Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Generally, a child must ride in a booster seat until reaching what age?

   Correct answer: Age eight

   As a general rule, a child stays in a child safety seat until age four and in a booster seat until age eight.

   Source: Section 12: Other Important Information — D. Seat Belts

2. 2. Using hand signals, how do you show that you are slowing down or stopping?

   Correct answer: Point your hand toward the ground

   To signal a stop or a slowdown by hand, point your arm downward toward the ground.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication (Turn signal)

3. 3. In a reversible lane, a red "X" displayed above the lane means that lane is:

   Correct answer: Closed and not to be used

   Over a reversible lane, a red X marks the lane as closed, a green arrow means it is open, and a yellow X means it is changing.

   Source: Section 5: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — C. Special Lanes (Reversible Lane)

4. 4. When may you use a paved shoulder to go around another vehicle?

   Correct answer: Only when the other vehicle is stopped or turning left

   You may use the paved shoulder to get around a vehicle only when that vehicle is stopped or is making a left turn.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — H. Passing

5. 5. If your car's turn signals are not working, the correct hand signal for a left turn is:

   Correct answer: Arm extended straight out the window

   To signal a left turn by hand, extend your arm straight out the driver's window.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication (Turn signal)

6. 6. When passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, you should pass:

   Correct answer: Only one vehicle at a time on the left

   You should pass only one vehicle at a time on the left, and you can return to your lane once both of the passed vehicle's headlights show in your rearview mirror.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — H. Passing

7. 7. When you must back your vehicle, you should move:

   Correct answer: No faster than a slow walk

   Because it is hard to see behind you, back up no faster than a slow walking pace and turn to look through the rear window.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — I. Backing

8. 8. According to the handbook, a U-turn is allowed on any rural two-lane highway as long as:

   Correct answer: You complete it safely without disrupting traffic

   A U-turn may be made on a rural two-lane highway when it is done safely and does not interfere with other traffic.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — G. Turning (U-Turn)

9. 9. Why should you avoid coasting with the car in neutral while driving?

   Correct answer: It leaves you with less control of the vehicle

   Coasting in neutral reduces your control; staying in gear keeps you in full control of the vehicle.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — D. Stopping

10. 10. Wisconsin law requires seat belts to be worn by:

    Correct answer: You and your passengers of every age

    State law requires you and your passengers of every age to wear seat belts, even if the vehicle has air bags.

    Source: Section 12: Other Important Information — D. Seat Belts

11. 11. If you move to Wisconsin holding a regular driver license from another state, you should apply for a Wisconsin license within:

    Correct answer: 60 days

    New residents with an out-of-state regular license should apply for a Wisconsin license within 60 days of moving here.

    Source: Section 2: Progression of Licenses — E. Out of State Transfers

12. 12. To drive legally in Wisconsin, every driver must carry:

    Correct answer: Valid liability car insurance

    You must have valid liability car insurance and be able to show proof of it if a police officer asks.

    Source: Section 12: Other Important Information — E. Insurance Requirements