Guide to the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook

If you're looking for a guide to the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, sometimes called the Driver Handbook, you've come to the right place! We'll answer all your questions and tell you where you can get your free copy.

What Is the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook?

The Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook is a state-issued document that teaches drivers about safe driving practices and the rules of the road in Wisconsin. It lays out the basics that every driver needs to know.

It covers topics from licensing requirements to what to do in emergency situations and everything in between. Mastering the material in this document is the indispensable first step to being a safe, SMART driver.

If I Read the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Do I Still Need to Take Drivers Ed?

Yes! While the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook is an important step, it is no substitute for a full-featured drivers education course. The handbook will lay out many of the things you must do to be a safe driver, but it can't teach you how to do them. That's where we come in, with a state-approved, fully online course of instruction that lets you choose where and when you study.

The state of Wisconsin agrees, which is why you can't even get an instruction permit (temps) until you've started taking a certified drivers ed course.

How Should I Study the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook?

First off, take it slow. It's a very dense document, and it covers a huge amount of very important material. So don't expect to race through it in an afternoon of light reading.

The best approach is to read through the whole thing, cover to cover, in about a week or so. Don't take notes or worry about memorizing or mastering the material just yet. Then go through the handbook piece by piece, more slowly, paying close attention and making a special effort to remember. If you do this as you're taking your drivers ed course, it will help you do better in the course and reinforce the important knowledge you're picking up.

By the time you're done, you should have a solid understanding of the rules of the road and the very basics of safe driving. Of course, you won't be done: even after earning a full drivers license with no restrictions, it takes years of practice and experience to become a seasoned, expert driver.

Where Can I Find the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook?

You can get a free electronic copy directly from the Department of Transportation website. Just pick your format and download it to your device of choice.