Skip to content

WisDOT · Division of Motor Vehicles

Wisconsin permit test 65 questions over two tests

Wisconsin gives one of the longest permit exams in the country. A 15-question signs test comes first, then a 50-question knowledge test, and you need 80% on each. Both are free at the DMV, with no appointment. This page covers the format, the GDL rules and a full-length practice exam.

Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook BDS126 (2026)

Test 1

Highway Signs Test

12 / 15

Shapes, colors and symbols. Need 80%.

Test 2

Knowledge Test

40 / 50

Laws and safe driving. About 45 minutes. Need 80%.

WhereCostWho
DMV customer service centerFreeAnyone. No appointment needed; arrive 45+ minutes before closing.
Online, knowtodrive.com/wisconsin$10Ages 15–17

Wisconsin DMV practice test

Exam mode follows the real 50-question format with 80% to pass. Practice mode runs our 25 handbook-based questions. For Test 1, use the road signs test.

Free quiz · no sign-up

Wisconsin permit practice test

Questions
25
To pass
80%
About
17 min

Instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.

Preview the 25 free questions

  1. How many questions are on the Wisconsin Highway Signs Test?

    • 10
    • 15
    • 20
    • 25

  2. How many signs answers must be correct?

    • 10
    • 11
    • 12
    • 13

  3. How many questions are on the Knowledge Test?

    • 25
    • 40
    • 50
    • 60

  4. How many Knowledge Test answers must be correct?

    • 35
    • 38
    • 40
    • 45

  5. What do the tests cost at a DMV customer service center?

    • Nothing
    • $10
    • $20
    • $35

  6. What does the online test cost for ages 15–17?

    • Nothing
    • $5
    • $10
    • $25

  7. What is the minimum age for an instruction permit?

    • 14
    • 15
    • 15½
    • 16

  8. How long must a supervisor have been licensed?

    • 1 year
    • 2 years
    • 3 years
    • 5 years

  9. In darkness, a supervisor who isn't an instructor must be at least:

    • 19
    • 21
    • 25
    • 30

  10. How long must you hold the permit before a probationary license?

    • 3 months
    • 6 months
    • 9 months
    • 12 months

  11. How many practice hours are required?

    • 30
    • 40
    • 50
    • 60

  12. How many of those must be in darkness?

    • 5
    • 10
    • 15
    • 20

  13. How long do GDL restrictions last?

    • 6 months
    • 9 months
    • 12 months
    • 18 months

  14. During which hours may a GDL driver drive alone for any purpose?

    • 5 a.m.–midnight
    • 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
    • 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
    • Any time

  15. When may a GDL driver drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m.?

    • Never
    • Only between home, school and work
    • Anywhere
    • With friends

  16. How much does a violation extend GDL restrictions?

    • 1 month
    • 3 months
    • 6 months
    • 1 year

  17. When may permit holders use a cell phone?

    • Hands-free any time
    • Only to report an emergency
    • For GPS
    • Any time

  18. What is the legal alcohol concentration for drivers under 21?

    • 0.00%
    • .02
    • .04
    • .08

  19. What is the unposted residential speed limit?

    • 20 mph
    • 25 mph
    • 30 mph
    • 35 mph

  20. What is the school-zone limit when children are present?

    • 10 mph
    • 15 mph
    • 20 mph
    • 25 mph

  21. What is the unposted limit in outlying city or village areas?

    • 30 mph
    • 35 mph
    • 40 mph
    • 45 mph

  22. How far from a bus with flashing red lights must you stop?

    • 10 ft
    • 15 ft
    • 20 ft
    • 30 ft

  23. Above what damage amount must a crash be reported?

    • $500
    • $1,000
    • $1,500
    • $2,500

  24. What damage to government property requires a report?

    • $100
    • $200
    • $500
    • $1,000

  25. May you exceed the speed limit to pass?

    • Yes
    • No
    • By up to 10 mph
    • On highways

Getting the permit at 15

You must be enrolled in driver ed that includes behind-the-wheel training. The school gives you a signed MV3001 application. Under 18, a sponsor (parent, step-parent or guardian) signs and takes responsibility for confirming your school enrollment and driving hours. Bring proof of identity, legal presence, SSN and Wisconsin residency, then pass the signs test, knowledge test and vision screening.

With a permit, you may use a cell phone only to report an emergency. Family members may ride in the back seat.

Probationary license and the 9-month GDL period

At 16, after 6 months with the permit, completed driver ed and 50 hours (40 daytime + 10 in darkness), you can get a probationary license. For the first 9 months (or until 18), restrictions depend on the hour:

5 a.m. – midnight

  • Drive alone
  • Any immediate family members
  • Plus one qualified licensed adult and one other person

Midnight – 5 a.m.

  • Alone only when driving between home, school and work
  • Otherwise, only with a qualified supervisor

A violation or suspension extends the restrictions 6 months, and points double for second and later convictions.

Rules to know for the 50 questions

  • Absolute Sobriety: drivers under 21 must be at 0.00%. Any amount of a restricted controlled substance counts as impaired driving.
  • Unposted speeds: 25 mph residential, 15 mph in school zones with children present, 35 mph in outlying parts of cities and villages. You may never exceed the limit to pass.
  • Following distance: four seconds, plus a second for each adverse condition.
  • School buses: stop at least 20 feet away, whichever side of the road you're on.
  • Move over or slow down for stopped police and emergency vehicles with lights on.
  • Crash reports: required for injury, death, $1,000+ damage, or $200+ damage to government property.
  • Passing: pass one vehicle at a time, on the left. Car pool lanes can have occupancy and hour rules.
  • New residents apply within 60 days (CDL holders within 30).

Unverified: permit fee, retake wait and highway or interstate speed limits.

Neighbors

Minnesota · Iowa · Illinois · Michigan

Wisconsin permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Wisconsin permit test?

There are two tests. The Highway Signs Test has 15 questions and you need 12. The Knowledge Test has 50 questions and you need 40. Both require 80%.

Is the Wisconsin permit test free?

Yes, at a DMV customer service center. Teens 15–17 can test online through knowtodrive.com/wisconsin for $10.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is needed for knowledge tests. The Knowledge Test takes about 45 minutes, so arrive at least 45 minutes before closing.

Can I take the Wisconsin test in another language?

Yes. The handbook says audio and many languages are available, with the list on the DMV website.

What does the instruction permit cost, and how soon can I retest?

Neither is in the 2026 handbook, and we couldn't verify them. Check WisDOT before you go.

Who can supervise me with a Wisconsin permit?

Someone in the front seat licensed at least 2 years: a qualified instructor 19+, a parent, guardian or spouse 19+, or any person 21+ (with a parent's written authorization for minors). In darkness, a non-instructor supervisor must be 25+.

Keep studying

Sources: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126); WisDOT DMV. Not affiliated with WisDOT.