Helping you teach your teen to drive safely.
Download on the App Store
Get It On Google Play
DRVN > Guide > Wisconsin

Wisconsin Teen Driving Guide

What parents need to know about the learn-to-drive process in Wisconsin

Get a teen driving guide
localized to your zip code.
6 steps for your teen to get their license in Wisconsin.
1
Enroll in a Driver's Ed Program
WHEN: Your teen can start classroom instruction as soon as they are 15 years old.
DURATION: Wisconsin law requires 30 hours of classroom instruction.
WHY: By knocking out some classroom hours beforehand, teens will be better prepared for the permit test.
WHERE: Classroom instruction can be done in person at a Wisconsin driving school or online.
2
Pass the Wisconsin Learner's Permit Exam
WHEN: Your teen can take the learner's permit exam any time after they turn 15 years old.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bring the original or certified birth certificate, social security card, and a document that proves residence with a street address (bank statement, utility bill), required fees, show proof that you are enrolled in a certified driver education program, enrolled in high school, and that you have insurance.
WHY: This tests knowledge of Wisconsin driving laws, as well as a vision test.
WHERE: Take the exam at a Wisconsin BMV location, but note that only some locations provide testing services.
3
Practice Driving on Wisconsin Roads with a Parent
WHEN: This takes place during the time when your teen has their permit, from 15 years old to 16 years old.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Your teen should always carry their Wisconsin learner's permit each time they drive. A parent or guardian is required to be present. Use the DRVN app to guide development and track time.
DURATION: Wisconsin law requires 50 hours of supervised driving time, with 10 of these hours at night.
WHERE: Practice driving on a range of roads, from residential to city to freeways. Focus especially on roads in and around the Wisconsin area to build familiarity with local traffic.
MOBILE COACHING APP FOR PARENTS AND TEENS:
DRVN
This Mobile App makes it easy for parents to guide skills development and track practice driving time.

4
Practice Driving with an Instructor in Wisconsin
WHEN: This takes place while your teen has their Wisconsin learner's permit, and at the same time as classroom instruction.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Your teen should carry their learner's permit, and you'll need to acquire the services of a licensed Wisconsin Driving instructor.
DURATION: Wisconsin law requires 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with an instructor. Professional driving instructor services are available at most state-certified driving schools.
5
Take the Wisconsin Driver's License Exam
WHEN: When your teen turns 16, and they have completed the classroom and driving requirements listed above, schedule the final road test with the BMV.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: Bring the original or certified birth certificate, social security card, and a document that proves residence with a street address (bank statement, utility bill), required fees, show proof that you coompleted a certified driver education program, are currently enrolled in high school, and that you have insurance.
WHERE: Take the exam at a Wisconsin BMV location, but note that only some locations provide this exam. Make sure to schedule the exam in advance.
6
Purchase Car Insurance Coverage in Wisconsin for Your Teen
WHEN: Your teen is automatically covered under your policy when they have their permit, at no additional cost. However, once they get their full license and start driving, they will need a separate insurance coverage. Be prepared, this can be costly.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED: You'll need to provide your insurance agent with a copy of your teen's driver's license, plus information on the primary vehicle that they will be driving. If your teen is a good student with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, many insurers will offer discounts if you provide a copy of their grade card.
WHERE: Start with your insurance agent, but make sure to shop around!

We have even more detailed
driving information available
for specific Wisconsin Cities.

This information includes local places to assist you in completing each of the steps necessary to drive in Wisconsin.
Click/tap on the most popular Wisconsin cities below:

To view the guides for other states, select a state below: