Wisconsin permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 54 Wisconsin numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 37 number questions in our Wisconsin bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

37 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    What is the legal alcohol concentration for Wisconsin drivers under 21?

    0.00%

    Drivers under 21 may not have any alcohol in their system while driving. Wisconsin's limit for them is 0.00%.

    Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 53

  • Fines, points & penalties

    Who may take the Wisconsin knowledge test online, and what does it cost?

    Applicants ages 15 to 17, for a $10 fee

    The test is free at a DMV customer service center. Applicants between 15 and 17 may also take it online for a $10 fee with a parent or guardian monitoring.

    Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 5

  • Speed limits

    A farm vehicle displays an orange triangle with a reflective border. What does it tell you?

    It may be traveling at 25 mph or less

    The slow-moving vehicle emblem is a triangle with reflective orange markings. It means the vehicle may travel at 25 mph or less, so slow early and pass only when safe.

    Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 29

Every Wisconsin number, by topic

Official test facts and Wisconsin laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
If the person has 2 or fewer prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations, as counted under s. 343.307 (1) , an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
0%BAC limit for underage driversdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
If a person has not attained the legal drinking age, as defined in s. 125.02 (8m) , the person may not drive or operate a motor vehicle while he or she has an alcohol concentration of more than 0.0 but not more than 0.08.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehicledocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
No person may drive or operate a commercial motor vehicle while the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more but less than 0.08.
one yearDrunk driving (DUI)First improper refusal: operating privilege revoked for one yeardocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
If the person has 2 or fewer prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations, as counted under s. 343.307 (1) , an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.
0.00%What is the legal alcohol concentration for Wisconsin drivers under 21?Answer: 0.00%Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 53
Quote
The legal alcohol concentration allowed for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.00%.
one yearIf you refuse a police officer's request to take an alcohol test, what is the minimum loss of driving privileges?Answer: At least one yearWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 53
Quote
If you refuse, the officer must arrest you for violation of the Implied Consent Law. You will lose your driving privileges for at least one year

Fines, points & penalties

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
12 feetMove Over lawWhen an emergency or roadside service vehicle or a disabled vehicle is stopped on or within 12 feet of the road, move out of the lane next to it if there are two or more lanes your way and you can change lanes safelydocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
If an emergency or roadside service vehicle or a disabled vehicle is parked or standing on or within 12 feet of a roadway, the operator of a motor vehicle approaching the emergency or roadside service vehicle or disabled vehicle shall proceed with due regard for all other traffic
ages 15 to 17, $10Who may take the Wisconsin knowledge test online, and what does it cost?Answer: Applicants ages 15 to 17, for a $10 feeWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 5
Quote
Applicants between ages 15 and 17 may also take the knowledge test online for a fee of $10.
12-monthWisconsin will suspend or revoke your driving privilege if you collect how many demerit points?Answer: 12 or more within any 12-month periodWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 57
Quote
You will not be able to drive if you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period.
six monthsA permit holder receives 12 demerit points within 12 months. What happens to the instruction permit?Answer: It is suspended for six monthsWisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
Your instruction permit will be suspended for six months if you receive 12 or more points within a 12 month period.
$1,000A crash damages vehicles and private property but injures no one. At what amount of damage must it be reported to police?Answer: $1,000 or moreWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 51
Quote
You need to report a crash to police if: • There is an injury or someone is killed • Property damage of $1,000 or more
$200You damage a guardrail in a crash. What amount of government property damage must be reported to police?Answer: $200 or moreWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 51
Quote
Government property damage of $200 or more (ex: signs, guard rails)

Speed limits

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 mphSpeed limits: School zones15 mph when passing a schoolhouse while children are going to or from school or playing nearby, or at a marked school crossing when children or a crossing guard are presentdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
Fifteen miles per hour when passing a schoolhouse at those times when children are going to or from school or are playing within the sidewalk area at or about the school.
25 mphSpeed limits: Residential25 mph within a city or villagedocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
Twenty-five miles per hour on any highway within the corporate limits of a city or village, other than on highways in outlying districts in such city or village.
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph where no other limit appliesdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
In the absence of any other fixed limits or the posting of limits as required or authorized by law, 55 miles per hour.
25 mphA farm vehicle displays an orange triangle with a reflective border. What does it tell you?Answer: It may be traveling at 25 mph or lessWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 29
Quote
Slow Moving Vehicle – A triangle shaped sign with reflective orange markings. This vehicle could travel at 25 mph or less.
25 mphUnless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in Wisconsin residential areas?Answer: 25 mphWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 14
Quote
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in residential areas is 25 miles per hour.
15 mphWhat is the normal speed limit in a Wisconsin school zone when children are present?Answer: 15 mphWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 14
Quote
The normal speed limit in a school zone when children are present is 15 miles per hour.
35 mphYou are on the outskirts of a Wisconsin village where no speed limit is posted. What is the maximum speed?Answer: 35 mphWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 14
Quote
The maximum speed limit in outlying parts of cities and villages with no posted speed limit is 35mph.

