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Wisconsin Permit Study Guide

Taking the DMV permit test in Wisconsin does not have to be worrisome.  Using this study guide, and taking the permit practice test will help make the process easy.

To pass the written permit test on the first try, it is crucial to be prepared by studying all the detail you will need to know. The state offers a Motorist’s Handbook for driving rules and also offers additional tips to teen drivers who are taking their first steps toward being a fully licensed driver.  The Wisconsin state handbook provides comprehensive information about every facet of the driving experience, and also includes all of the important rules that a new driver must know before qualifying for a license.

There are 50 multiple choice questions on the test, and an applicant must answer at least 40 questions correctly to get a passing score of 80 percent.

Important Reading in the Wisconsin Driving Manual

Topics covered on the permit test include traffic laws, traffic signs, traffic signals, pavement markings and safe driving practices. The test is less concerned with your knowledge of administrative details, so you don’t need to spend much time on the first few sections. 

You should however be very familiar with all the information from page 7 of the handbook onward.  Important traffic rules and safety laws begin on page 18 of the manual.  You are almost guaranteed to see questions asking you to identify road signs and signals, so make sure to study pages 12-18.  It is important to read all the way through the manual to page 58, as traffic laws are described in great detail for several chapters. The manual also provides information on issues like driving while intoxicated or responding to an emergency while in a vehicle.

Finally, when studying the handbook, pay special attention to any information specific to the instructional permit or teen driving.  For example, you should be familiar with the rules and restrictions for the instruction permit and probationary license described on pages 2-5.

Written Test Practice Tips

It's important to study before taking the written test because the state of Wisconsin only allows a driver to take the test five times in one year. The state estimates that a test should take around 45 minutes to complete, but new drivers who study well should be able to complete the test in less than the allotted time.

Additionally, the Wisconsin permit handbook provides study questions of the type of information that might appear on the actual test. Those practice questions start on page 59.  You can also take our Wisconsin permit practice test, which will help you become familiar with both the format of the test and the content of the questions.

Teen Learners Permit

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Wisconsin Driver Handbooks & Manuals

Before you take a practice test make sure you've reviewed the Wisconsin drivers handbook. You will be tested on this content!