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Edge and Lanes Lines A solid white line indicates the right edge of the traffic lane. A solid or dashed yellow line indicates the left edge of the traffic lanes going in your directions. White Lane Lines White Dashed Line These divide lanes of traffic going in the same direction. You can cross this line when it is safe. A white arrow shows what direction you need to go. Solid White Lines A solid white line between lanes means you cannot cross. You can only cross if there is a hazard or you are turning within the next block. Pedestrian Crossing Lines Crosswalk A crosswalk is for pedestrians to walk safely across the intersection. Pedestrians may be given signals for when they can safely cross. You front wheels should stop just before the solid white line. Do not stop on the crosswalk. Yellow Lane Lines Solid yellow lines Solid Yellow Lines These lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. Two solid yellow lines means that no lane of travel can pass. Exceptions: You can cross the line if you turn into a driveway, and it is safe to do so. You can pass a vehicle going less than half the speed limit if it is safe, except if it is farm equipment. Dashed yellow line Dashed Yellow Line This means you may pass other vehicles when it is safe to do so. Watch for other traffic if you choose to pass. . Dashed and Solid yellow line Dashed and Solid Yellow Lines this means you may pass if you are on the dashed side of the line. If you are on the solid side of the line, you may not pass. Some passing zones have signs that tell you where you can and cannot pass.

Traffic signals are lights that ell you when and where to stop or go. They are usually at intersections. The lights are red (top), yellow (middle) and green (bottom). A lot of intersections in the country have a single yellow or red light. If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, proceed as if the signal were a stop sign. If you see a police officer directing traffic, make sure to follow their directions. Red Lights Steady Red Come to a full stop. You must wait until the light turns green and there is no cross traffic. You can turn right on red if it is safe to do so and there is no sign prohibiting it. You may turn left on red if you are turning from a one-way on to a one-way street. When turning on red you need to stop first, yield to all traffic and then proceed staying in your lane. Flashing Red You must come to a full stop. You may go when it is safe to do so. Steady Red Arrow You must come to a full stop and wait for the light to turn green. Flashing Red Arrow You must come to a full stop. You may go when it is safe to do so. Yellow Lights Steady Yellow The light is about to change to red. You must slow down and stop before entering the intersection. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop. You can continue through the intersection. Flashing Yellow Slow down, check for cross traffic and proceed with caution. Steady Yellow Arrow The light is about to change to red. You should stop if it is safe to do so. Flashing Yellow Arrow Yield first before turning and proceed with caution. Green Lights Steady Green You can go through the intersection. You must yield to emergency vehicles and others a required by law. If you are stopped and then the lights turns green, you must allow cross traffic clear before you can go ahead. If you are turning left, a steady green light means you may turn, but only when is safe to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. Steady Green Arrow You can turn in the direction of the arrow. There should be no oncoming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green. Remember to watch for pedestrians.

The railroad crossing signs warn you that a train might be close. Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Do not stop on the tracks. Do not cross the tracks if there is not room on the other side. Do not shift gears while crossing the railroad tracks. Before you cross railroad tracks make sure to look both ways, even if the railroad signs are not flashing. Some signs may have a "Track out-of-service" sign across them. This means that the tracks are no longer in use. An "Exempt" sign means certain vehicles are not required to stop before crossing. Remember that trains are large, heavy and moving faster than they seem. Below are examples of signs you will see on the road: Railroad Crossing Warning This sign is round with a yellow background. It has an "X" symbol with black lettering. This means that there is a railroad crossing. Be alert and make sure to watch for a train Training Approaching This sign has the crossbuck with the lettering of "Railroad Crossing" and the number of tracks is listed. There could be more than one track to cross. There are blinking lights that flash when a train is coming on the track in either direction. Wait until the lights stop flashing and the track is clear to continue. Yield to Train This sign is white, X-shaped or "crossbuck" with "Railroad Crossing" on it. The number of tracks is listed under this. There is a Yield sign posted below this. You must yield to trains that are crossing.

This sign shape and color changes depending on the type of road you are traveling on. These signs help you navigate the routes to get to your destination. County Road The county sign is rectangular with rounded edges. It is white with black lettering. U.S. Route The U.S. roadway looks like a police badge. It is normally grey or white with black lettering. These roads are a network or roads and highways within the United States. State Road The sign looks like a milk jug with a spout at the bottom. This sign is white with black lettering. Interstate Highway This sign looks like a shield with red on top and lue on the bottom. It has white lettering.

