Before opening the traffic-side door of your parked car, you notice a bicyclist approaching alongside. What should you do?
Correct answer: Keep the door closed until the cyclist has passed safely.
An opening door can cause a serious bicycle crash. Check before opening and avoid placing the door in the rider’s path.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Door hazards — parked vehicles and cyclists; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
During a Y-turn, you have stopped after moving toward the opposite curb. Before the reverse movement, where does the handbook tell you to look?
Correct answer: Behind you, over your right shoulder.
Check behind before reversing and keep monitoring the surroundings. The direction of vehicle movement changes during a Y-turn, so the checks must change with it.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 17 (PDF page 21); 3G Turning — Y-turn reverse check. ↗
You are passing a bicyclist at a higher road speed. How should you treat the three-foot minimum clearance?
Correct answer: As a minimum, with more room desirable as speed increases.
WisDOT calls for at least three feet and recommends more room at higher speeds. If there is not enough space for a safe pass, wait.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Motorist reminders — greater passing room at higher speeds; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You have finished the reversing part of a Y-turn and are about to drive forward in the new direction. What should happen first?
Correct answer: Check traffic from the left and right before pulling forward.
The final forward movement requires a fresh traffic check. Earlier observations do not guarantee that the road remained clear while you reversed.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 17 (PDF page 21); 3G Turning — completing a Y-turn. ↗
Two motorcycles are traveling side by side within one lane, and both riders agree to that arrangement. Is it automatically unlawful in Wisconsin?
Correct answer: No; two motorcycles may share a lane when both riders consent.
WisDOT permits two consenting motorcyclists to use a lane together and recommends staggered riding. That specific permission does not authorize a car to crowd a motorcycle within its lane.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Side by side operation — two consenting riders; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver begins passing your car. Which response helps the pass finish safely?
Correct answer: Stay in your lane and ease your speed to allow the pass.
The handbook advises staying in your lane and slowing when another vehicle passes. Do not turn the maneuver into a contest or remove the space the other driver needs.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 17 (PDF page 21); 3H Passing — being overtaken. ↗
A motorcycle is riding in the left portion of its lane. May you drive your car beside it within that same lane just because space seems available?
Correct answer: No; leave the motorcycle the full use of its lane.
A motorcycle is entitled to a full traffic lane. Use a safe, lawful passing maneuver in another lane instead of squeezing alongside the rider.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Safe practices for all road users — full lane use; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
After passing a car on the left, what rearview-mirror cue does the handbook give before returning to your lane?
Correct answer: Both headlights of the passed car are visible in the rearview mirror.
Seeing both headlights is a spacing cue to avoid cutting in too closely. Still signal, check the lane and make sure returning will not endanger or force another driver to brake.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 18 (PDF page 22); 3H Passing — returning to the driving lane. ↗
An approaching motorcycle looks small in the distance as you wait to enter the road. What mistake should you avoid?
Correct answer: Assuming it is farther away or moving slower than it really is.
A motorcycle’s smaller appearance can make speed and distance difficult to judge. Look again and allow a safe gap rather than relying on a quick size-based estimate.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Driving near motorcycles — judging speed and distance; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You can pull alongside a slower car, but there is no usable gap ahead of it to return to your lane. Should you start the pass?
Correct answer: No; wait until you have enough room to complete the whole maneuver.
Plan both the move out and the return before passing. Other vehicles are not required to make room for a pass that you started without a safe opening.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 18 (PDF page 22); 3H Passing — space beyond the vehicle. ↗
A motorcyclist ahead approaches a large pothole. Why should you allow space even if the rider has not signaled a turn?
Correct answer: The rider may adjust position within the lane to avoid the surface hazard.
Motorcyclists must read the road and may maneuver around potholes when it is safe. Allow room for necessary path changes and do not crowd the rider.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Road hazards — motorcyclist avoiding a pothole; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Your intended driveway turn is just beyond an intersection. When should you signal so drivers do not mistake your plan for a turn at the intersection?
Correct answer: After clearing the intersection, with enough notice for the driveway turn.
The handbook advises signaling after crossing the intersection when the turn is beyond it. Plan your approach so the signal remains useful and the driveway turn is not sudden.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 21 (PDF page 25); 3K Communication — turn just after an intersection. ↗
You borrow a relative’s car with a disability hang tag, but the eligible relative is not traveling with you. May you use the tag to park in a reserved space for your own errand?
Correct answer: No; the vehicle is not transporting the eligible permit holder.
