There are three different levels of licensing in Wisconsin. Here is your guide to the graduated steps.
Instruction permit
An instruction permit is the first step on the road to obtaining a regular driver license as a new driver. Anyone learning to drive a car or light truck (a "regular" class D) motorcycle (class M), or commercial motor vehicle (also called a "CDL" with classes A, B and C) must first obtain an instruction permit (often referred to as a learner's permit or "temps"). Minimum age for issuance is 15 years old.
The instruction permit has passenger and hours restrictions. See
chart below.
More information about instruction permits
Probationary license
A
probationary license is issued to:
- new drivers who are eligible and have passed the driving skills test
- You must hold your instruction permit for at least six (6) months violation free prior to applying for your probationary license
- new residents who:
- are under the age of 21
OR
- surrender a license that is expired for more than six months
OR
- have less than three years of driving experience in the United States, its territories, or Canada
OR
- have a driver license from another country and pass the required tests
The probationary license has passenger and hour restrictions. See
chart below
More information about probationary licenses
Regular license
A
regular license is issued to:
- drivers after having successfully held both the instruction permit and probationary license for the required duration of time and the applicant is at least 19 years of age.
- new residents who have all of the following:
Differences
| Key difference | Instruction Permit |
Probationary License |
Regular License |
| Demerit points for moving violations | Demerit points will not double on your first violation but will double on your second and any subsequent violations when applicable. | Demerit points will not double on your first violation but will double on your second and any subsequent violations when applicable. | Once you obtain your regular driver license, the demerit points will not double. |
| Driving hour restrictions | If you operate a vehicle during hours of darkness, you must be accompanied by a qualified instructor or a licensed person 25 years of age with at least two years of licensed driving experience occupying the seat beside you.
| Under the age of 18:
For the first 9 months or until you are 18, no driving between midnight to 5a.m., unless traveling between home and school and work. This is part of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirement.
18 or older: There are no driving hour restrictions.
| Once you obtain your regular driver license all driving hour restrictions are removed.
|
Fees
| $35
| $28
| $34
|
Issues for (duration)
| Expires 18 months after issuance.
| Expires 2 years from your next birthday. You must be at least 19 before getting a Regular driver license. | 8 years |
| Passenger restrictions
| Drivers with a Class D instruction permit must be accompanied by a driver with at least two years licensed driving experience who currently holds a valid regular (not probationary or occupational) license. The accompanying driver must occupy the passenger seat beside the driver and be one of the following:
- A qualified instructor age 19 or older, or
- A parent, guardian or spouse, age 19 or older. In addition, immediate family members of the applicant may ride in the back seat, or
- A person 21 years of age or older. If the permit holder is under 18 years old, the accompanying licensed person is required to have written authorization from the minor's parent or guardian prior to the operation of the vehicle.
| Under the age of 18:
For the first 9 months or until you are 18, you can drive alone, but you are limited to only one passenger other than your immediate family or a qualified adult (as outlined in the Instruction Permit passenger restrictions). If driving between midnight to 5 a.m., one of the following people must be seated in the front passenger seat (unless you are traveling between home, school, and work): - A parent or legal guardian
- One person with a valid, regular license with two years of licensed driving experience and who is:
- a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, or
- a person 21 or older.
- In addition, any number of the driver’s immediate family members and one other person may ride along.
This is part of the Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirement.
18 or older: There are no passenger restrictions.
| Once you obtain your regular driver license all passenger restrictions are removed.
|