These signs ae yellow and black lettering or symbols. Mose are diamond shaped. They warn you about a special situation or that a hazard is ahead. Below are some common signs you will see. Intersection / Cross Road A place where two or more roads cross. Divided Highway Two lanes where the traffic is going in opposite directions on the highway. The traffic ahead will come across a physical barrier such as a guardrail. Slippery When Wet The road ahead might be slippery. Slow down when you see this sign. Signal Ahead Stop lights are ahead. Be ready to slow down and stop. Deer Crossing In these areas deer are very likely to cross the road. Be alert. Sharp Turn This sign can show a left or right arrow. Be ready to slow down when you are turning on this road. Lane Ends This sign can show a right or left lane ending. Move to the other lane when it is safe to do so. Merge This sign can show a right or left lane merge. Make sure to move over to the next lane when it is safe to do so. Hill You will see this sign when there is a hill ahead. Slow down if needed to stay safe. 2-Way Traffic You will see this sign when you are leaving a one-way roadway and entering a roadway with opposing traffic. Curved Road The road will slowly move to the right or left. Slow down if needed to safely drive on this road. Stop Ahead There is a stop sign ahead. Slow down so that you can safely stop. This sign will have an arrow and the shape of the stop below the arrow. Roundabout Ahead The diamond contains a counterclockwise symbol. The rectangle below says, Roundabout Ahead." Pedestrian Crossing The sign shows a pedestrian in the main diamond and an arrow in the rectangular sign below. This arrow indicates where the crossing is. Yield to crossing pedestrians. School Crossing, School Zone (May be fluorescent green or yellow) This sign shows pedestrians in the main sign and an arrow below. This is specific to school zones and crossings. Yield to crossing pedestrians.

These signs are square, rectangle or a special shape. They can be white or red with black, red, white or green lettering and symbols. The sign will tell you the rules of the road. No Turn The sign will point in the direction you are not allowed to turn to. No U-turn You cannot make a U-turn. Do Not Enter You cannot enter. This is used on exit ramps going the wrong direction or one-way streets. Speed limit This indicates the maximum speed you can drive in good driving conditions. Reduced Speed Ahead This means that you should slow down. There might be a curb or slippery road ahead. Speed limit in a school zone When children are visible you cannot go over the speed listed. Keep Right A traffic island or obstacle divides the road ahead. Left Lane | Right Lane Sign The left arrow turn indicates this lane is only for turning left, the right arrow sign indicates the different lanes. In this example you can only use the left lane to turn left or make a U-turn. You would use the right lane to go straight or turn right. Left Lane | Middle Lane |Right Lane Sign There are three signs, which means there are three lanes of traffic. In this example the far left lane is used to go left or stay straight. The middle lane is to go straight. The right lane is to turn right. Stop The sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. You must come to a complete stop and wait until your path is clear before continuing. Slow Moving Vehicle A triangle shaped sign with reflective orange markings. This vehicle could travel at 25 mph or less. Yield A downward pointing red and white triangle with ed letters. This sign means that you must yield right-of-way to other vehicles. No Passing Zone A yellow pennant with black lettering. You are not allowed to pass any vehicle in the no passing zone. Reserve Parking Only You are able to park here if you hold a valid disabled parking identification permit or valid disabled license plate. Click on the title for more information on how to obtain this permit or license plate.

These signs are for construction, maintenance or emergency workers. They are an orange diamond or rectangle. The lettering and symbols are black. Thse signs wardn you about people working on or near the road. You will often see orange signs, cons and flags around these work areas This is you signal to slow down. Traffic fines double in these areas. You can only use your cellphone in a construction zone if you are reporting an emergency. Below are some examples of signs you might see on the road: Road Worker Ahead Road workers are up ahead. Make sure to slow down or move over. Road Construction Flagger Ahead A worker with a sign or a flag. you must follow their directions. Road Work Ahead The sign will tell you how far up ahead the construction work is . Make sure to slow down or move over.

Destination signs are square or rectangular. They are green or brown with white lettering. They show directions and distance to different places. They can show you directions to cities, states and airports. They can also show you how to get to parks, historical areas or museums. Destination These Signs show the city, state and direction you are going to travel. The example shows the city location of Madison. You can take interstate 94 going west to get to Madison. Exit These signs tell you which way the exit is. The arrow will show which direction the exit is located. This example shows the exit sign with the arrow pointing to the right. The exit lane would be located on the right. Roundabout Exit This sign is for roundabouts. It shows you which road you will be on when you exit the roundabout. This example shows that if you exit right, you will be on "East Street". Street Name Sign These signs till you the name of the road. They are located on almost every corner. The sign will be posted on top of a silver pole facing the road they are named after. Brown Destination Signs They show information about fun or beautiful place. Some signs show how many miles it will take you to get to the location listed on the sign.

Service signs are square or rectangular. They are blue with white letters or symbols. They show you how to get to different services nearby. Some services might include camping or a hospital. Some disabled access signs are white with green letters with a blue background. Access for the Disabled This sign shows you where there is access for the disabled. Access to the Hospital This sign shows you which direction the hospital is located.

These signs are also known as reference markers or enhancement reference signs. They are tall, think rectangular blue or green signs with white lettering. These signs help you locate where you are on the road. They improve emergency response times to highway incidents. Each mile marker includes the direction of travel, route number and mile number. They are at every one to two-tenths of a mile. You can find them on the right side of the road or in the median.

