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State Cert Guide

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Does my teen need drivers ed to get a license in Wisconsin?

If your teen is under 18, yes. Wisconsin asks for proof that your teen finished an approved driver ed course before a probationary license. To get the permit first, a teen under 18 must, among other things, be at least 15 and enrolled in a certified course. Your teen also logs at least 50 hours of driving, 10 at night.

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The rule, fact by fact

Course hours
At least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, 10 of them at nightA parent or adult sponsor certifies those hours on the driver application.
Verified. wisconsindot.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Who needs it
Under 18: at least 15 and enrolled in a certified driver education programAmong the other requirements, the course instructor signs your teen's permit application.
Verified. wisconsindot.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Valid for
A Class D instruction permit is valid for 18 monthsUnder 18, your teen holds it at least six months before a probationary license.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the rule for the permit. Among other requirements, Wisconsin's permit page says a teen under 18 must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a certified driver ed program.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course Wisconsin certifies. For a probationary license, the teen driving FAQ from Wisconsin DOT lists proof that your teen finished an approved driver ed training course.

  3. Step 3. Hold the permit at least six months if your teen is under 18. Log at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, 10 of them at night.

Before you pay

Ask the school whether its course is certified for Wisconsin before you pay.

Ask what the price covers. We haven't confirmed whether Wisconsin accepts an online course, or what any course costs.

Ask when the school will report that your teen finished.

Questions

Who can ride with my teen on the permit?

The person beside your teen needs at least two years of licensed driving experience and a valid regular license. That person must be a qualified instructor or a parent, guardian or spouse age 19 or older, or a person 21 or older with written authorization from a parent or guardian. After dark, it has to be a qualified instructor or a licensed person 25 years of age with at least two years of experience.

Can the permit be renewed?

Yes, for another 18 months, if your teen needs more time to practice or to finish what a probationary license takes. To renew, your teen shows proof of enrollment in or finishing a driver ed course.

Does my teen have to be in school?

Under 18, yes, in one form or another. The teen is enrolled in a school program or a high school equivalency program, has graduated or been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency, or is enrolled in a home-based private education program. The teen also cannot be identified as habitually truant.

What limits apply after the probationary license?

Among the limits: from midnight to 5 a.m., your teen can drive alone only between home, school and/or work. After nine months of violation-free driving, the GDL restrictions are lifted.

What to do next

Start with Wisconsin DOT's permit page, then pick a certified course for your teen.

wisconsindot.gov

Sources we read