Distances & following gaps

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 feetSchool busesStop at least 20 feet away from the front or reardocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
shall stop the vehicle not less than 20 feet from the bus and shall remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the operator extinguishes the flashing red warning lights.
ten feetA pedestrian with a white cane is starting to cross in front of you. How far away must you stop?Answer: At least ten feet, until they are off the roadWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 13
Quote
Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane (even if they are no in the intersection). Stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the roadway
100 feet, three secondsWhen turning at an intersection, how early should you start signaling?Answer: About 100 feet (three seconds) before the turnWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 25
Quote
you should start signaling about three seconds (about 100 feet) before the turn.
Four secondsWhat following-distance rule does the Wisconsin handbook teach in good conditions?Answer: Four secondsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 14
Quote
Drive at a speed where you can always safely stop. Use the “Four Second Following Distance Rule.”
10 to 15 secondsUnder the handbook's sight distance rule, you must slow down if you cannot see at least how far ahead of your vehicle?Answer: 10 to 15 seconds aheadWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 16
Quote
If you cannot see 10 to 15 seconds ahead, you must slow down so you have better control of your vehicle
three feetHow much room must you give a bicyclist when passing?Answer: At least three feetWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 56
Quote
Give bicyclists at least three feet of room when you pass.
200 feetHow far behind a large truck does its rear No-Zone extend?Answer: About 200 feetWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 56
Quote
This area is about 200 feet behind and 20 feet in front of large trucks.
20 feetA school bus is stopped with red lights flashing. How far away must you stop?Answer: At least 20 feetWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 55
Quote
When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing you need to stop at least 20 feet from it.
200 feetHow much room should you give a snowplow with flashing lights?Answer: At least 200 feetWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 49
Quote
Give snowplows at least 200 feet of room when their lights are flashing red, amber or green
500 feetBesides the hours after sunset, when must you turn on your headlights?Answer: When you cannot see a person or vehicle 500 feet awayWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 25
Quote
You cannot see a vehicle or person that is 500 feet (about one block) away

Parking & curb colors

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
Yellow curbWhere is parking not allowed, according to the handbook?Answer: Along yellow-marked curbs and in front of fire hydrantsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 22
Quote
Parking is not allowed where there are yellow markings on the curb or areas in front of fire hydrants.

