Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook 2025

Introduction

• Driving in Wisconsin is a privilege and a responsibility.
• New drivers should focus on safety by:
  • Avoiding distractions
  • Driving sober
  • Wearing seatbelts
  • Obeying speed limits
  • Sharing the road
  • Eliminating distractions
• The DMV and Wisconsin State Patrol provide resources and enforcement to ensure road safety.
• Human trafficking is a significant issue in Wisconsin.
  • Report suspicions to National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Section 1: Driving Test Requirements

• Vision Screening: Minimum 20/40 vision in at least one eye and 70-degree field of vision.
• Highway Signs Test: Understand and identify road signs.
• Knowledge Test: Covers traffic laws with 50 questions (pass with 80%).
• Skills Test: Demonstrates practical driving ability (requires appointment).

Section 2: Progression of Licenses

• Sponsorship: Required for drivers under 18, which includes legal and financial responsibility.
• Instruction Permit: Requires passing knowledge/vision tests and participation in driver education.
• Probationary License: Issued after passing the skills test, with certain restrictions on new drivers.
• Regular Driver License: Attainable after probationary phase.
• Out of State Transfers: Procedures for transferring existing licenses.
• REAL ID: Required for federal identification purposes by May 2025.

Section 3: The Basics

• Right-of-Way: Rules on yielding to other road users.
• Understanding Vehicle Speed: Adhering to speed limits and adjusting speed for conditions.
• Intersections: Approaching with caution and yielding as necessary.
• Stopping and Sight Distance Rule: Maintaining safe stopping distances and checking surroundings.
• Space Between Vehicles: Maintain adequate space to ensure safety.
• Turning and Passing: Safe procedures for executing turns and passing other vehicles.
• Backing and Parking: Techniques for safe backing and parking, including parallel and hill parking.
• Communication: Use of signals, horn, and lights to communicate intentions.

Section 4: Signs

• Warning, Regulatory, Construction, Destination, Service, Mile Marker, Route Number, and Railroad Crossing Signs: Understanding and interpreting these signs is crucial for safe navigation.

Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings, and Lane Controls

• Traffic Signals: Importance of understanding lights and their meanings.
• Types of Line Markings: Distinguishing between solid, dashed, and special lane markings.
• Special Lanes: Use, rules, and restrictions regarding shared, reversible, reserved, and flex lanes.

Section 6: Driving Situations

• Roundabouts: Procedures for navigating single and multi-lane roundabouts.
• Metered Ramps and DDI: Guidelines for using specialized traffic designs.
• Traffic Stops: Proper conduct when stopped by law enforcement.
• Watch for Deer and Funeral Processions: Special considerations when encountering wildlife and funeral processions.

Section 7: Driving Conditions

• Reduced Visibility and Severe Weather: Strategies for handling poor visibility and adverse weather conditions.
• Winter and Rural Driving: Specific tips for safe driving in seasonal and rural environments.

Section 8: Handling Emergencies

• Avoiding Crashes: Techniques to prevent accidents.
• Crashes: Steps to take following an accident.
• Roadside Emergencies: How to respond to common vehicle malfunctions.

Section 9: Dangerous Driving Behaviors

• Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving: Legal consequences and safety concerns.
• Distracted and Drowsy Driving: Risks of driving while distracted or fatigued.

Section 10: Sharing the Road

• Pedestrians, Emergency Vehicles, School Buses, Motorcycles, Bicycles, and No-Zones: Safe practices for coexisting with various road users.

Section 11: Your Driving Privilege

• Point System: Accumulation of points for traffic violations.
• Habitual Traffic Offender: Classification and consequences.
• Occupational License: Eligibility and application process for restricted licenses.

Section 12: Other Important Information

• Accessibility: Availability of tests in various formats and languages.
• Medical Conditions to Report: Reporting health issues affecting driving.
• ID Card for Voting: Obtaining a free ID for voting purposes.
• Seat Belts and Insurance Requirements: Legal mandates for seatbelt use and vehicle insurance.
• Driver Education Grant Program and Organ Donation: Programs to support new drivers and promote organ donation.

Section 13: Website Page Links

• Provides URLs for further information and resources mentioned in the handbook.

Section 14: Practice Quiz

• Provides practice questions and answers related to the handbook content.

The handbook offers comprehensive guidance on the rules of the road, safety measures, and driver responsibilities in Wisconsin. It serves as an essential tool for new and experienced drivers alike, ensuring they are well-equipped to drive safely and legally.