Driving Ages: What Is The Youngest Age To Drive In Wisconsin?

As you hit those teens years, you start to think more and more about being able to drive and getting your driver's license. Most teenagers are wanting to get behind the wheel of a vehicle as soon as possible. For that reason, we often have people asking what is the youngest age to drive in Wisconsin? While teens want it to be the soonest possible time, we share the actual answer below.

Graduated Driver License Program

In the state of Wisconsin, any prospective driver under the age of 18 must go through the Graduate Driver License Program (GDL Program). With this initiative, new drivers go through different phases of driving privileges before they can earn the right to a full, unrestricted drivers license.

The First Phase

The first phase of the GDL Program in Wisconsin is to enroll in a certified driver education program. Once the driver education course is completed, the school will submit it electronically to the Wisconsin DMV. You can start taking the Driver's Ed course at the age of 14 years, 9 months.

The Second Phase

For teens in Wisconsin that are 15 years of age or older, you must first complete and pass the Class D Knowledge Test and Signs Test in order to apply and obtain an Instruction Permit in Wisconsin. After passing the Knowledge Test and Signs Test, you are now eligible to apply for your Instruction Permit.

Driving Age Requirements In Wisconsin

Once you obtain your Instruction Permit, you are free to drive in Wisconsin. However, 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​

Wisconsin Driving Age Summary

To summarize, you can begin taking the Driver's Ed course at the age of 14 years, 9 months. However, you can't apply to get your Instruction Permit until you are 15 years old, which allows you to start driving with a person listed above. Get ready, as this exciting time in your life is about to begin!

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.