Wisconsin DMV Practice Tests

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for all new drivers, as well as those moving to Wisconsin whose licenses have expired beyond 8 years before arrival.

All new drivers, regardless of age, must first obtain an instruction permit and a probationary license before earning a full Wisconsin unrestricted license. The requirements for each will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a non-compliant license or a REAL ID-compliant license.

WI GDL Instruction Permit Requirements for Teen Drivers

If you’re under 18 years old, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for your Wisconsin instruction permit. First, you’ll need to enroll in a state-approved driver’s education course that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel training.

To apply for your permit, you must be within 60 days of beginning your behind-the-wheel training portion (if you haven’t yet finished your classroom course). Your Driver’s Ed instructor must certify your Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001) no more than 60 days out from starting your behind-the-wheel instruction.

Once you’re within 60 days (or you’ve already completed all of your Driver’s Ed course), visit your local DMV office with:

• Your certified Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001). Your parent/guardian or adult sponsor must cosign this application at the DMV in front of the agent.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and citizenship/legal presence.
  • Wisconsin residency.
  • Social Security number.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Payment for your $35 instruction permit fee.

At the DMV, you’ll also be asked to:

• Pass a vision screening.
• Take the written knowledge and road signs exams.

Your Wisconsin instruction permit will be valid for 12 months. With your permit, you may only drive under the following conditions:

• You must have a licensed supervising driver with at least 2 years of driving experience in the front seat at all times. This person can be:
  • A driving instructor who is at least 19 years old.
  • A parent/guardian or spouse who is at least 19 years old.
    • In this situation, you may drive with other members of your immediate family as your passengers. If you’re 16 years old or older, you can also have one non-family member, licensed for at least 2 years, who is at least 25 years old in the car with you (in addition to your supervising driver).
  • A licensed adult at least 21 years old who has been designated in writing by your parent/guardian
    • In this situation, you may NOT drive with any other passengers.
• If you’re driving at night, your supervising driver must be at least 25 years old and licensed with at least 2 years of driving experience.

Wisconsin GDL Probationary Driver’s License Requirements

You can take your road test and apply for a probationary driver’s license in Wisconsin once you’ve:

• Held your permit for 6 months.
• Completed your driver’s education course and required practice hours.
• Had no traffic violations for the 6 months prior to taking your road test.

Teen Driver’s Training & Practice Hours

To be able to get a GDL probationary driver’s license in Wisconsin, the WI DMV requires that you:

• Complete your state-approved driver education course (including your behind-the-wheel instruction hours). This must consist of at least:
  • 30 hours of classroom instruction.
  • 6 hours of in-car instruction.
  • 6 hours of in-car observation.
• Complete at least 30 hours of driving practice with your parent/guardian, with at least 10 hours being driven at night.
  • Up to 5 hours of your behind-the-wheel driving instruction with a driving instructor can be double-counted in your practice hours—so if you complete 4 practice hours with an instructor, it will count for 8 hours.

Your parent/guardian can log your 30 hours of practice either in the Road Ready phone app or on the Wisconsin Graduated Driver Licensing Supervised Driving Log (form HS-303) to keep track of your progress.

Road Testing or Waiver and License Application

If you’ve successfully completed all of your permit and driver’s education requirements, and you haven’t incurred any driving violations, you may be eligible for a road test waiver that allows you to go straight to your probationary license without taking the traditional road skills exam.

To qualify, you must:

• Be 16 or 17 years old.
• Have completed all of your driver’s education and behind-the-wheel practice requirements.
• Have held your permit for at least 6 months with no violations.
• Have your parent/guardian’s permission to apply for the waiver.

You can apply for your road test waiver online. You’ll need your parent/guardian to provide their information and permission. Be prepared with payment for the $28 probationary license fee. Your probationary license will be mailed to you, unless you need to visit a DMV office to submit additional documents (like if you’re upgrading to a REAL ID).

If you don’t qualify for the waiver, you’ll need to schedule a road skills test with your local testing location. You can do this up to 11 weeks in advance.

Bring with you:

• Your instruction permit.
• Your parent/guardian or adult sponsor.
• Proof of registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• A completed Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001), with your parent/guardian certifying you completed your 30 required practice hours.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Wisconsin residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Proof of completion for your driver’s education course, unless your school submitted it electronically to the DMV.
• Payment for the $15 testing fee and $28 probationary license fee.

Once you pass your road test, your probationary license will be mailed to you. For the first 9 months (or until you turn 18 years old, whichever comes first) you have your WI GDL probationary driver’s license, you must adhere to the following restrictions:

• If you’re driving between 5:00 AM and midnight:
  • You may drive without supervision.
  • You may carry any member of your immediate family as your passenger(s).
  • Non-family members are restricted to one person who has been licensed for at least 2 years (non-probationary) and is at least 21 years old (or 19 years if they’re a driving instructor), plus one other person of any age and license status (only if the first licensed driver is also in the car).
• If you’re driving between midnight and 5:00 AM:
  • You may only drive alone if you’re traveling to/from work, school, or home. You also may carry the same passengers listed above.
  • If you’re driving anywhere outside of work, school, or home, you MUST be accompanied by your parent/guardian or a licensed driver (at least 2 years) who is at least 21 years old. You can carry any immediate family member(s) plus one other person as passengers.