Call 911 if you or someone else is injured. Turn on your emergency flashers. Below are examples of possible roadside emergencies and how to react if they do happen: Brakes Stop Working: Pump the brake pedal several times Pull the parking brake. If you start to skid, take off the parking brake Look for a safe place to slow to a stop Tire Blowout: Hold the steering wheel to keep your vehicle going straight Lift your foot off the gas pedal and slow down little by little When it is safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road Engine Stops Working: Hold the steering wheel and keep the key in the “on” position Pull the car to the side of the road when it is safe The steering wheel will be hard to turn Headlights Stop Working: Flip your headlights on/off to see if you’re diving with parking lights on Put on your emergency flashers and low lights When it is safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road Gas Pedal Sticks: • Keep your eyes on the road • Switch the car to neutral • When it is safe to do so, pull off to the side of the road • Turn off the engine

If you are in a crash: Call 911 if you or someone else is hurt. Stay at the crash if you are involved or emergency help has not arrived. Turn on your emergency flashers or flares to warn other drivers. If you were in a crash and someone is injured or killed: Call 911 Stay on the scene and do not move the vehicles Stay in the vehicle if it is safe to do so It is a crime to leave the scene if someone is injured or killed. If there are no injuries, but your vehicle cannot move: Call 911 and follow their directions Make sure to stay away from traffic If there are no injuries, but you can move your vehicle: When it is safe to do so, move your vehicle off the road Do not block traffic or stop in the middle of the road Get important information from the other driver(s) involved in the crash. This includes driver license information, vehicle information and insurance information. Record any damages to the vehicles involved Write down the facts of how the crash happened If there are any witnesses, get their information too You need to report a crash to police if: There is an injury or someone is killed Property damage of $1,000 or more Government property damage of $200 or more (ex: signs, guard rails) You cannot move your vehicle A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Most crashes are avoidable. Paying close attention to your surroundings will help you choose the proper crash avoidance. The chance of a crash doubles if a teen driver has another teen in the vehicle. If you see a vehicle on the side of the road, warn other vehicles behind you by tapping your brake pedal three or four times. You have three options to try and avoid a crash. Stop: You could avoid a crash by stopping quickly. The proper way to use ABS in an emergency is to apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. Continue until the vehicle has stopped, or the danger has passed. ABS will help you stop with little or no skidding by keeping the wheels from locking up when you brake. Make sure to watch out for cars behind you as stopping quickly could cause someone behind you to crash into you. Turn: You could consider turning to avoid a crash. Make sure you have a good grip with both hands on the steering wheel. Once you have turned away or changed lanes, you must be ready to keep the vehicle under control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up in another. Always steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Do not steer into the oncoming lane of traffic. Speed Up: Sometimes it is best to speed up to avoid a crash. This may happen when another vehicle is about to hit you from the side or from behind you. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed.

There are special hazards in rural/country areas. These hazards may include slow moving tractors, farm equipment and livestock. Farmers may have difficulty seeing or hearing other traffic. Their equipment may not have brake lights or turn signals. Be patient when you are around farm equipment on the road. You should yield the right-of-way to livestock on or along the highway. Do not honk your horn because this might scare the animal. Slow down and keep a safe distance. No one under 16 years old can operate a farm tractor or self-propelled farm machinery on highways.

You need to drive with extra safety precautions in the winter. People are not used to driving on the first day of snowfall so be alert and extra cautious. Follow the winter driving tips below: Before driving clear off snow and ice from all parts of your vehicle. It is important to remove snow and ice from, all windows, vehicle lamps, side mirrors and license plates Drive slowly, give extra room in front of your vehicle Do not use cruise control on slippery roads Turn on your headlights and do not use your high beams (brights) Give snowplows at least 200 feet of room when their lights are flashing red, amber or green

Some road surfaces are slippery, icy, snow covered or have heavy rain. In all these situations, it is best to stay off the road and not drive. It is important to remember that in severe weather bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the roadway. The best option is to slow down and stay alert. To keep control of your vehicle, make sure to avoid rapid braking or sudden sharp turns. If your car does not have Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), gently pump the brakes. This will help your car from skidding or sliding on slippery roads. Spotting slippery/icy roads: Shady spots, overpasses and bridges on cold wet days When the temperature is around the freezing point Pavement when it starts to rain Standing water close to the shoulder Hydroplaning: Hydroplaning means your tires slide on top of the water. Hydroplaning can happen at low speeds if your tires are bald. If you find yourself sliding, you should follow the steps below: Ease your foot off the gas pedal Keep the wheel straight Do not try to stop or turn until your tires are gripping the road again Skidding: This is when your tires are bouncing up and down on the road and you have lost control of the vehicle. Stay off the brake Turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go As soon as your car begins to straighten, turn the wheel back the other way

A funeral procession is a way of traveling with the deceased. This procession is from a funeral home or a place of worship to a cemetery or a crematorium. The first vehicle in the line must follow traffic signs and signals. Vehicles in the line must have their headlights on. Do not cut into the line or interfere with the funeral line

