Understanding the Wisconsin Graduated Driver’s License Program
Our state has a three-stage system that all teen drivers must complete before receiving unrestricted privileges. This program allows you more time to develop awareness, defensive driving skills, and gain real-time experience before heading out on your own. But did you know that the rules of this program vary widely by state? This means that you need to know the rules for the states in which you will be driving.
In Wisconsin, you can start the program at age 15 and a half by taking the written knowledge test for your learner’s permit. During this part of the program, you must be supervised by an adult any time you are behind the wheel. Your supervising adult must be a parent or guardian, or a licensed driver with at least two years driving experience, they must be over the age of 25, and must occupy the front passenger seat.
You will have your permit for at least six months while you accumulate at least 30 hours of driving practice. Be aware that ten of your 30 practice hours must be driven at night. If you are under the age of 18, you must be enrolled in a certified driver education course, and you must be enrolled in school, and cannot be truant.
After fulfilling the requirements for the permit and upon reaching age 16, you are eligible for your intermediate license, which you will obtain after completing the road test. While you have this license, you may not have more than one passenger in your vehicle who is under the age of 18 until you have either six months of experience or you turn age 17, which comes first. You are also forbidden from driving between the hours off 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless you have a driving supervisor with you.
At age 18, after holding the intermediate license for at least nine months, you are eligible for an unrestricted license with full driving privileges.