Wisconsin DMV Appointments

All teenagers in the state of Wisconsin looking to earn a drivers license must go through the state’s graduated driver license (GDL) program. If you’ve already earned your instruction permit, you’ve completed step one of the process – next up is getting enough experience on the road to earn your probationary license.

Earning a Wisconsin Probationary License

A Wisconsin probationary license is essentially a limited version of the full drivers license. It allows you to drive (albeit with strict limitations) in order to gain valuable on-the-road experience and practice safe driving techniques.

To earn a probationary drivers license as a teen, you must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months. Within this time, you must fulfill the following requirements to qualify:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have an adult sponsor.
• You must pass an approved drivers education course.
• You must be free of any traffic violations for 6 months.
• You must accumulate 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, with 10 of those hours being at night.
• You must be enrolled in school or have graduated from high school

Upon fulfilling all these requirements, you can then apply for a probationary license.

Applying for a Wisconsin Probationary License

To apply for a probationary license, you’ll need the following:

• A completed Wisconsin Driver License Application (Form MV3001)
• Your Social Security Number
• Proof of US citizenship or legal permanent resident status
• Proof of identity, name, and date of birth
• Appropriate fees for licensing

Upon completion of those, you’ll be asked to take a behind-the-wheel driving skills test to ensure you’ve learned how to drive safely and responsibly. After passing that, you’ll officially be a Wisconsin license-holder.

Wisconsin Probationary License Restrictions and Limitations

Since probationary license holders are first-time drivers on the road, they’re subject to strict limitations to improve driver safety and ensure that they’re driving safely with minimal distractions. For the first nine months (or until you turn 18), Wisconsin probationary drivers license holders are subject to the following restrictions:

• You may drive alone except from midnight to 5 a.m. unless you are driving to and from school or your place of work.
• Only one passenger other than immediate family or driving instructors are allowed when driving.

While there are no limitations on traffic violations, these restrictions can be extended and your license may be suspended or even revoked if you violate the above rules.

Additionally, if you’re holding a probationary license, points accumulated from traffic violations are doubled after your first conviction. After 12 or more points in a 12-month period, your license may be suspended for at least 6 months.

After you turn 18, all of these restrictions will be lifted and you’ll be granted a full Wisconsin drivers license.