Can I get my Wisconsin driver’s license if I don’t have a permit?

If you’ve never held a license in any state and you are over the age of 18, you’ll need to have a Wisconsin learner’s permit for at least seven days before you can take the exam for your probationary license. If you are under 18 there is a list of requirements which you can find at the DOT website .

What is the fee to get a Wisconsin driver’s license?

If you’ve never had a license, it will cost $15 to take your Wisconsin skills exam, then $28 for your probationary license. If you’ve previously held a license in another state, it costs $34 to get a new Wisconsin license.

Is Wisconsin waiving road tests?

Wisconsin instituted a Road Test Waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of December 31, 2023, the in-person driving test requirement has been fully reinstated.

Do you still have to parallel park for a driving test in Wisconsin?

According to the Wisconsin Motorist Handbook, parallel parking is a required skill to pass the road test. You will either be asked to parallel park during the road test or once you return to the testing site.

How Many Points Do You Need to Pass a Driving Test in Wisconsin?

Written by Amy Bobinger and 1 other

Nov 20, 2024

To pass the driving test in Wisconsin, you’ll need to get 25 points or less.

Question: I’m preparing to take my Wisconsin driving test in a few weeks, but I’m a bit worried about it. I know I can make a few mistakes, but I have no idea how many points I need to pass. What does my score need to be to pass a driving test in Wisconsin?

Answer: You must accumulate 25 points or less to pass a driving test in Wisconsin. Points are assigned when you make errors during your test.
While you’re taking the exam, the instructor will grade your ability to perform basic maneuvers, including:

Changing lanes
Turning
Making a Y-turn
Parallel parking and regular parking
Passing another vehicle
Starting and stopping
Reversing

The instructor will also note whether you pay attention to the road, how well you handle the vehicle, and whether you obey all traffic laws.

The instructor will assign points each time you commit an error. The number of points for each offense is based on the type of mistake and its severity. After the exam, all of your points will be totaled.

If you get more than 25 points, you’ll fail the test and you’ll have to retake it to get your Wisconsin driver’s license. You can also automatically fail for committing serious offenses like:

Ignoring the examiner’s instructions
Not watching for traffic in intersections
Speeding
Running a stop sign or red light
Making a turn from the wrong lane
Losing control of the vehicle
Getting into an accident

Pro tip:

Prepare ahead of time with the Wisconsin DOT’s Class D road test study guide

What happens if I get too many points during my driving test?

If you fail your driving test, you may have to wait up to two weeks before you can schedule another one. The instructor will give you a study guide and the results of your road test—review these carefully to see what you need to practice before your next driving test.

Also, be sure to keep your MV3001 form—the one with your sponsorship signature. You’ll need to present this at your next driving test.

If your permit is set to expire before your rescheduled test date, be sure to renew it so you’ll be able to keep practicing.

FAQ

Can I get my Wisconsin driver’s license if I don’t have a permit?

If you’ve never held a license in any state and you are over the age of 18, you’ll need to have a Wisconsin learner’s permit for at least seven days before you can take the exam for your probationary license. If you are under 18 there is a list of requirements which you can find at the DOT website.
What is the fee to get a Wisconsin driver’s license?

If you’ve never had a license, it will cost $15 to take your Wisconsin skills exam, then $28 for your probationary license. If you’ve previously held a license in another state, it costs $34 to get a new Wisconsin license.
Is Wisconsin waiving road tests?

Wisconsin instituted a Road Test Waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of December 31, 2023, the in-person driving test requirement has been fully reinstated.
Do you still have to parallel park for a driving test in Wisconsin?

According to the Wisconsin Motorist Handbook, parallel parking is a required skill to pass the road test. You will either be asked to parallel park during the road test or once you return to the testing site.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Amy Bobinger

Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.

Kevin Berry

Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.

^†For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.