The Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook: your permit test study guide

Where to focus

• Section 1: the tests, so you know what you’re walking into
• Section 2: permit and probationary license rules, including who can ride with you
• Section 3: right-of-way, speed limits, following distance, turning, passing and parking
• Section 4: signs, which is what the 15-question signs test covers
• Section 5: signals, lane lines and special lanes
• Sections 6 to 11: roundabouts, winter driving, emergencies, sharing the road, alcohol and points

Numbers worth learning by heart

• 4 seconds following distance, plus 1 for each bad condition
• 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones when children are present, unless posted
• Signal about 100 feet (3 seconds) before a turn
• Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights
• Give snowplows at least 200 feet and bicyclists at least 3 feet
• 0.00% alcohol for drivers under 21

Use the quiz at the back

Section 14 has a short practice quiz with answers. DMV says those questions aren’t the ones on the real test but cover the same subjects. Then try DMV’s free online Class D practice test. Its results don’t count toward your permit, but it’s a good check.

Other ways to read it

DMV’s handbook page offers the PDF. It doesn’t list printed copies or other languages. The tests themselves come in 11 languages with audio assist, so ask at the service center if English is hard for you.