Deer are the most active in the sunset to sunrise hours. Scan the road and watch for the reflection of your headlights in the eyes of deer. If you see their eyes, slow down. Use your horn and be ready to stop. Watch for more than one deer. Deer are usually in rural areas, but they do wander into towns or even cities. Deer may cross anywhere, at any time. If you hit a deer, follow the steps below: Check to make sure your vehicle is still safe to drive Record the time, place and incident for insurance and crash reporting If you hit a deer, you can keep it. If you do not want it, the next motorist can keep it Call the police so they can issue a tag for the deer. You will need to call them if you do not want the deer to let them know where it is

The top priority of law enforcement is the safety and well-being of the public. If pulled over, police will see if there is a possible incident, crime or minor violation of law. If stopped by law enforcement, you should: • Pull off to the right-hand side of the road when you see emergency lights flashing Driving Situations Put your vehicle in park, turn off your car and radio Stay in your vehicle and keep your seatbelt on Roll down your window Put your hands on the top of the steering wheel in plain sight Do not make any sudden movements or reach for things around you Do not argue if given a ticket. You will have an opportunity in front of a judge or court to express concerns. Stay calm and follow the officers’ directions. You will get back on your way as soon as possible.

Roundabouts or traffic circles are a safer and more efficient traffic flow option. Traffic moves counterclockwise. Look at the signs above you as you get to the roundabout. This will tell you what lane you need to be in. Generally, the left lane is marked for turning left. Travel in the right lane to take the next right turn and the middle lane to go straight. As you reach the roundabout follow the steps below: Slow down Yield to pedestrians and bicycles Yield to traffic on your left that is already in the roundabout Yield to semitrucks Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic Keep your speed low and stay in your lane As you reach your exit, turn on your right turn signal and exit If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you do not need to wait to enter. Do not switch lanes while you are in the roundabout. When emergency vehicles, with their sirens on, enter a roundabout you need to yield to them. If you have not entered the roundabout, pull over and allow emergency vehicles to pass. If you are already in the roundabout, safely exit at the next right, then pull over. Avoid stopping in the roundabout.

It is important to let other drivers know you are there and what you plan to do on the road. To do this you can use your headlights, brakes, turn signals, hazards and give space to cars in front and behind you. Emotions can have a great effect on your ability to drive safely. Do not drive if you are very worried, excited, afraid, angry or depressed. The horn: A horn is used to help prevent a crash. It is a way of signaling to another driver that you are there. A light tap on the horn should be enough to signal to another driver to get their attention on the road. You can push hard on your horn to warn someone if you are going to hit them or they are going to hit you.  Low Beams (Headlights): Help you see others and others see you Most vehicles have an automatic setting for the low beams/headlights. Make sure you know how to manually operate these even if they are automatic. Check your low beams/headlights settings to make sure they are on when you need them You must use your low beams/headlights when: You cannot see a vehicle or person that is 500 feet (about one block) away It is a half hour past sunset to half hour before sunrise It is recommended that you use your low beams/headlights when: You are using your windshield wipers It is rainy, snowy or foggy High Beams (Brights): Let you see twice as far as low beams/headlights Go back to your low beams/headlights when a vehicle comes toward you If someone is driving toward you and forgets to turnoff their brights, look toward the right side of the road You can use your high beams/brights when: There are no vehicles coming toward you You are in an unfamiliar place or construction area Parking Lights should only be used when you are parked and idling. Turn signal: A turn signal lets others know where you plan on going and gives time to respond. It is important to use your turn signal before you make a turn or switch lanes. Before you move your vehicle, turn on your turn signal, check around you and then make your move. If you are turning at an intersection, you should start signaling about three seconds (about 100 feet) before the turn. If you are turning after an intersection, start signaling once you cross the intersection. You can use hand signals if your car does not have turn signals or it is hard for others to see your turn signals. If you would like to turn left, point your hand out the driver side window, straight. If you would like to turn right, bend your elbow and point your hand up. If you are stopping or slowing down point your hand to the ground.

You are responsible for making sure your vehicle is not a hazard when it is parked. Be sure to park far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic. This is normally on the far-right side of the road. Parking is not allowed where there are yellow markings on the curb or areas in front of fire hydrants. Make sure there are no “No Parking” signs where you are planning to park. Parking should be done at a very low speed to avoid crashes. When parking on a level surface, put your vehicle in (P) Park (or in gear if you have a manual transmission) and set the parking brake.  Hill parking: If you are parked uphill with a curb, you will turn your wheels all the way to the left before you put your car in park. If you are parked uphill without a curb, you will turn your wheels all the way to the right before you put your car in park. If you are parked downhill, you will move your wheels all the way to the right. Set your emergency brake. DOWN HILL UP Parallel parking: Parallel parking is used to park in-between vehicles. While parking make sure to watch out for traffic, pedestrians and fixed objects. Find a parking space that is about 3-6 feet longer than your vehicle. Below are steps on how to parallel park: Put your turn signal on. Stop evenly with the vehicle ahead of where you want to park. Stop about 2 feet away from it. Turn your wheel all the way to the side and slowly move backward. If you are parking on the left side of the road turn your wheel to the left. If you are parking on the right side of the road turn your wheel to the right. Once your front door passes the back bumper of the vehicle you are parking behind, straighten your wheel. Continue to drive slowly straight back. When your vehicle’s bumper is clear of the vehicle in front, turn your wheel sharply in the opposite direction. Slowly back up your vehicle until you are parallel with the curb. Straighten your wheels again. You should be about a foot away from the curb and at least 2 feet away from the vehicle in front of you and behind you

