Wisconsin permit test cheat sheet

Wisconsin-specific rules from our question bank, condensed to one line each with the handbook page. Read it the night before; don’t use it instead of practicing.

Study sheet for before your test. Notes aren’t allowed in the DMV test room. See the study sheets to print.

Test format
50 questions
Passing score
40 of 50 correct (80%)
Permit and test fees
$35 total
Minimum age for a permit
15 years
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Hold your permit
6 months minimum

Permits & licensing

  • Teens can start with a Class D instruction permit at age 15 once they pass the knowledge, signs and vision tests. p. 9
  • Applicants under 18 must be enrolled in a driver education program that includes the behind-the-wheel portion. p. 9
  • The supervising driver must have at least two years of licensed driving experience and hold a valid regular license. p. 9
  • A permit supervisor must hold a valid regular license, not a probationary or occupational one, and have two years of experience. p. 9
  • During hours of darkness, a permit holder must be accompanied by a qualified instructor or a licensed person at least 25 with two years of experience. p. 9
  • Anyone 21 or older can supervise, but if the permit holder is under 18 that person needs written authorization from the minor's parent or guardian before driving. p. 9
  • If you are at least 16, one other licensed person 25 or older with at least two years of experience may sit in a seat other than the front seat. p. 9
  • Drivers under 18 must hold the instruction permit for at least six months and be at least 16 before getting a probationary license. p. 10
  • Wisconsin requires at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours during darkness, and your sponsor must verify them. p. 10
  • An applicant under 18 needs an adult sponsor to sign the MV3001. p. 7
  • The GDL restrictions apply for the first nine months of a probationary license, or until you turn 18 if that happens first. p. 10
  • From 5 a.m. to midnight, a probationary driver under the GDL rules may drive alone and carry any number of immediate family members. p. 10
  • Between midnight and 5 a.m., a GDL driver may drive alone only between home, school and/or work, or with a qualified adult. p. 11
  • A moving violation, breaking a GDL restriction, or any suspension or revocation adds six months to your GDL restrictions. p. 11
  • The Class D knowledge test has 50 questions and you need 40 correct, which is 80 percent. p. 5
  • The highway signs test has 15 questions and you must answer 12 correctly (80 percent). p. 5
  • Car and motorcycle applicants need at least 20/40 acuity in one eye (corrected or uncorrected) and a 70-degree field of vision from the center of each eye. p. 5
  • The test is free at a DMV customer service center. p. 5
  • A regular Wisconsin license must be renewed every eight years, and you can renew up to a year early. p. 11
  • A Class D instruction permit is valid for 18 months, which leaves time to complete the six-month holding period and 50 hours of practice. source
  • Adults 18 and older must hold the instruction permit at least seven days before getting a probationary license. source
  • Applicants under 18 must have received no traffic tickets for the six months before applying for a probationary license. source
  • If you do not pass, you may retake the test no sooner than the next day. source
  • The online test can be attempted only twice. source

Laws, points & insurance

  • Your record starts at zero, and convictions add demerit points. p. 57
  • If you hold a probationary license, an ID card or no license, demerit points are doubled on the second conviction and every one after. p. 57
  • A habitual traffic offender has four or more major violations or 12 or more minor violations within five years. p. 57
  • An occupational license lets a driver who lost their privilege drive up to 12 hours a day and 60 hours a week for work, school and household needs. p. 57
  • Wisconsin requires valid liability insurance from an approved company, and you must show proof if an officer asks. p. 59
  • If you drive someone else's car, it is your responsibility to make sure it is insured. p. 59
  • An instruction permit is suspended for six months if the holder receives 12 or more points within 12 months. source