Wisconsin learner’s permit requirements

Everything here comes from Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Wisconsin doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.

Last checked September 22, 2026.

At a glance

Minimum age
15 years
To pass the knowledge test
40 of 50 correct (80%)
Fees
$35 total
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Where you take the test
Online or in person

The knowledge test and your permit

Test format
50 questionsSources 123
Passing score
40 of 50 correct (80%)Sources 123
Time limit
None published
Permit and test fees
$35 totalThe knowledge and signs tests are free at a DMV service center and the Class D instruction permit is $35; the optional online test for ages 15-17 costs $10 per attempt.Sources 123
Minimum age for a permit
15 yearsClass D instruction permit at 15 (under 18 must be enrolled in a driver education program including behind-the-wheel). Class M cycle instruction permit at 16.Sources 145
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)Sources 145
Hold your permit
6 months minimumSources 145
Test languages
11 languagesEnglish, American Sign Language, Burmese, Chinese, Croatian, Hmong, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Somali, SpanishSources 123
Take it online
YesSources 123
If you fail
May retake no sooner than the next dayonly five attempts at the same test within a one-year period, after which special permission from DMV staff is needed. Online test: two attempts, then must test at a DMV service center.Sources 123
Vision standard
Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye (corrected or uncorrected) and a 70-degree field of vision from…the center of each eyeSources 145

From permit to full license

  • Instruction permit at 15 (valid 18 months); must be held at least 6 months if under 18 (7 days if 18+). Probationary license at 16 after the skills test, driver education completion and a sponsor-certified 50 hours of supervised driving (40 daylight + 10 darkness).
  • Probationary (GDL) passenger and midnight-5 a.m. restrictions apply for the first 9 months (or until 18 if sooner) and are extended 6 months (or until 18) for violations.

Before you go

Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles website: wisconsindot.gov.

Sources

  1. wisconsindot.gov: bds126 motorists handbook
  2. wisconsindot.gov: knowledge
  3. wisconsindot.gov: dmv fees
  4. wisconsindot.gov: permit
  5. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov: 343.085

Keep going