It is hard to see behind your vehicle. Try to do as little backing up as possible. When backing up is necessary move slowly. Back up no faster than a slow walk. Do not only depend on your mirrors and backup camera when backing up. Turn your body and look behind you and out of your windows. Look over your right shoulder through the rear window. When possible, use a person outside of your car to help you back up. When you are done backing up scan left and right before moving back into traffic. If you miss your exit or turn on a road, do not back up. Go on to the next exit and re-enter the road to get back to the exit you missed.

Passing is when you go around another vehicle. You can use a paved shoulder to go around someone only if they are stopped or making a left turn. The lane farthest on the left of a multi-lane road is used for vehicles to go around slower ones. If you pass someone on the right, they might not be able to see you and this could cause a crash. If someone is trying to pass you, stay in your lane and slow down. Changing lanes: Before you move to another lane you need to make sure the road is clear. Remember to use your turn signal before changing lanes. Move one lane at a time. Check over the shoulder in the direction you are changing lanes. If moving to the left lane, check over your left shoulder. If moving to the right lane, check over your right shoulder. These two areas that you check over your shoulder are called “blind spots.” You cannot see these areas by only looking in your mirrors. When to pass: Be safe when passing another vehicle. There might not be enough time to pass several vehicles at once or the one in front of you. Pass only one vehicle at a time on the left side. Do not stay in the passing lane, move safely back to your lane. You cannot go over the speed limit to pass another vehicle on the road. Do not pass a vehicle unless there is enough room in front of the vehicle you want to pass. Other vehicles do not have to move to let you pass. Once you see both headlights of the vehicle you just passed in your rearview mirror it is safe to return to the driving lane.

Make sure to check your mirrors, surroundings and blind spot before turning. It is important to stay in your lane, signal that you are going to turn and yield the right-of-way. Last second changes are unsafe and could cause a crash. When you are ready to turn onto a side road or a driveway make sure to check your mirrors and vehicles behind you. Stay in your lane while you make your turn and do not change lanes while turning. Do not cross over the center line when you turn. Leave extra space to large vehicles such as trucks and buses as they may cross the center line during a turn. Left turn: Check your mirrors and look ahead to make sure your path is clear. Keep close to the center line. Check for pedestrians crossing on the left. Slowly approach the intersection and wait about halfway in the intersection. Make sure to leave room for oncoming traffic to turn in front of you. If you must wait for traffic to pass, keep your steering wheel straight. This is to keep you and others safe. If you turn your wheel to the left and someone hits you from behind, you will be pushed into oncoming traffic. It is important to keep your steering wheel, vehicle wheels and vehicle straight. Turn left when it is safe to do so.  U-Turn: A U-turn is when you make one smooth U-shaped motion so that you end up traveling in the opposite direction. It can be very dangerous to complete this turn. This turn is allowed at some intersections and is sometimes needed. Make sure to check all your mirrors and for traffic if you would like to make this turn. Check for any sign that tells you not to make a U-turn. You can make a U-turn in any rural two-lane highway if it is done safely and you do not interfere with traffic. Below is an example of completing a U-turn: Multiple turn lanes: Some roads have more than one lane to turn from. Make sure to look ahead to see what lane you need to end up in after the intersection. If you start turning from the left-most lane you should end up in the left-most lane. If you are in the middle lane you need to end up in the middle lane of the street you are turning onto. Be aware and alert to other drivers. To turn right off a four-lane roadway, you must turn from the lane nearest the right curb or edge of the roadway.  Y-Turn: This turn should only be used in residential areas on streets that are too narrow for a U-turn. You will also need to use this on the driving exam to show your driving skill and judgement. Remember to check your surroundings for each step below: Signal right. Check for traffic to the right and in your mirrors. Pull as far right as possible. Stop. Signal left. Check your blind spot. Turn left to the opposite curb. Stop. Look behind you, over your right shoulder. Reverse your car enough so that you can move forward again. Stop. Check traffic to the left and right. Pull forward and proceed in your lane of traffic

