PAC) test in Wisconsin, how long do you lose your driving privileges at minimum?

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    C: At least one year. Refusal violates the Implied Consent Law, and you lose your driving privileges for at least one year. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Wisconsin's alcohol laws, page 19.

  31. Question 31Completing a Basic or Advanced RiderCourse in Wisconsin can reduce how many demerit points for recent motorcycle violations?

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    B: Up to three. Successful completion of the BRC or ARC may reduce up to three demerit points for motorcycle violations convicted in the previous 12 months. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): Point reduction, page 51.

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Full motorcycle practice tests

300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.

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Manual: Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110). Source: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV), checked 2026-10-27.