All ExamsWisconsin Driver's LicenseSignals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls

Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — Wisconsin Driver's License Practice Test

Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane ControlsQuestion 1 of 30

37 questions in this topic · 30 drawn at random this round

When may you turn left at a red light in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook

All questions are based on the official Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (WisDOT DMV). Study the relevant chapter to reinforce your knowledge.

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This Wisconsin Driver's License Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls practice set has 37 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real Wisconsin Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This section covers how traffic signals, the colored lines painted on the road, and special lane markings tell you what to do. Traffic signal lights are arranged with red on top, yellow in the middle, and green on the bottom. Knowing what each color and arrow means — and what the painted lines say about the road — is essential for moving safely through intersections and staying in the correct lane.

For signal colors: a steady red means come to a full stop and wait; you may turn right on red when it is safe and no sign prohibits it, and you may turn left on red only when going from a one-way onto a one-way street. A steady yellow warns that red is coming, so slow and stop before the intersection. A flashing red means stop first then go when safe, while a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution. Arrows work the same way in the direction the arrow points, and on a green left-turn signal you turn only when it is safe because oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.

For pavement markings: white lines separate lanes going the same direction — dashed white lines may be crossed when safe, while a solid white line means do not cross except for a hazard or a turn. Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; a dashed yellow line means you may pass when safe, two solid yellow lines mean no passing, and a dashed-and-solid combination means you may pass only from the dashed side. Special lanes have their own rules: a shared center lane is only for turning left or making a U-turn, reversible lanes use overhead signals where a red X means closed and a green arrow means open, reserved lanes (often marked with a white diamond) are for specific vehicles, and a flex lane lets you use the paved shoulder as a travel lane only when the signage permits.

Can I turn right when the light is red?

Yes, you may turn right on a red light when it is safe and no sign prohibits it. You may turn left on red only when turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after stopping first and yielding to all traffic.

What do I do if a traffic light is not working?

If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, proceed as if the signal were a stop sign. If a police officer is directing traffic, follow their directions instead.

What does a white diamond painted in a lane mean?

A white diamond often marks a reserved lane, which is for special vehicles only. It is illegal to travel in a reserved lane unless you are operating that type of vehicle, though you may enter it to turn across it within the next half block.

Written from the official Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook — Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

How are the lights on a standard Wisconsin traffic signal arranged?
- Red on top, yellow in the middle, green on the bottom — Correct answer
- Green on top, yellow in the middle, red on the bottom
- Yellow on top, red in the middle, green on the bottom
- Red on top, green in the middle, yellow on the bottom
Explanation: Traffic signal lights are arranged with red on top, yellow in the middle and green on the bottom.
Handbook: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — Traffic Signals
What should you do if a traffic light loses power or is not working properly?
- Proceed as if the signal were a stop sign — Correct answer
- Drive through without stopping since the light is off
- Treat it as if you always have the right-of-way
- Wait until the light starts working before moving
Explanation: If a traffic light loses power or is not working right, you proceed as if the signal were a stop sign.
Handbook: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — Traffic Signals
What should you do if you see a police officer directing traffic at an intersection?
- Follow the officer's directions — Correct answer
- Obey the traffic light instead of the officer
- Stop and wait until the officer leaves
- Continue at the posted speed limit and ignore the officer
Explanation: If you see a police officer directing traffic, you must follow their directions.
Handbook: Signals, Pavement Markings and Lane Controls — Traffic Signals