It is important to give plenty of space to other vehicles. Remember to give space all around your vehicle. Give extra space to large vehicles so you can see around them, and they can see you. If a vehicle is driving right next to you on a roadway move ahead or move behind the vehicle when it is safe. This will keep space all around your vehicle. Space in front: Use the “four second following distance rule” when you are driving behind someone. Giving enough room in front of you is very important You might need to give additional seconds of space in front of you if: The roads are slippery, icy or covered in snow The driver behind wants to pass you You are following trucks, buses, vans, large vehicles, motorcycles or bicycles You have a heavy load or trailer Someone else is following you too closely There are emergency vehicles ahead of you You come across a railroad crossing You stop on a hill or incline Space behind: It is not easy to keep space behind you. Check your rearview mirror every 6 to 8 seconds to see if someone is following too closely (tailgating). If someone is tailgating you, slowly reduce your speed. This should encourage them to drive around you. Give extra space to someone who cannot see behind their vehicle. You can help a driver behind you by keeping a steady speed and signaling in advance when you need to slow down or turn. Try to find a safe place out of traffic if you need to stop to pick up or let off passengers. Drive in the far-right lane of multi-lane roads if you are driving slower than most traffic. Pull over to the side of the road so that others can pass on the left. Space to cross: When you cross traffic and multi-lane roads make sure there is enough room to get all the way across. Look ahead, check your surroundings and be ready to stop. Do not cross traffic until it is safe to do so. Check for other vehicles and pedestrians before you cross traffic.

To have better control of your vehicle, the driver needs to be able to see ahead of their vehicle. If you cannot see 10 to 15 seconds ahead, you must slow down so you have better control of your vehicle in the traffic environment. Be aware of what is around you while you are driving. This will help you know what to look out for and see if any unexpected objects or hazards are up ahead. Check all your mirrors while you are driving. Look left and right, ahead and behind you by using your rearview mirror. Watch for railroad crossings. Do not assume a train is not coming down the tracks. Stop before the crossing, look both ways and listen for the train. Look ahead to see if there is room for your car on the opposite side of the crossing. Do not look at drivers that have been pulled over or other roadside activity. This could cause a crash.

It is important to be alert while driving. This will help you see what is ahead of you so that you can start to slow down. If you stop your car with no warning this could be very dangerous. This could cause you to lose control of the car or someone behind you to hit you. By slowing down earlier you can make a more gradual and safer stop. Do not coast while driving, this means putting your car in the neutral position. Stay in “gear” so that you can have full control over your vehicle.

An intersection is where two points cross. Intersections include cross streets, driveways, parking lot entrances and railroad crossings. This includes cross streets, driveways, parking lot entrances and railroad crossings. Look to your left and right before you enter an intersection. Check to make sure there are no other vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection. Look across the intersection to see if there is a clear path to where you would like to go. If you cannot see, move forward with caution. It is important to have control of your vehicle and be able to brake if needed, this is most important when there are no control signals or signs. Trees, buildings and parked vehicles can block the view at intersections. Approach a blocked intersection at a slow pace. Some drivers do not obey or notice traffic signals or signs. Be alert by searching left, right and left again before going through the intersection even if you have the right-of-way.

Drive at a speed where you can always safely stop. Use the “Four Second Following Distance Rule.” To do this pick out a stationary object as far ahead as you can clearly see. This object could be a tree, sign or house. Start counting “one thousand one, one thousand two,” count to one thousand four. If you reach the object before you finish saying, “one thousand four,” you are going too fast. Add a second for every adverse condition such as heavier traffic, rain, snow and/or ice. Speed limits: Speed limits are the fastest speed you are allowed to drive in the area you are in. These signs are on the side of most roads. It is illegal to go over the speed limit that is on the sign. You cannot drive over the speed limit to pass other vehicles. Drive in the far-right lane of a multi-lane road if you are driving slower than most traffic. Racing and driving recklessly are not allowed and are illegal. Be alert and make sure to scan the road for the speed limit sign. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in residential areas is 25 miles per hour. The normal speed limit in a school zone when children are present is 15 miles per hour. The maximum speed limit in outlying parts of cities and villages with no posted speed limit is 35mph. Although the speed limit is considered the maximum speed, you may need to go slower depending on visibility and road conditions. Going too fast or too slow could cause a crash. Going too slow can cause vehicles to back up behind you and cause a crash. In both instances you could be given a ticket by police. Adjust to traffic: Try to keep the same speed as others on the road. Passing other vehicles on the road could cause a crash. When you merge with traffic try to enter at the same speed that the traffic is currently moving. Avoid forcing another driver to change speed or direction because of you merging. High-speed roadways such as a highway have an acceleration lane (on-ramp) with an entrance ramp. In the acceleration lane you will speed up as you merge with the traffic flow. This allows other cars that are already in the flow of traffic to slow down or move over so you can merge with them. It is your responsibility to find a safe gap in traffic to legally merge. In the deceleration lane (off-ramp) traffic slows down, this is where you will gradually slow down as well. Check your surroundings when you enter or leave traffic. Changing speed for conditions: Change your speed for road and traffic conditions. The faster your car is going, the more distance it will take to turn, slow or stop the car. To have better control of your vehicle, the driver needs to be able to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicle. Slow down to navigate the roads and conditions below: Curved roads or hills When it starts to rain, snow or hail Parking lots, shopping malls and downtown areas Schools, playgrounds and residential neighborhoods

A REAL ID is a form of identification that fulfills the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Wisconsin DMV provides REAL IDs (indicated with a star ) that comply with these standards. Starting May 7, 2025, if you intend to fly domestically, enter a military base, or access other federal buildings, you must present a REAL ID-compliant identification (or another acceptable ID, like a passport).

