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Wisconsin Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

Every new rider still passes the motorcycle knowledge test and signs test first. Practice with 700+ questions for the Wisconsin motorcycle knowledge test, written from the Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook.

  • 25questions
  • 20to pass (80%)
  • $0full test here
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  • 7 topics from the Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook
  • Answers explained, with the page to read
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Sample question

Wisconsin motorcycle test

Wisconsin laws, alcohol and fatigue

Approaching a right turn, where should you position your motorcycle?

Practice Wisconsin laws, alcohol and fatigue

Wisconsin motorcycle and moped laws, rural roads and railroad crossings · Alcohol, drugs, Wisconsin's OWI laws and fatigue

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Wisconsin motorcycle test topics

How practice rounds are picked

Wisconsin Motorcyclists' HandbookBDS110 (September 2026)checked Page numbers are the printed ones. About page numbers

How the Wisconsin motorcycle test works

  1. Three ways to a Class M

    You get a Wisconsin Class M license by finishing an approved Basic RiderCourse, by holding a motorcycle instruction permit and passing the DMV road test, or by surrendering a valid motorcycle license from another state. Every new rider still passes the motorcycle knowledge test and signs test first.

  2. The instruction permit

    From age 16 you can get a Cycle Instruction Permit, good for six months. Under 18 you also need a parent's sponsorship, finished driver education and proof you're enrolled in a Basic RiderCourse. Permit riders wear a helmet and eye protection, and after dark ride with a licensed rider aged 25 or older nearby. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook p. 6–7

  3. Gear the law asks for

    Wisconsin requires a helmet for riders and passengers under 18 and for anyone on an instruction permit. Eye protection is required for everyone: a face shield, goggles, glasses or a windshield at least 15 inches above the handlebars, and it must be clear after dark. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook p. 5

  4. A course can replace the road test

    The Basic RiderCourse, the 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse and the Basic RiderCourse 2 (with its E-Course) waive the DMV road test. The waiver is valid for one year after you finish, and a three-wheel course limits your Class M to three-wheelers.

Source: Wisconsin DMV: Motorcycle license

Compare the pass mark in every state.

Rules and gear

  • Who has to wear a motorcycle helmet in Wisconsin?

    Riders and passengers under 18, and anyone riding on an instruction permit. Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone else. Eye protection is required for every rider unless the motorcycle has a windshield at least 15 inches above the handlebars. p. 5

  • Is lane splitting legal for Wisconsin motorcyclists?

    No. A motorcyclist is entitled to a full lane, and no one may ride in part of a lane another vehicle is using; the only exception is two motorcyclists who agree to ride side by side in one lane. p. 10

  • What license do I need for a moped in Wisconsin?

    A valid Class D license (an instruction permit isn't enough). Without one, riders 16 or older who finished driver education can apply for a moped permit. Mopeds need a title and plates, carry no passengers and stay off freeways.

Sources: Wisconsin DMV: Mopeds

Rules from the Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook

From the BDS110 (September 2026) edition.

Wisconsin license, permit and courses

Practice Wisconsin license, permit and courses
  • p. 4
    Types of cycles

    Completing only a 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse, or passing the road test on a three-wheel motorcycle, restricts a Wisconsin Class M license to three-wheel cycles only. Motorcycle owners must title the motorcycle in Wisconsin, it needs a license plate, and riders follow all traffic laws.

  • p. 4
    Moped

    A Wisconsin moped has its engine built in, with an engine under 50 cc and an automatic transmission, or up to 130 cc if it is a bicycle type with working pedals.

Wisconsin laws, alcohol and fatigue

Practice Wisconsin laws, alcohol and fatigue
  • p. 10
    Lane use

    Under Wisconsin law, operators and passengers under 18, and riders on a cycle permit, wear approved helmets (at least the U.S. DOT standard) with chin straps fastened.

  • p. 10
    Motorcycle laws

    No one may drive a motor vehicle in Wisconsin, a motorcycle included, without liability insurance for it and proof of insurance carried while driving.

Gear and motorcycle checks

Practice Gear and motorcycle checks
  • p. 14
    Helmet use

    Research shows that, with few exceptions, an approved helmet worn properly reduces head and neck injuries.

