GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
What is the age requirement to obtain a Wisconsin driver license?
You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a Wisconsin driver license.
If you are at least 15 ½ years of age you can obtain an instruction permit.
Who needs a Wisconsin driver license?
Any resident who operates a motor vehicle on public roadways in Wisconsin.
Which documents are required to apply for a Wisconsin driver license or instruction permit?
- Proof of US citizenship;
- Proof of your name and date of birth;
- Proof of identity;
- Proof of Wisconsin residency;
- Social Security Number;
- Any driver license or identification card issued in another state.
If you are under 18 years of age you must also provide proof of completion of an approved driver education course and have an adult sponsor.
I am younger than 21 years old. How much alcohol can I drink before driving?
None. Drivers under 21 are not allowed to have alcohol in their system while operating a motor vehicle in Wisconsin.
Which tests do I have to pass to obtain a Wisconsin driver license or instruction permit?
You must pass vision, knowledge, highway signs and skills tests.
WISCONSIN INSTRUCTION PERMIT
What are the requirements to obtain a Wisconsin instruction permit?
- Be at least 15 ½ years old;
- Provide the above-listed documents (photocopies are not accepted);
- Complete an approved behind-the-wheel driver education course which begins within 60 days of the date of your application;
- Pass the vision screening, knowledge and highway signs tests.
Am I subject to any restriction while driving with my Wisconsin instruction permit?
Yes, you are allowed to drive only if accompanied by a qualified instructor, a licensed parent/guardian or a person 21 or older with at least 2 years of driving experience.
WISCONSIN KNOWLEDGE TEST
How many questions are on the Wisconsin knowledge test?
The WI knowledge test consists of 50 questions.
What is the score required to pass the test?
You must correctly answer at least 40 questions.
How can I prepare for the Wisconsin knowledge test?
Study the WI Motorists' Handbook and practice with our
Wisconsin DMV written test.
How do I know when I am ready to take the knowledge test?
You are ready to take your knowledge test when you can correctly answer at least 40 questions on every practice permit test found on this website.
I failed my knowledge test. What do I have to do?
Study the handbook carefully and practice. You are allowed to take the knowledge test up to 5 times in year. You may retake the test the next day.
WISCONSIN SKILLS TEST
Do I have to schedule an appointment to take my WI skills test?
Yes. You can do it online at
https://wisconsindot.gov/ or by telephone.
Do I have to provide a vehicle for my WI skills test?
Yes. The examiner will conduct an inspection to check the safety of your vehicle.
What does the Wisconsin skills test consist of?
- Follow other traffic;
- Change lanes;
- Pass;
- Back up;
- Parallel park;
- Make a Y-turn;
- Pull over to the side of the road and stop;
- Turn left or right on divided highways, two-lane or one way roads;
- Move from a parked position onto the roadway.
What will be evaluated during my skills test?
Your attention and alertness, how well you obey traffic rule, how you handle the car and share space.
I failed the WI skills test. What can I do?
You can repeat the test 5 times in a year period. After that you have to prove you have received additional instruction and training before you can retake the test.
I passed the skills test. Do I have any limitations on my WI driver license?
Yes. For the first 9 months you may drive:
- with only one passenger other than a member of your family;
- only until midnight and after 5 am.
I HAVE A DRIVER LICENSE, BUT…
I have a valid Wisconsin driver license but I changed my address. What do I have to do?
You must notify the DMV within 10 days. You can do it online at wisconsindmv.gov/online, by telephone or by mail.
I have a valid (or expired less than 8 years) out-of-state driver license and I moved to Wisconsin. Do I have to pass a knowledge or skills tests to obtain a WI driver license?
No, you may be able to get your license without taking the tests.
I have a WI driver license. How can I lose my driving privilege?
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Leaving the scene of an accident without identifying yourself or notifying the DMV of a crash;
- Giving false information when applying for your driver license or attempting to change the information on your license;
- Letting someone else use your license or using someone else's license.