The permit is for transporting the eligible person, not a general privilege for anyone driving the car. Unauthorized use can lead to cancellation of the permit.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Vehicles that qualify — permit holder absent; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver extends the left arm straight out of the driver-side window. What maneuver does that hand signal indicate?
Correct answer: A left turn.
A straight, horizontal left arm is the conventional hand signal for a left turn. Recognize hand signals even when you normally use electric indicators.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 21 (PDF page 25); 3K Communication — left-turn hand signal. ↗
An eligible permit holder rides as your passenger in a different car and brings a valid disability tag. Can that vehicle qualify for reserved parking on this trip?
Correct answer: Yes; a vehicle transporting the eligible person may display the valid permit.
WisDOT allows a qualifying permit to be displayed by a vehicle transporting the eligible person. The permit holder need not personally drive the vehicle.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Vehicles that qualify — eligible person as passenger; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver’s left elbow is bent, with the left hand pointing upward outside the window. What does this signal mean?
Correct answer: The driver intends to turn right.
The upward-bent left arm indicates a right turn. It is different from the straight arm used for a left turn and the downward arm used for slowing or stopping.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 21 (PDF page 25); 3K Communication — right-turn hand signal. ↗
A visitor with a valid disability parking permit from another state is traveling in Wisconsin. May the visitor use that permit here?
Correct answer: Yes; Wisconsin recognizes a valid out-of-state permit for the eligible visitor.
WisDOT expressly allows visitors to use a valid disability permit issued by another state. The permit must still be used properly and does not waive unrelated traffic laws.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; Vehicles that qualify — permit from another state; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver holds the left arm outside the window with the hand pointing downward. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: The vehicle is slowing down or stopping.
A downward hand signal warns of slowing or stopping. Give the driver space instead of assuming every arm signal indicates a turn.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 21 (PDF page 25); 3K Communication — slowing or stopping hand signal. ↗
You have finished using a disability parking space and are ready to drive. What should you do with the hang tag on the rearview mirror?
Correct answer: Remove it before operating the vehicle.
The tag is displayed on the interior rearview mirror when using reserved parking and removed while operating the vehicle. Keep it available for the next qualifying parking use.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; DIS ID display — remove hang tag when driving; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A driver begins moving toward your occupied lane without noticing you. What is an appropriate use of the horn?
Correct answer: Give a warning to attract the driver’s attention and help prevent a crash.
The horn is a communication and crash-warning device. Use an appropriate warning when needed, not to punish another driver or claim a right of way.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 20 (PDF page 24); 3K Communication — proper horn use. ↗
You have a valid disability parking permit. Does it authorize leaving your car where parking is prohibited, such as blocking a fire hydrant?
Correct answer: No; the permit does not cancel the other parking restrictions.
A disability permit grants specific privileges, not unrestricted parking. WisDOT states that the vehicle remains subject to Wisconsin motor-vehicle and parking laws.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; DIS ID permit use — parking laws still apply; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car has automatic headlights. What should you know before driving in poor visibility?
Correct answer: How to switch the headlights on manually and verify they are on.
Automatic equipment does not remove the driver’s responsibility to use the correct lights. Know the controls and check that the lights needed for the conditions are operating.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 21 (PDF page 25); 3K Communication — automatic headlight controls. ↗
An eligible permit holder properly displays a valid tag at a metered space in a municipally owned lot. The posted time limit is one hour and there is no attendant. What payment privilege does WisDOT describe?
Correct answer: The qualifying vehicle may use that metered space without payment.
WisDOT describes a payment exemption for qualifying metered spaces in municipally owned or leased lots with limits of at least half an hour. Other parking restrictions still apply.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; DIS ID permit use — municipal metered space of at least half an hour; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
It is dark enough to require headlights, but only your parking lights are on. Is that a suitable lighting setup for driving?
Correct answer: No; turn on the headlights rather than relying on parking lights.
Parking lights are not a replacement for driving headlights. Use the proper headlights when conditions require them, even if small exterior lamps or the dashboard are illuminated.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, BDS126, 2026; printed page 21 (PDF page 25); 3K Communication — parking lights. ↗
A privately owned parking lot charges an entrance fee. Does your disability parking permit necessarily make parking free there?
Correct answer: No; private or attended parking may still require payment.
The described municipal-meter privilege is not a universal free-parking rule. WisDOT notes that privately owned or attended parking may require payment.
Source: Wisconsin DOT official guidance; DIS ID permit use — private or attended parking; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