If you violate any of these provisions, your restrictions will be extended by 6 months . Once the 9 months are up, your GDL provisions will lift and you can drive unrestricted. When you turn 18 years old, you can apply for a non-probationary version of your license.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Adult Drivers in WI

If you are 18 years old or older but have never held a driver’s license before in any state, you must first apply for an instruction permit to practice driving, followed by earning a probationary license before you can get your unrestricted WI driver’s license.

Wisconsin Instruction Permit Requirements (Adult Drivers)

To apply for your WI instruction permit if you’re at least 18 years old use the interactive driver’s license guide to determine the appropriate documents you’ll need, pre-fill your application, and schedule your appointment with the DMV. In general, you’ll need to:

• Submit a completed Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001).
  • You can pre-fill and submit this application using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Name change, if you’ve ever legally changed your name.
  • Wisconsin residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Pass the written knowledge and road signs exams.
• Undergo a vision screening.
• Have your photo taken.
• Pay the $35 instruction permit fee.

With your permit, you can practice driving as long as you adhere to the following:

• You must have a licensed supervising driver with at least 2 years of driving experience in the front seat at all times. This person can be:
  • A driving instructor who is at least 19 years old.
  • A parent/guardian or spouse who is at least 19 years old.
    • In this situation, you may drive with other members of your immediate family as your passengers.
    • You can also have one non-family member, licensed for at least 2 years, who is at least 25 years old in the car with you (in addition to your supervising driver).
  • Another licensed adult at least 21 years old.
• If you’re driving at night, your supervising driver must be at least 25 years old and licensed with at least 2 years of driving experience.

You must hold your permit for at least 7 days before you can take your road test to earn your unrestricted driver’s license.

Road Testing & Getting Your WV Unrestricted License

New Wisconsin drivers are NOT eligible for the DMV’s road test waiver. Once you’re ready and at least 7 days have passed, schedule a road skills test at your local DMV testing center. You’ll need:

• Your instruction permit.
• A testing vehicle.
• Proof of registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Name change, if applicable.
  • Wisconsin residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Payment for the $15 road test fee and $28 probationary license fee.

Your adult probationary license carries no restrictions like a teen probationary license does. However, for the first 12 months, any moving violations you’re convicted of count as double the point value, and your license will be suspended if you accrue 12 points within 1 year.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Wisconsin Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Wisconsin, you must apply for your WI driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

Transferring an Out-of-State Permit or Teen License to Wisconsin (Under 18 Years Old)

In order to convert your learner’s permit or provisional license from your previous state to a Wisconsin permit or license, there are a few prerequisites you’ll have to meet.

• You must prove you have completed an approved driver’s education course (including both classroom and behind-the-wheel training). The DMV provides a guide to what you can bring as acceptable proof of completion.
• You must have held your out-of-state permit or license for at least 6 months.

Bring your documents to a DMV Service Center for review—the agent will let you know whether you’ll be required to take a Wisconsin driver training course before you can get your WI license. You should also be prepared by bringing with you:

• Your out-of-state permit or intermediate license.
• Additional proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or legal presence.
  • WI residency.
  • Social Security number.
    • The DMV offers examples of each of these required documents, or you can use the interactive driver license guide to gather the correct documents, pre-fill and submit your application, and schedule an appointment.
• Payment for the applicable fee, based on your permit or license type.

At the DMV, you’ll also:

• Submit to vision and hearing screenings.
• Have your photo taken
• Possibly be asked to take a knowledge exam, if applicable.

Transferring an Out-of-State Unrestricted License to Wisconsin

If you have a full, unrestricted out-of-state driver’s license, the process of converting it to a WI driver’s license is relatively simple. As long as it is unexpired, or hasn't expired for longer than 8 years, you can bypass any examinations. If it has expired for 8 years or longer, be prepared to take all tests, including the written knowledge test and the on-road skills exam.

To apply, use the interactive driver’s license guide to determine the appropriate documents you’ll need, pre-fill your application, and schedule your appointment with the DMV. In general, you’ll need to:

• Submit your out-of-state driver’s license.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Name change, if you’ve ever legally changed your name.
  • Wisconsin residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Submit a completed Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001).
  • You can pre-fill and submit this application using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• Undergo a vision screening and a hearing test.
• Have your photo taken.
• Pay the $34 driver’s license fee.

WI Motorcycle Permit Requirements

All new motorcycle riders in Wisconsin must obtain a Class M motorcycle instruction permit before getting your WI motorcycle license/endorsement, unless you are:

• At least 18 years old, AND
• Have passed a Basic Motorcycle Rider Course (BRC).

