Free practice test

Tests

Driving testsCitizenship testsSchool and university admissionsNursing, medicine and healthEnglish and French testsTeachingMoney, law and insuranceTrades and work licencesPilots, drones, boats and radio

Countries

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustraliaNew Zealand

Wisconsin · Permit test

The Wisconsin driver’s permit: rules for practice driving

The instruction permit lets you practice with a qualified licensed driver beside you. A Wisconsin driver’s permit costs $35, lasts 18 months and needs a passed vision screening, signs test and knowledge test. You can get one at 15 if you’re in driver education. At night, the person beside you must be an instructor or a licensed driver 25 or older.

  • $35Class D permit fee
  • 18 monthsHow long it’s valid
  • 15Minimum age, with driver ed
DMV: Instruction permitFree practice test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Who can ride with you on a Wisconsin driver’s permit?

The person in the front passenger seat must have a valid regular license (not probationary or occupational) and at least two years of licensed experience. They must also be one of these:

  • A qualified instructor, 19 or older
  • Your parent, guardian or spouse, 19 or older. Immediate family can ride in the back
  • Anyone 21 or older. If you’re under 18, they need written permission from your parent or guardian

From age 16, one more licensed person 25 or older, with two years of experience, may sit in a seat other than the front.

Driving after dark

In darkness, the person beside you must be a qualified instructor or a licensed driver 25 or older with at least two years of licensed experience.

Other permit rules

  • No alcohol in your system at any time, at any age
  • Wear your seat belt
  • Use a phone only to report an emergency
  • Points double on your second and later convictions
  • 12 or more points in 12 months suspends the permit for 6 months
The Wisconsin point system →

Renewing a permit

You can renew online if you qualify, or at a service center with proof of identity. If you’re under 18, you must show you’re enrolled in or have finished driver education. A permit can be renewed up to 8 years after it expires without retesting. Renewal costs $35, the same as a new permit.

Renewing and replacing a license or permit →

A permit from another state

If you’re visiting with a valid permit from your home state, you may drive in Wisconsin if you’re at least 16 and follow Wisconsin’s permit rules. A Wisconsin permit holder driving in another state follows that state’s rules.

Sources: Wisconsin DMV · WisDOT and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewPractice testWhere to learnHow many questionsRoad test bookingWhat to bringOnline permit testRoad testMotorists’ Handbook

Your license and record

Driver’s licenseProbationary licenseRenew or replaceDriving record

Offices and contacts

DMV locationsContact DMV

Other licenses

CDL