You enter thick fog. Which lighting choice is appropriate?
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights and reduce speed.
Low beams help in fog, rain and snow. Reduce speed so you have room to respond to what you can see.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 7A Reduced Visibility; printed page 44, physical PDF page 48; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
An oncoming vehicle’s high beams are dazzling you. Where should you direct your gaze?
Correct answer: Toward the right side of your road while maintaining your course.
Look toward the right road edge rather than into the glare. Keep watching your path and adjust your speed if necessary.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 3K Communication — High Beams; printed page 21, physical PDF page 25; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Conditions prevent you from seeing a person or vehicle 500 feet away. What must you do about your lights?
Correct answer: Turn on your headlights.
The handbook requires headlights when a person or vehicle cannot be seen at 500 feet. Do not rely only on daylight appearance.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 3K Communication — Low Beams; printed page 21, physical PDF page 25; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Even in clear weather, when does the handbook require headlights at night?
Correct answer: From half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise.
This is the stated nighttime interval. Poor visibility can require lights at other times too.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 3K Communication — Low Beams; printed page 21, physical PDF page 25; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
On a cold, wet day, which road surface is especially likely to freeze before surrounding pavement?
Correct answer: A bridge or overpass.
Bridges and overpasses can freeze before the rest of the road. Slow down and avoid abrupt steering or braking.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 7B Severe Weather; printed page 44, physical PDF page 48; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Why are badly worn tires particularly dangerous in wet weather?
Correct answer: They reduce traction and increase stopping distance.
Worn tread reduces the tire’s ability to grip the road, especially in water. Replace unsafe tires rather than relying on slower reactions alone.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 7 Driving Conditions, introduction; printed page 44, physical PDF page 48; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Your tires begin riding on a layer of water. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and keep steering steady.
Avoid sudden braking or turning while hydroplaning. Ease off the gas and wait for the tires to regain road contact.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 7B Severe Weather — Hydroplaning; printed page 44, physical PDF page 48; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Before driving after a snowfall, which preparation is appropriate?
Correct answer: Clear snow and ice from all windows, lamps, mirrors and the rest of the vehicle.
Clear the vehicle before moving. Snow and ice can block your view, hide your lights and endanger drivers behind you.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 7C Winter; printed page 45, physical PDF page 49; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A tire suddenly blows out while you are driving. What should you do?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas and slow gradually.
Keep the vehicle traveling straight while reducing speed gradually. Pull off when you can do so safely.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8C Roadside Emergencies — Tire Blowout; printed page 48, physical PDF page 52; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car has ABS and you need an emergency stop. How should you use the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Apply firm, continuous pressure.
ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock while you maintain firm pressure. Do not use a pumping technique in an ABS emergency stop.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8A Avoiding Crashes — Stop; printed page 46, physical PDF page 50; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
The accelerator sticks while you are driving. Which action helps disconnect engine power from the wheels?
Correct answer: Shift to neutral while keeping your eyes on the road.
Shift to neutral, maintain control and pull over safely. Turn the engine off after reaching a safe stopping place.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8C Roadside Emergencies — Gas Pedal Sticks; printed page 48, physical PDF page 52; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Your engine stalls while the car is still moving. What should you expect?
Correct answer: Steering may become harder; maintain control and move off the road safely.
A stalled engine can reduce steering assistance. Keep control, leave the key in the on position and move to a safe place.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8C Roadside Emergencies — Engine Stops Working; printed page 48, physical PDF page 52; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You are involved in a crash and someone is injured. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop, stay at the scene and call 911.
Call for emergency assistance and remain at the scene. Follow emergency directions and avoid creating further danger.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8B Crashes; printed page 47, physical PDF page 51; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
After a minor crash, nobody is injured and both cars can move safely. What is the appropriate next step?
Correct answer: Move safely out of the traffic lanes, then exchange information.
If there are no injuries and the vehicle can be moved safely, clear the road. Exchange driver, vehicle and insurance information.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8B Crashes; printed page 47, physical PDF page 51; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
After a crash, which information should you collect from the other involved driver?
Correct answer: Driver, vehicle and insurance details.
Document the vehicles and damage, exchange identification and insurance details, and obtain witness information when available.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 8B Crashes; printed page 47, physical PDF page 51; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A deer crosses the road ahead and disappears into the trees. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: More deer may follow it.
Watch for additional deer. They may cross anywhere, and are particularly active between sunset and sunrise.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 6E Watch for Deer; printed page 43, physical PDF page 47; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You approach livestock on or beside a rural highway. What is the best response?
Correct answer: Slow down, yield and avoid sounding the horn.
Yield and allow room for animals. A horn can frighten livestock and cause unpredictable movement.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 7D Farm Safety/Rural Driving; printed page 45, physical PDF page 49; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
When passing a bicyclist, what minimum lateral clearance does Wisconsin require?
Correct answer: At least three feet.
Allow at least three feet when passing a bicycle. Wait for a safe opportunity rather than squeezing past.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 10E Bicycles; printed page 52, physical PDF page 56; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You want to pass a bicyclist, but an oncoming car leaves too little room. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait behind the bicycle until you can pass with safe clearance.
Wait for opposing traffic to clear before passing. The bicyclist’s need for space remains even when traffic is busy.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 10E Bicycles; printed page 52, physical PDF page 56; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You are close behind a large truck and its driver cannot see your vehicle. What should you do?
Correct answer: Increase the gap and stay out of the truck’s blind area.
Large vehicles have significant blind areas. Give them space rather than staying where the driver cannot see you.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 10F No-Zones; printed page 52, physical PDF page 56; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You are passing a row of parked vehicles. What extra hazard should you allow space for?
Correct answer: People or doors entering the roadway.
Leave room beside parked vehicles and watch for people. An opening door or a person stepping out can intrude into your path.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 10 Sharing the Road, introduction; printed page 51, physical PDF page 55; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A medicine label warns against operating heavy machinery. How should a driver interpret that warning?
Correct answer: It includes driving a motor vehicle.
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving. Check the warning and do not drive while impaired.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 9A Alcohol, Drugs and Driving; printed page 49, physical PDF page 53; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Someone has been drinking and suggests coffee will make them fit to drive immediately. What is correct?
Correct answer: Coffee does not sober them up; arrange a sober ride.
Time is what allows alcohol to leave the body. Use a sober driver or another safe ride instead of relying on coffee or fresh air.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 9A Alcohol, Drugs and Driving; printed page 49, physical PDF page 53; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You keep yawning, drift toward the shoulder and hit a rumble strip. What should you do?
Correct answer: Find a safe place to stop and rest.
These are signs of drowsiness. Stop safely and rest; entertainment and cold air do not replace needed sleep.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 9C Drowsy Driving; printed page 50, physical PDF page 54; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car has air bags. Do you still need to wear a seat belt?
Correct answer: Yes; air bags do not replace the seat belt.
Wear the belt even in an air-bag-equipped vehicle. It helps hold you in position and reduces the risk of being thrown from the car.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook BDS126, 2026; 12D Seat Belts; printed page 54, physical PDF page 58; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