If both of the above apply to you, you can skip down to the steps to get your WI motorcycle license in the next section below. If you want to practice riding outside of your BRC, though, you’ll still need an instruction permit to do so.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for your motorcycle instruction permit. If you’re under 18 years old, you must also:

• Meet all of the GDL requirements listed above for obtaining a probationary license, including completion of Driver’s Ed.
• Be enrolled in (or have completed) a Basic Motorcycle Rider Course (BRC).

To apply, you can use the interactive driver’s license guide to determine the appropriate documents you’ll need, pre-fill your application, and schedule your appointment with the DMV. In general, you’ll need to:

• Submit a completed Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001).
  • You can pre-fill and submit this application using the interactive driver’s license guide.
  • If you’re under 18 years old, your parent/guardian or sponsor must sign your application in front of the DMV agent.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Name change, if you’ve ever legally changed your name.
  • Wisconsin residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• If you’re under 18 years old, provide:
  • Proof of Driver’s Ed completion.
  • Proof of enrollment in a Basic Rider Course.
• Pass a motorcycle knowledge test and road signs exam.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pay the $32 motorcycle instruction permit fee.

Your motorcycle instruction permit will be valid for 6 months. While riding with your permit, you may carry a licensed person as a passenger. If you ride at night, you must have a supervising rider who is at least 25 years old and has been licensed (Class M) for at least 2 years.

WI Motorcycle License Requirements

You have two options for earning your endorsement or license:

• Take a state-approved Basic Rider Course (BRC); or
• Take the on-cycle skills exam with the DMV.

If you’re 18 years old or older, you can elect to take a BRC and bypass the instruction permit and skills test requirements altogether. Instead, you’ll receive a waiver to take to the DMV to receive your motorcycle endorsement.

Alternatively, you can earn your instruction permit as outlined above and practice until you’re ready to take the skills exam and apply for your WI motorcycle license. If you’re under 18 years old, both the BRC and an instruction permit are required. When you’re ready, schedule your on-cycle skills exam with your local DMV office.

Bring to the DMV:

• Either your:
  • Class M motorcycle instruction permit, if you’re taking your skills exam; OR
  • BRC course waiver, if you’ve earned one by taking a rider course.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Wisconsin residency.
    • The DMV offers a guide to acceptable documents for both federally compliant REAL IDs and non-compliant standard licenses, which you can also determine using the interactive driver’s license guide.
• A completed Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001), which you can pre-fill and complete using the interactive driver guide.
• Payment for the $22 motorcycle license fee.

If you’re taking your skills test, also make sure to have:

• A testing motorcycle, along with its registration and insurance.
• Proper safety gear, including helmet and eyewear.
• Payment for the additional $15 skills test fee.

Once you’ve either submitted your waiver or passed your skills exam, you’ll receive your Class M Wisconsin motorcycle license.

Wisconsin CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Wisconsin, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

1. Have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

The best way to get a personalized checklist for everything you need to apply for your WI CDL is by using the interactive driver license guide. You can gather the correct documents, pre-fill and submit your application, and schedule any relevant appointments.

Getting Your WI Commercial Learner’s Permit

To get your CLP, you’ll first need to pass your knowledge tests, including those for any endorsements you’re applying for. Before you begin, check the interactive driver license guide for a personalized checklist of what you’ll need based on your CDL class and endorsements.

Visit a DMV customer service center to take your exams—there’s no appointment necessary. Once you’ve passed your test, submit the following documents:

• A completed:
  • Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001), which you can pre-fill and complete using the interactive driver guide.
  • Commercial Driver Certification: Tier of Operation (form MV3230)
  • Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional.
• Proof of your citizenship or legal presence.
• Payment for the $30 CLP fee.
  • If you’re earning a HAZMAT endorsement, you’ll also need to pay separate fees for a background check and fingerprinting.

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, during which time you can practice for your commercial driver’s license road test. You can only drive with your Wisconsin commercial learner’s permit when accompanied by another CDL holder in the front seat next to you. Their CDL must be of the appropriate class and have the proper endorsements for the vehicle you’re practicing in.

Applying for a WI Commercial Driver’s License

After practicing with your CLP and holding it for at least 2 weeks, you are eligible to apply for your full WI commercial driver’s license. First, you’ll need to take and pass a skills test for the vehicle class you’ll be driving.

1. Schedule an exam with a state-approved third-party examiner.
2. At your test, bring:
   1. Your valid WI driver’s license and CLP.
   2. A valid Federal Medical Card.
   3. A vehicle representative of the class and type you’ll be driving, which meets all safety standards.
   4. Proof of insurance for your testing vehicle, or a letter from the titled owner authorizing you to use it for testing.
   5. Payment for the applicable testing fee(s).

Once you pass your test, make another appointment with your local DMV customer service center. At your appointment, submit your:

• Wisconsin driver’s license and CLP.
• Skills test results form.
• Federal Medical Card.
• Completed Driver License (DL) Application (form MV3001), which you can pre-fill and complete using the interactive driver guide.
• Proof of your citizenship or legal presence.
• Payment for your $74 commercial driver’s license fee, plus those for any additional endorsements.