Driver education for drivers under 18
30 hours of classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel, 6 hours of observation
Overseen by Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, Driver Training School unit
- Who can take it
To get an instruction permit, a teen must be enrolled in, or have completed, driver education.
What the source says
“You must be enrolled in, or have completed, driver education.”
Graduated Driver License (GDL) FAQs | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
Once a person turns 18, they may take the tests and apply for a driver license without being enrolled in a driver education program.
What the source says
“Once you turn 18, you may take tests and apply for a driver license without being enrolled in a driver education program.”
Graduated Driver License (GDL) FAQs | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Age
A teen is eligible for an instruction permit at 15 years old or older.
What the source says
“You are eligible for an instruction permit when you are 15 years old or older.”
Graduated Driver License (GDL) FAQs | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
Driver education requires at least 30 hours of classroom time, at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training and six hours of observation time.
What the source says
“Driver education requirements include a minimum of 30 hours of classroom time, a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel driver education training and six hours of observation time.”
Graduated Driver License (GDL) FAQs | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
Wisconsin law lets a driver school teach over the internet in addition to its classroom, or instead of a classroom if the school also offers behind-the-wheel instruction in Wisconsin.
What the source says
“A driver school may provide driver training instruction by means of the Internet in addition to providing instruction at a driver school classroom or, if the driver school also offers behind-the-wheel instruction in this state, instead of providing instruction at a driver school classroom.”
Wisconsin Statutes 343.61 | Driver school requirements, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
When a student completes driver education, the school must send the course completion to the DMV electronically.
What the source says
“If you have completed your driver education course, your driver education school must submit your course completion electronically to the DMV.”
Instruction permit (temps) | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
No one may operate a driver school, advertise or provide services in Wisconsin without a valid driver school license issued by the department.
What the source says
“No person may operate a driver school, advertise, solicit bids for business, or provide services unless the person holds a valid driver school license issued by the department.”
Wisconsin Statutes 343.61 | Driver school requirements, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
Driver education is offered through private driver training schools and some high schools.
What the source says
“Driver education is offered through private driver training schools and some high schools.”
Graduated Driver License (GDL) FAQs | Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, read October 7, 2026