A regular driver license is the last step after the probationary license. Renewal time starts 90 days before your probationary license expires. Visit DMV’s online driver license renewal/replacement or visit a DMV service center. Renewing your driver's license needs to be done every eight years. You can renew your license up to a year in advance from the expiration date. You will receive a renewal reminder notice 45 to 60 days before your birthday in the year your driver license expires.

teen with probationary license The first license you will receive after passing your skills/driving test at the DMV is a probationary license. You must be at least 16 years old. Remember that phones are not allowed while driving unless you need to report an emergency. Restrictions on the probationary license (GDL – Graduated Driver License): You might hear the restricted license called a graduated driver license (GDL). If you are under 18 years old, you will have specific restrictions on who can ride with you and the hours you can drive. These restrictions help reduce distractions for new drivers and limit the number of people in the car. These restrictions are required for the first nine months, unless you turn 18 years old before then. You do not need to get a new license after the GDL restrictions are complete. These restrictions are below: From 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. (midnight), you can drive: Alone and go anywhere Any number of immediate family members can ride along One other person From 12 p.m. (midnight) to 5 a.m, you can drive: Alone only IF driving between home, school and/or work. One other person The graduated driver license restrictions will be extended six months if: You are convicted of a moving traffic violation, or You violate any of the restrictions, or Your license is suspended or revoked for any reason The restrictions are similar to the permit as the points on second or future convictions double. This means that if you get pulled over by a police officer and issued a ticket you might get points added to your license. Once you turn 18 the graduated driver license hours and passenger restrictions no longer apply.

If you are new to Wisconsin and have a driver license from a different state, you are considered an out of state transfer. You are considered a Wisconsin resident if any of these apply: Your principal residence is in this state You pay your income taxes here You are registered to vote here When you need to apply for a WI driver license after establishing residence: Within 60 days for a regular license Within 30 days for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) Teen driver (15 - 17 years old) with an out of state learner's permit Teen drivers relocating to Wisconsin from another state are required to present evidence of having completed driver education. The DMV personnel will evaluate your completion documents to decide if further training is necessary in Wisconsin. At the age of 16, you are permitted to take one road test using a valid or expired (less than one year) out-of-state learner’s permit. To arrange the road test, you must visit a DMV office. Teen driver (16 - 17 years old) with an out of state driver's permit Teen drivers who move to Wisconsin from another state and already have a driver license in that state, can apply for a Wisconsin probationary license . First Wisconsin driver license (age 18 and older) If you hold a valid (or expired less than 8 years) license from another state, you can apply for a Wisconsin driver license. If you have a REAL ID from another state, you will need to provide all the necessary documents again in Wisconsin. Returning to Wisconsin (previously held a Wisconsin driver's license for age 18 and older) If you previously held a Wisconsin driver license and are returning, you may be eligible to replace or renew your former WI driver license.

Right-Of-Way Rules in Wisconsin Vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet where there are no traffic signals or signs. “Right-of-way” tells us who goes first and who must wait. Do not assume that the vehicle on the “right” goes first. Each situation that you come across will be different. Keep yourself and others safe. You must always yield to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. You should yield right-of-way to: Pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers who are still in the intersection The bicyclist or driver who arrives first to the four-way stop If one or more drivers arrives to the stop at the same time, the driver on the right goes first Vehicles coming from the right when there are no signals or traffic lights (uncontrolled intersections) Traffic that is already in a roundabout (traffic circle) Cross traffic in an uncontrolled T-intersection 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 A vehicle that is passing you on the left or right going the same direction on the road Approaching vehicles if you are making a left turn or a U-turn Emergency vehicles if they are using their lights and/or sirens

Driving drunk or driving while on drugs is very dangerous. You have a higher chance of getting into a crash if you are drunk or on drugs. The legal alcohol concentration allowed for drivers under the age of 21 is 0.00%. This means that you cannot have any alcohol in your system while driving a vehicle. Any amount of a controlled substance is the same as operating impaired. Studies have shown that people who use marijuana make more mistakes while driving. Prescription and non-prescription drugs can also negatively impact driving. Before you get behind the wheel, check the warning label for side effects. If the label says do not operate heavy machinery, this includes motor vehicles. Ask a sober friend or family member to give you a ride home or a bartender to call you a cab. Time is the only thing that will sober you up. Implied Consent: If a police officer asks you to take a prohibited alcohol concentration (PAC) test, you must agree to take it. A PAC test finds if you have a measurable amount of alcohol by a breathalyzer or blood test. 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 and face other consequences.

