Wisconsin Driver's License

Class A CDL

The Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) license is required if the towed vehicle(s) weigh more than 10,000 pounds, operating any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), actual weight, or registered weight over 26,000 pounds.

Class B CDL

This CDL license is for operating any single vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight, or using such vehicles to tow other vehicles that weigh 10,000 pounds or less GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight.

Class C CDL

A Class C license under CDL regulations permits towing vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds, transporting hazardous materials requiring placards, and operating vehicles with a GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight of 26,000 pounds or less.

Class D

The Class D license is a standard driver's license used for driving automobiles, mopeds, and light trucks. It may also include a school bus endorsement when driving vehicles designed to seat fewer than sixteen people, including the driver.

Class M

The Class M license is designed for operating motorcycles, encompassing the skills and knowledge required for safe and legal motorcycle operation on public roads.

Wisconsin Endorsements

Wisconsin offers several endorsements for specific driving needs. These endorsements require additional testing and training beyond standard driver's license requirements.

Double/Triple Trailers (T)

The T endorsement allows the operation of commercial motor vehicles with double or triple trailers.

Tank Vehicles (N)

The N endorsement permits the operation of commercial vehicles designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials within a tank.

Hazardous Materials (H)

The H endorsement authorizes the transportation of hazardous materials requiring placarding or any quantity of a listed agent or toxin. This endorsement requires additional background checks and training.

School Bus (S)

The S endorsement enables the operation of school buses and commercial motor vehicles. It requires a knowledge and driving skills test when initially issued and upon every renewal.

Passenger Vehicle (P)

The P endorsement permits the operation of vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. When originally issued, this endorsement requires a driving skills test.

Farm Service (F)

The F endorsement is limited to farm service operations for classes B and C only.

Driver's License Examinations

In Wisconsin, obtaining a driver's license requires passing several examinations to make sure that all drivers understand the rules of the road and can drive safely. The WI DMV administers these tests. Detailed information on these tests can be found in the Wisconsin Motorist Handbook.

Vision Test

All applicants must pass a basic vision test to prove they can see well enough to drive safely. This is a fundamental requirement before proceeding to other examinations.

Traffic Signs Test

The traffic signs test requires applicants to identify various traffic signs by their colors and shapes. This test verifies that drivers can recognize and understand the meaning of road signs they will encounter.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test consists of 50 questions covering good driving habits, traffic rules, laws, and other driving-related topics. Applicants can take a practice knowledge test on their mobile devices through the WI DMV website. For those who have trouble reading the test, an audio version is available where questions and responses are heard through headphones.

Road Test

After sufficient practice driving with an instruction permit, applicants must pass a road test to get a driver's license. Individuals may schedule a road test appointment through the WI DMV website.

A driver will fail if they break a traffic law, endanger another driver or pedestrian, cause a crash, appear undertrained, are unable to control the car, or make too many mistakes. Attempting to have someone else take the road test is illegal.

Driver's License Requirements

To legally drive in Wisconsin, all applicants must meet specific requirements to obtain an instruction permit or probationary license.

Instruction Permit

An instruction permit is the first step toward obtaining a full driver's license in Wisconsin. It allows new drivers to practice driving under supervision before they take the road test.

Ages 15-16

For young drivers, there are specific requirements to guarantee they are prepared for driving.

• Provide documentation of temporary visiting status, permanent resident status, or U.S. citizenship.
• Provide documentation of name and date of birth, identity, Wisconsin residency, and Social Security number.
• Enroll in a certified Driver Education Program ( Application Form MV3001 signed by the instructor).
• Have sponsorship by a parent, step-parent, or other adult sponsor on the MV3001, or file proof of insurance.
• Be enrolled in a home-based private education program or an equivalent school program, and avoid skipping classes regularly.
• Pass knowledge, sign, and vision tests.

Ages 16-18

For older teens, the requirements are similar but with some variations to accommodate their different life stages.

• Similar requirements as ages 15-16, but the permit is issued at DMV Customer Service Centers throughout Wisconsin.

Ages 18+

Adult applicants only need to provide the required identification documents. Then, they must pass the necessary examinations and complete the application form MV3001.

Probationary License

The probationary license allows for more independent driving under certain conditions. The minimum age for obtaining a probationary license is 16.