Ages, permits & the test

16 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
50Questions on the testwisconsindot.gov
Quote
The knowledge test will include 50 questions. You need to answer 40 questions (80%) correctly to pass the test. Tests in a DMV customer service center is free. ... Applicants between ages 15 and 17 may also take the knowledge test online for a fee of $10.
40 of 50Correct answers to passwisconsindot.gov
Quote
The knowledge test will include 50 questions. You need to answer 40 questions (80%) correctly to pass the test. Tests in a DMV customer service center is free. ... Applicants between ages 15 and 17 may also take the knowledge test online for a fee of $10.
80%Passing scorewisconsindot.gov
Quote
The knowledge test will include 50 questions. You need to answer 40 questions (80%) correctly to pass the test. Tests in a DMV customer service center is free. ... Applicants between ages 15 and 17 may also take the knowledge test online for a fee of $10.
$35Feewisconsindot.gov
Quote
Instruction permit (Class D) (18 months) $35
two yearsHow much licensed driving experience must the person supervising a Class D permit holder have?Answer: At least two yearsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 9
Quote
This person must have at least two years of licensed driving experience. This licensed driver must have a valid regular license.
At least 25You are practicing with your instruction permit after dark. If your supervisor is not a qualified instructor, how old must they be?Answer: At least 25Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 9
Quote
If you operate a vehicle during hours of darkness, you must be accompanied by a qualified instructor or a licensed person 25 years of age
age 25, two yearsYou are 16 and driving on your permit with a qualified supervisor beside you. Which non-family passenger may also ride in a back seat?Answer: One licensed person age 25 or older with two years of experienceWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 9
Quote
one other licensed person 25 years of age or more with at least 2 years driving experience may occupy a seat in the vehicle other than the front seat.
six monthsIf you are under 18, how long must you hold your instruction permit before getting a probationary license?Answer: At least six monthsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 10
Quote
You need to have your instruction permit for at least six months and turn 16 years old.
50 hoursHow much supervised driving must a Wisconsin teen complete before qualifying for a probationary license?Answer: 50 hours, with 10 of them in darknessWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 10
Quote
Your sponsor must verify that you have driven a total of 50 hours, 10 of which must be during hours of darkness.
nine monthsHow long do Wisconsin's GDL passenger and nighttime restrictions last on a new probationary license?Answer: The first nine months, unless you turn 18 soonerWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 10
Quote
These restrictions are required for the first nine months, unless you turn 18 years old before then.
six monthsWhat happens to your GDL restrictions if you are convicted of a moving traffic violation during the restricted period?Answer: They are extended for six monthsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 11
Quote
The graduated driver license restrictions will be extended six months if: • You are convicted of a moving traffic violation
eight yearsHow often must a regular Wisconsin driver license be renewed?Answer: Every eight yearsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 11
Quote
Renewing your drivers license needs to be done every eight years.
18 monthsHow long is a Wisconsin Class D instruction permit valid?Answer: 18 monthsWisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
A Class D instruction permit is valid for 18 months.
seven daysIf you are 18 or older, how long must you hold a Class D instruction permit before getting a probationary license?Answer: At least seven daysWisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
If you are 18 years old or older, you must hold your instruction permit at least seven days before you can get a probationary license.
six monthsA 16-year-old permit holder got a speeding ticket last month. How does that affect the probationary license application?Answer: They need six months with no traffic tickets before applyingWisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
You must have received no traffic tickets for six months prior to applying for a probationary license if you are under 18 years old.
12 hours, 60 hoursWhat are the hour limits on a Wisconsin occupational license?Answer: Up to 12 hours a day and 60 hours a weekWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 57
Quote
An occupational license allows you to drive up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week

Time limits & deadlines

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 daysCrashesUnless police file a report, the driver must send a written report to WisDOT within 10 daysdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
Unless a report is made under sub. (4) by a law enforcement agency, within 10 days after an accident of the type described in sub. (1) , the operator of a vehicle involved in the accident shall forward a written report of the accident to the department.
five yearsWhich record makes someone a habitual traffic offender in Wisconsin?Answer: Four major or 12 minor violations within five yearsWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 57
Quote
A habitual offender is someone who is convicted of four or more major traffic violations or 12 or more minor violations within five years.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
1 year, 20 lbSeat beltsUnder 1 year or under 20 lb: rear-facing seat in the back seat if there is onedocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
If the child is less than one year old or weighs less than 20 pounds, the child shall be properly restrained in a rear-facing child safety restraint system, positioned at a designated seating position in a back passenger seat
Age 4-8, 40-80 lb, 57 inchesSeat beltsAge 4-8, 40-80 lb and no taller than 57 inches: booster seatdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
if the child is at least 4 years old but less than 8 years old, weighs at least 40 pounds but not more than 80 pounds, and is not more than 57 inches in height, the child shall be properly restrained as provided in subd. 2. or properly restrained in a child booster seat.
aged 8Seat beltsThe driver and every passenger aged 8 or older must wear a seat belt, in front and back seatsdocs.legis.wisconsin.gov
Quote
no person who is at least 8 years old and who is seated at a designated seating position in the front seat required under 49 CFR 571 to have a safety belt installed
half hourDuring what hours must your headlights be on?Answer: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunriseWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 25
Quote
It is a half hour past sunset to half hour before sunrise
age 8Under Wisconsin's seat belt law, which passengers must wear a safety belt?Answer: Every passenger age 8 or older, front or backWisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
no person who is at least 8 years old and who is seated at a designated seating position in the front seat required under 49 CFR 571 to have a safety belt installed or at a designated seating position in the seats, other than the front seats,
Age eightGenerally, until what age must a child ride in a booster seat in Wisconsin?Answer: Age eightWisconsin Motorists' Handbook, page 59
Quote
Generally, children must be in a child safety seat until they reach age four and in a booster seat until age eight.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Wisconsin permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 54 of them for Wisconsin, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Wisconsin statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

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