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Wisconsin · Permit test

Wisconsin probationary license rules

For the first 9 months, or until you turn 18 if that comes sooner, you can carry only one passenger besides immediate family and a qualified adult. You also can’t drive alone from midnight to 5 a.m., except between home, school and work. The Wisconsin probationary license rules double your points from the second conviction on, and they run 6 months longer if you break one.

  • 9 monthsOf hour and passenger limits, or until you turn 18
  • $28Probationary license fee
  • 19Age for a regular license
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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Daytime: 5 a.m. to midnight

If you’re under 18, between 5 a.m. and midnight you can drive:

  • Alone, anywhere
  • With any number of immediate family members
  • With one person who has a valid regular license, two years of licensed experience, and is a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, or anyone 21 or older
  • With one other person

Night: midnight to 5 a.m.

Between midnight and 5 a.m. you can drive:

  • Alone, but only between home, school and work
  • With a parent or legal guardian, or one person with a valid regular license and two years of experience who is a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, or anyone 21 or older
  • Plus any number of immediate family members and one other person

What happens if you break the Wisconsin probationary license rules?

The handbook says the restrictions are extended 6 months if:

  • You’re convicted of a moving traffic violation
  • You break any of the restrictions
  • Your license is suspended or revoked for any reason

Points and phones

Points double from your second conviction on, except Chapter 347 convictions, which are mainly vehicle equipment violations. On a probationary license, 12 to 30 points in 12 months means a 6-month suspension. Phones aren’t allowed while you drive unless you’re reporting an emergency.

Your Wisconsin driving record and points →

Moving to a regular license

You don’t need a new card when the hour and passenger limits end. The probationary license expires two years after your next birthday, and you can switch to a regular license from 90 days before that, online if you qualify. You must be at least 19. The regular license costs $42.50 and drops the doubled points.

WI driver’s license renewal online →How to get a Wisconsin driver’s license →
Sources: Wisconsin DMV · WisDOT and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

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

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