How To Apply For Wisconsin Drivers License As A Teen

For most states, there are some pretty strict guidelines in place in order to get a driver's license. Wisconsin is no different, as the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles has some intense requirements to follow. We will break down the step-by-step guide you will need to follow in order to get behind the wheel in Wisconsin.

Step One: Enroll In Driver Education

If you are a new driver and under the age of 18, then Wisconsin requires you to be enrolled in a certified driver education program. Once the driver education course is completed, the school will submit it electronically to the Wisconsin DMV.

Step Two: Pass Knowledge and Signs Tests

In order to apply and obtain an Instruction Permit in Wisconsin, teens must first complete and pass the Class D Knowledge Test and Signs Test. For these tests, teens should:

• Study your Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook
• Take a Practice Knowledge Test
• Complete the Wisconsin Knowledge Test - This can be done either at a DMV Service Center​ (no appointment required; test may take 45 minutes to complete) or through your driver education course, if offered by your program 

Step Three: Apply For Your Instruction Permit

After passing the Knowledge Test and Signs Test, you are now eligible to apply for your Instruction Permit. With your permit in hand, you will then be able to start practicing your driving skills. To apply for your Instruction Permit:

Complete Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001)

• ​Must be signed by the instructor and your first behind-the-wheel lesson must be conducted within 60 days of the date signed
• Must be signed by a parent, step-parent or other adult sponsor, or under certain circumstances file proof of insurance
• You must be enrolled in a school program or high school equivalency program, have graduated from high school or have been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency, or be enrolled in a home-based private education program, and not be a habitual truant

When applying for the Instruction Permit, you will need to bring the following documents with you:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, conditional resident status or temporary visitor status
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Wisconsin residency (parent or guardian may present their Wisconsin driver license or ID card as your proof of residency)
• Provide your Social Security number (you can fulfill your proof of identity requirement by presenting your Social Security card)
• Pay the appropriate driver licensing fees

What to expect when at the DMV office:

• You will have your photo taken
• You will need to pass a vision test
• You will leave the DMV Service Center with your driving receipt and your Instruction Permit will arrive by mail within 10 days
• You will be able to drive with your driving receipt
• Instruction Permit will be valid for 18 months but can be renewed if additional time is needed to practice or complete the requirements necessary to get a probationary license

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​

Step Four: Schedule And Take The Road Test

The final step before getting your driver's license in Wisconsin would be either taking a road test or applying for a road test waiver (if eligible). You may schedule your road test if you:

• Are at least 16 years old
• Have held your Instruction Permit for at least six months
• Have no violations within the past six months
• Have at least 50 hours of driving practice with parent or guardian (10 of the 50 hours must be at night)
• Will have completed Driver Education (both classroom and behind-the-wheel) and the course completion is on file with the DMV by the date of your road test. (Your school will submit your course completion electronically to the DMV)

Step Five: Obtaining Probationary Drivers License

If you successfully pass your road test or waived your road test, you can now change your Instruction Permit and apply for your Probationary Driver License. To do this, you must:

• Complete Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001), which must be signed by a parent, step-parent or other adult sponsor​, or under certain circumstances file proof of insurance
• Be enrolled in a school program or high school equivalency program and are not a habitual truant or have graduated from high school graduation equivalency or are enrolled in a home-based private education program
• Pay the necessary fees
• You will leave the DMV Service Center with your driving receipt and your Probationary License will arrive by mail within 10 days
• You will be able to drive with your driving receipt

Restrictions For Probationary Driver License

While it is an exciting time to finally have your driver's license in hand, drivers between 16 - 18 years old have additional restrictions on their probationary license. 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 may seem like a lengthy process, but as you work your way through it the time will fly by. You will be a fully licensed driver in Wisconsin before you know it.

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.