Wisconsin’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements for teens ages 15 to age 18.
Instruction permit
Anyone learning to drive a car or light truck (class D), motorcycle (class M) or commercial motor vehicle (classes A, B and C) must first obtain an instruction permit. Permits are issued at
DMV customer service centers located throughout the state.
For information on applying for an instruction permit and its restrictions, see
driver license instruction permit.
Probationary driver license
A probationary license is a driver license issued to a beginning driver, valid for operation according to the restrictions on the back.
A probationary license is issued for the time period ending two years from the applicant's next birthday. It is valid to operate automobiles, light trucks, mopeds and motorcycles (if the driver has a motorcycle endorsement). The DMV issues probationary licenses to:
- new drivers
- persons with foreign or international licenses who pass the required tests
- persons reinstating a revoked or canceled probationary license
- new residents under the age of 21 who hold a license expired for more than six months, or with less than three years of driving experience, or new residents holding an out-of-state license, but are unable to surrender it
A probationary license differs from a regular license by the graduated license restrictions for drivers under 18 years old. A probationary license is not an instruction permit or learner's permit. It is valid for operation within and outside of Wisconsin.
An instruction permit and probationary driver license will be suspended for six months if you receive 12 or more demerit points in 12 months. Persons who hold a probationary license are assessed double points for second and subsequent point convictions.
For information on applying for a probationary license and its restrictions, see probationary driver license requirements.
Regular driver license
To get a regular license, you must:
- be at least 19
- hold your probationary driver license until you complete your first renewal, generally two to three years
- wear your seat belt
- maintain absolute sobriety (no alcohol)
New residents at least 21 years old who hold a valid out-of-state license, not expired, for more than six months and have at least three years of driving experience may obtain a regular driver license.
There is no doubling of points if you have a regular driver license and receive a traffic ticket. However, your driver license can be suspended from two months to a year for certain violations.
GDL encourages
parents and other adult sponsors to partner with you to help you learn the basics of safe driving.
In addition, approved driver education courses are offered at many high schools and licensed
driver training schools.
Download a copy of the
Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook and
driving log. You can also get the driving log from your driver education or driver training school instructor or at a
DMV customer service center.
For more information