Ages 16-18

Young drivers must meet additional requirements to establish that they have gained sufficient driving experience.

• Hold the instruction permit for at least six months.
• Complete a driver education course.
• Have an adult sponsor.
• Accumulate at least 30 hours of supervised driving experience, with 10 hours during darkness.
• Be violation-free for six months preceding the application.
• Pass a road test.

Ages 18+

For adults, the process is more straightforward. The instruction permit must be held for at least seven days, and applicants must pass a road test.

Application Process for Obtaining a Class D License in Wisconsin

Obtaining a Class D driver's license in Wisconsin involves several steps, beginning with an instruction permit and culminating in a probationary license. The process ensures that new drivers gain the necessary knowledge and experience to drive safely.

Instruction Permit

Applicants of all ages must provide the required documents and complete specific prerequisites, such as passing the required examinations and paying the appropriate fees. For those ages 15-16, the first behind-the-wheel lesson must occur within 60 days of permit issuance. The permit is issued after the entire process has been completed.

Probationary License

After obtaining the instruction permit, applicants must hold it for the required period. For ages 16-18, they must complete a certified driver education course, accumulate supervised driving experience, and pass the road test.

Upon meeting these requirements and paying the necessary fees, applicants receive their probationary license. Maintaining a clean driving record and fulfilling any additional requirements specified by the WI DMV will eventually lead to obtaining a full, unrestricted Class D driver's license.

Class D Driver's License Fees

The fees for obtaining a Class D driver's license in Wisconsin are as follows:

• Instruction permit (18 months): $35
• Original probationary license (expires two years from the subsequent birthday): $28
• Original regular license (8 years): $34
• Skills exam (Class D) – charged for every appointment not canceled 24 hours in advance: $15

For comprehensive details on obtaining a Class D Driver's License, explore the WisDOT Driver License Guide. This interactive tool assesses an individual's eligibility, offers a requirements checklist, and enables pre-filling and electronic submission of applications.

Renewal Process

Renewing a driver's license in Wisconsin can be done either online or in person, depending on the individual's eligibility and specific requirements.

Online Renewal

Eligibility for online driver's license renewal includes being a U.S. citizen, 64 years of age or younger, holding a Class D license, and the license not being expired for more than a year. This process cannot be used for updates to certain personal identifiers (e.g., hair color or weight) or for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license.

Steps for online renewal involve verifying eligibility, gathering necessary information, preparing payment information, completing the online application, updating the address if needed, and submitting the payment.

For more information about the online renewal of a driver's license, visit the "Online Driver License Renewal/Replacement" page on the WisDOT official website.

In-Person Renewal

For in-person renewal, the steps involve preparing the required documents, visiting a DMV Customer Service Center, submitting the documents, and paying the required fees.

Replacement Process

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Wisconsin can be done either online or in person, depending on individual circumstances and eligibility.

Online Replacement

Steps for online replacement involve gathering the necessary information, completing the online replacement application, submitting the payment, and receiving confirmation.

For more information about replacing a driver's license online, visit the "Online Driver License Renewal/Replacement" page on the WisDOT official website.

In-Person Replacement

For in-person replacement, proof of identity and legal presence is required if not a U.S. citizen. The steps involve preparing the required documents, visiting a DMVS Customer Service Center, submitting the documents, and paying the required fees.

Required Information, Documents, and Fees

For online renewal/replacement, the required information includes:

• Wisconsin driver's license number
• The last four digits of the social security number
• Date of birth
• Zip code

No documents are required for submission online. However, all drivers must carry liability insurance.

Due to maintenance, online services are unavailable daily from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. For online transactions, a receipt is emailed, serving as a temporary driver's license until the new card arrives in the mail within ten business days.

The fees for online transactions are payable via debit/credit card or checking/savings account.

For in-person renewal/replacement, the required information includes the current driver's license and social security number. Documents required include:

• A completed form MV3001
• Proof of identity
• Social Security card or number
• Proof of legal presence (if applicable)

Fees must be payable to the DMV Customer Service Center.

Here are the required fees when renewing or replacing a driver's license in Wisconsin:

• Instruction permit renewal (18 months): $35
• Renewal (8 years): $34
• Duplicate: $14
• Renewal late fee: Drivers who fail to renew their driver's license by their birthday will pay a late fee in addition to the usual driver's license fee.