Wisconsin Online Driver Education and Wisconsin Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Wisconsin Learner’s Permit or first Wisconsin driver’s license. Wisconsin has a Graduated Driver License Program for Wisconsin teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Wisconsin driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Wisconsin Learner’s Permit or Wisconsin Instruction Permit
When you turn 15 and a half, you can apply for a Wisconsin Instruction Permit. In order to apply, you’ll need the following:
- Complete or enroll in a Wisconsin approved education course
- Get your driving instructor to certify your application (course must begin within 60 days of certification)
- Have your parent/guardian sign your Wisconsin Instruction Permit application
- Or find a valid adult sponsor
- Provide proof of identity documents
- $35 Wisconsin Instruction Permit fee
Once you’re ready, make an appointment, then head on down to your local Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicle Office (DMV) with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a knowledge test, highway signs test, and vision screening. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Wisconsin Instruction Permit.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, or driving instructor who is 19 years or older. You can also practice driving with a licensed driver who is over 21, providing your parents give consent.
Once you’ve held your Wisconsin Instruction Permit for 6 months have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Wisconsin Graduated License Program, the Wisconsin Probationary Driver’s License.
The Wisconsin Probationary Driver License or Wisconsin Provisional License
You can apply for your Wisconsin Probationary Driver’s License once you’ve held your Wisconsin Instruction Permit for 6 months in good standing. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
- Hold a Wisconsin Instruction Permit for 6 months
- Be at least 16 years old
- No Wisconsin traffic violations for 6 months prior to application
- Complete 30 hours of driving practice
- 10 of these hours must be at night
- Record your practice hours in a driving log, which your parent or sponsor must verify
- Present proof of completion of a Wisconsin approved driver education course
- Don’t forget the $34 probationary driver license fee
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Wisconsin DMV Office again. Remember to bring your identification documents, your parent/guardian, and your Wisconsin Instruction Permit. Now you’ll have to take the dreaded Wisconsin road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Wisconsin Probationary Driver’s License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Wisconsin Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind for the first 9 months of your Wisconsin Probationary Driver’s License:
- No driving alone from midnight to 5AM
- The exception to this driving curfew is if you’re driving to/from work or school
- You may be accompanied by family members but must follow these passenger restrictions:
- Person who holds a valid license and has 2 years of driving experience, a qualified driving instructor, spouse, or is 21 or older
- Other person
These restrictions will be extended by 6 months if you receive a Wisconsin traffic ticket, violate any of these restrictions, or your license is suspended or revoked for other reasons. However, once you turn 19, you can apply for your Wisconsin Regular Driver License. Freedom!
Wisconsin Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Wisconsin Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Wisconsin drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Wisconsin mandatory liability insurance, your Wisconsin Learner Permit or Wisconsin Probationary Driver’s License could be suspended.
Wisconsin Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Wisconsin teen driver, your top priority should be to keep yourself and your passengers safe. It is important for you, therefore, to learn the Wisconsin drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most states, Wisconsin has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Wisconsin OUI or Wisconsin OWI, your Wisconsin Learner’s Permit or Wisconsin Driver’s License will be suspended.
In general, upon your first conviction of a Wisconsin OUI of .08, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Fine $150 to $300
- License Suspension 6 to 9 months
- SR22 Insurance Required
- Alcohol Assessment
Needless to say, further Wisconsin OWI and OUI convictions will result in harsher penalties, including increased jail time, community service, fines, and Wisconsin license suspension or even Wisconsin license revocation.
Wisconsin law prohibitsdrivers from text-messaging while driving. We know it’s tempting, but text messaging creates a distraction, and a distracted driver is a dangerous one!
Wisconsin Online Driver Education
Wisconsin teen drivers are required to enroll in a Wisconsin approved driver education class. You can find more information about approved Wisconsin online driver education on the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