Being distracted while driving is dangerous. Concentrate on driving and keep your eyes on the road. • Do not drive with headsets or headphones that cover or go in both ears. Keep your radio at a low volume so that you can hear emergency vehicles. • Avoid answering your phone while driving. If you need to use your phone, pull over to the side of the road when it is safe. • Instruction permit and probationary license holders can only use a cell phone to report an emergency. • Regular license holders should avoid using a cell phone while driving. If you need to use your phone while driving, try the “Hands-free” option that your vehicle has.  • Focus on driving. If you need to read directions, pull over to a safe location. Eat when your car is parked and not while driving. • Put pets in their carrier or have a passenger hold them. Do not hang things from your rearview mirror or clutter your windows with decals.

Drowsy driving is when someone is very tired because of little sleep. This can also happen if you have an untreated sleep disorder or a long shift at work. It is important to get a good night’s sleep before you drive. Teen and young adult drivers are at greater risk of drowsy related crashes. Pull over and rest if you are: • Yawning or blinking a lot • Drifting from your lane • Hitting the rumble strip on the side of the road

Pedestrians Be alert. Children or others may run out into the road without looking. Allow extra room for pedestrians, confused drivers or people who cannot see you. It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk unless you are crossing it.

When you see emergency lights and hear sirens it is time to move. Pull over to the side of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Do not stop in the middle of the intersection. If you are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, make sure to move into the lane not nearest the stopped vehicle. Keep in the farthest lane until you have gone past the emergency vehicle. If you see a police car is stopped on the side of the road with their lights and sirens on, move over or slow down, it’s the law. This will give the police officer and other emergency vehicles room.

When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing you need to stop at least 20 feet from it. You must stop whether the school bus is on your side of the road or the opposite side of the road. Watch for children. You can proceed once the red lights on the school bus have stopped flashing. If you are on a divided highway/roadway and not on the side of the school bus, you do not need to stop. A divided highway has a barrier between lanes going opposite directions.

Sharing the road with motorcycles is important. Motorcycles are a lightweight vehicle and can stop faster than most vehicles. Make sure to give motorcyclists extra room especially when you are following one. Be extra aware and be sure to check your blind spots before moving. Wait until it is safe to pass.

Bicyclists can use the whole traffic lane. Do not share a lane with bicyclists. They can move into your path quickly and without warning. Wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing a bicyclist. Give bicyclists at least three feet of room when you pass. Bicyclists should have reflectors or lights on their bikes. Some do not so be watchful and alert when moving around them.

No-Zones are where large vehicles cannot see you. This area is about 200 feet behind and 20 feet in front of large trucks. Big trucks, such as commercial vehicles, have trouble seeing you if you get too close. They cannot see cars close behind them or right in front of them. Either speed up or drop back so that the other driver can see you. If you want to pass a vehicle, get out of their blind spot quickly

Your driving record starts with zero points. If you are convicted of violating a traffic law, you could receive demerit points. If you hold a probationary license, ID card or no type of license, you will have your points doubled. These points are doubled on the second conviction and any thereafter. You will not be able to drive if you get 12 or more demerit points within any 12-month period. Your driving privilege will be suspended or revoked.

A habitual offender is someone who is convicted of four or more major traffic violations or 12 or more minor violations within five years. Visit our website for a list of points, major and minor violations. You will not be able to drive for five years if you are a habitual traffic offender. Your driving privilege will be revoked. You could be eligible for an occupational license after a two-year waiting period.

You may lose your Wisconsin driving privilege because of a suspension, revocation, cancellation, disqualification or denial. You do not need a Wisconsin license to lose your Wisconsin driving privilege. If you want to apply for an Occupational license, check our website to see if you are eligible. You will need to show proof of financial responsibility. An occupational license allows you to drive up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week to and from work, school, and places that you need to visit to maintain your household, such as grocery store, medical appointments, and to the agency where you are completing your Intoxicated Driver Program (IDP) assessment and Driver Safety Plan (DSP).

A revoked license can be reinstated after the period of revocation is over. You may need to file proof of financial responsibility with the DMV. Present proof of identity and pay a reinstatement fee.

The knowledge and signs tests are available with audio. These tests are also available in many different languages. Visit our website for a list of languages we offer. You can report an invisible disability to the DMV. The disclosure that you make will be available to law enforcement officers and employees of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Please complete the Invisible Disability Disclosure MV2167 if you would like to disclose this information. You can email, mail or fax the information to the address that is on the form.

Many health problems can affect your driving. You should report health conditions that could affect your driving to the DMV. You can complete this on the Wisconsin Driver License (DL) Application MV3001. Visit WisconsinDMV.gov/medical for more information on what medical conditions to report.