Driving Restrictions For New Drivers In Wisconsin

If you are working to get your driver's license in Wisconsin, then you want to make sure you have everything in place and you know all the rules and restrictions that come with it. While it is an exciting time, most states have some kind of driving restrictions that come with getting your license. Wisconsin takes part in a graduated license system, so they impose some kind of driving restrictions on new drivers. Find out those driving restrictions on new drivers in Wisconsin below!

Driving Restrictions for New Drivers in Wisconsin

From passenger restrictions to curfews, there are different driving restrictions in place for new drivers in Wisconsin. We break them down for you right here, as stated by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles!

Instruction Permit Restrictions

After obtaining your Instruction Permit, there are some restrictions you have to follow. When driving with an Instruction Permit, you may only drive when accompanied by a person who:

• Has at least two years driving experience
• Holds a valid, regular license (not a probationary or occupational license)
• Sits in the front passenger seat

AND is one of the following:

• A qualified instructor 19 years old or older - Up to three other people may ride in the vehicle if it is equipped with dual controls
• A parent, legal guardian, or spouse 19 years old or older - Immediate family members may ride in the back seat
• A person 21 or older - This person must be designated in writing by a parent or legal guardian prior to accompanying a driver under age 18​

Restrictions For Probationary Driver License

After obtaining your Probationary Driver's License in Wisconsin, drivers between 16 - 18 years old have additional restrictions to follow. Drivers under 18 have the following Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions during the first nine months or until they turn 18 after obtaining a probationary license:

From 5 a.m. to midnight, you can drive alone and go anywhere.

• Any number of immediate family members can ride along as well as one person who holds a valid, regular license with at least two years of licensed driving experience and who is a qualified instructor or 
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From midnight to 5 a.m., you can drive alone only IF driving between home, school and/or work. The same people listed immediately above can ride along, too.​

• If you are driving anywhere else between midnight and 5 a.m., one of the following people must be seated in the front passenger seat: a parent or legal guardian, a person with a valid, regular license with two years of licensed driving experience who is a qualified instructor or a spouse 19 or older or a person 21 or older.
• ​​​In addition, any number of the driver’s immediate family members and one other person may ride along.

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

It is an exciting time, as you finally got your driver's license. However, these restrictions are put in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. Make sure you are following them!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.