  • p. 14
    Helmet Selection

    There are two primary helmet types, giving two levels of coverage: three-quarter and full face.

Control, braking and swerving

Practice Control, braking and swerving
  • p. 21
    Ride within your abilities

    A manual can't teach you to control direction, speed or balance; you learn that only through practice. Control begins with knowing your abilities, riding within them and obeying the rules of the road.

  • p. 21
    Know your responsibilities

    Blame doesn't matter when someone is hurt in a crash, and there is rarely a single cause. Riding aware of hazards, making critical decisions and carrying them out sets responsible riders apart; it is up to you not to cause, or be an unprepared part of, any crash.

Lane position and being seen

Practice Lane position and being seen
  • p. 24
    Lane positions

    There is no single best lane position for being seen and keeping a space cushion, and no part of the lane needs to be avoided, the center included. Ride where you are most likely to be seen and can keep space around you, and change position as traffic changes.

  • p. 28
    S.e.e.

    Experienced riders use S.E.E. (Search, Evaluate, Execute), a three-step process for making good judgments and applying them in traffic. Search aggressively ahead, to the sides and behind, checking mirrors and blind spots, to spot hazards before they arise.

Road hazards and breakdowns

Practice Road hazards and breakdowns
  • p. 41
    Flying Objects

    Riders are sometimes struck by insects, cigarettes thrown from cars or pebbles kicked up by vehicles ahead.

  • p. 43
    Chain problems

    A chain that slips or breaks while riding could lock the rear wheel and skid the motorcycle.

Wisconsin motorcycle license questions and answers

10 questions

The knowledge test

How many questions are on the Wisconsin motorcycle knowledge test?

Wisconsin DMV doesn't publish the number of questions or the passing score. Our practice exam uses 25 questions with 20 to pass (80%). The test is given on a walk-in basis at most DMV service centers, takes about 45 minutes, and comes in English or Spanish.

What does this Wisconsin motorcycle practice test cover?

The Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook (BDS110): cycle types and licensing, Wisconsin motorcycle and moped laws, protective gear, checking your motorcycle, alcohol and Wisconsin's OWI laws, control, lane position and S.E.E., intersections and being seen, crash avoidance, hazards and breakdowns, passengers, group riding and rider courses. Wisconsin Motorcyclists' Handbook p. 3

What if I fail the Wisconsin motorcycle knowledge test?

You can retake it no sooner than the next day. Each test may be taken five times in a year; after five tries you need special permission from DMV staff to test again.

What score do I need to pass the Wisconsin motorcycle permit test?

You need 20 of the 25 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Compare every state

How many questions can I miss on the Wisconsin motorcycle permit test?

You can miss up to 5 of the 25 questions: you need 20 right (80%) to pass.

Getting your Class M license

How old do you have to be for a motorcycle permit in Wisconsin?

16. Riders under 18 also need a parent or guardian's sponsorship, proof of finished driver education (classroom and behind-the-wheel) and proof of enrollment in a Basic RiderCourse. A Class D license isn't required first.

How long does a Wisconsin motorcycle instruction permit last?

Six months. It can be renewed in person at a DMV service center, but after two renewals you must show proof of enrollment in a Basic RiderCourse or 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse before another one.

Can a rider course replace the Wisconsin motorcycle road test?

Yes. Finishing the Basic RiderCourse, the 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse or the Basic RiderCourse 2 with its E-Course waives the DMV road test; bring the waiver to DMV within a year (some are sent electronically). The 3-wheel course restricts you to three-wheel motorcycles.

What is the Wisconsin motorcycle road test like?

It's taken by appointment at a DMV service center on your own motorcycle in good working order, with an approved helmet and eye protection. The examiner gives directions through a headset and scores how you handle real traffic situations.

How much does a Wisconsin motorcycle permit and license cost?

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lists the current fees for the motorcycle permit, tests and license on its official fee page.

Sources: Wisconsin DMV: Knowledge tests · Wisconsin DMV: Motorcycle license · Wisconsin DMV: DMV fees