Wisconsin Online Driver Education and Wisconsin Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Wisconsin? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Wisconsin has implemented a graduated driver license program for Wisconsin drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You may apply for an instruction permit once you are 15 years and 6 months old provided you have your parents' permission and you are currently enrolled (or have completed) a state-approved drivers education course.

When you're ready, go down to your local driver's license office with the following paperwork:

• Proof of Identity (please visit the Wisconsin DMV website for a complete list of acceptable ID documents)
• You completed application (your parents must sign it as does the instructor from your drivers education course)
• $35 for the application fee

You will first be given a vision screening test and, assuming that goes well, you will be given two (2) written tests, one on road signs and one on road rules. If you pass both of these, you will be issued an instruction permit.

Instruction Permit--Restrictions:

• You may only drive if a "supervisor" is sitting next to you in the front passenger seat actively supervising your driving. The supervising driver may be your certified driving instructor, your parent/guardian provided they have a driver's license, or any licensed driver who's at least 21 years old providing your parent/guardian gives their consent.

Wisconsin Provisional License (aka--Probationary License)

You may apply for a provisional license if you meet the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years old

Have held an instruction permit for at least 6 months & committed no traffic violations during that time period

Completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night). You will need to record your driving practice times in a log and your parent/guardian will need to sign off on it

Completed a state-approved drivers education course

When you're ready to upgrade to a provisional license, head back down to your local driver's license office with the following paperwork:

• Your instruction permit
• Certificate of completion in a state-approved drivers education course
• $28 for the license fee

Provisional License--Restrictions:

• You may not drive unsupervised between the hours of 12 midnight and 5am (exception is if you're driving to or from work or school)
• You may carry passengers if they are family members and you must have a supervisor sitting next to you in the front passenger seat
• You may only carry 1 non-family passenger

After you turn 19, you will be eligible to apply for a regular driver's license.

Wisconsin Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Wisconsin is as follows:

$25,000--person injury (1 person)

$50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)

$10,000--property damage per accident

Driving without required liability coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Wisconsin Drunk Driving Laws

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Wisconsin--and this law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST conviction of a DUI, you will face the following penalties:

• A fine ranging from $150 to $300
• License suspension for 6-9 months
• SR22 insurance will be required
• Alcohol assessment & treatment

Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Wisconsin Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Starting in 2010, teen-aged drivers are prohibited from text-messaging while they are driving (this includes, reading, composing, or sending them!)