Wisconsin Driving Test Routes (WI)

You can book your driving test online through the Wisconsin DMV's appointment system up to 11 weeks in advance. It's recommended to book early to secure your preferred date and time.

To be eligible to take your test, you must:

1. Be at least 16 years old.

2. Have held an instruction permit (temps) for at least six months.

3. Have completed an approved driver education course.

4. Have accumulated at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 hours at night.

These requirements are part of Wisconsin's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program.

1. Your valid instruction permit.

2. Proof of vehicle registration and insurance for the car you'll be using.

3. A parent, legal guardian, or qualified driving instructor to accompany you if you're under 18.

You are assessed on your ability to operate a vehicle safely, which includes:

• A pre-trip vehicle inspection.

• Basic control skills, such as backing up and parallel parking.

• On-road driving, where you'll need to demonstrate proper lane usage, turning, stopping, and adherence to traffic signs and signals.

Though backup cameras are allowed, examiners expect you to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder, to demonstrate complete awareness of your surroundings.

Making certain mistakes could result in you failing immediately:

• Disobeying traffic signs or signals.

• Speeding (or driving too slowly).

• Failing to yield the right-of-way.

• Causing an accident.

• Too many minor faults.

If you fail your test, you will need to wait at least one day before retaking it.

Depending on the reason for failure, you may want to take some additional time to get some extra practice, and be even more confident next time.

If you're under 18, a parent, legal guardian, or qualified driving instructor must accompany you to the test.

Note: The person accompanying you will need to sign a statement verifying your completion of the required supervised driving hours, and GDL program requirements.

Yes, but only in very specific cases. Wisconsin temporarily allowed road test waivers for eligible teen drivers who met all supervised driving requirements during the pandemic, it has since been scaled back.

You can bring any passenger vehicle that’s in safe working condition.

Rental cars are not allowed unless your name is listed on the rental agreement and it meets the rental company requirements.

Your chosen vehicle must also pass a quick safety check before the test begins (functioning lights, horn, mirrors, tires, etc.).

In most Wisconsin locations, no, you won’t be tested on interstate or high-speed highway driving.

The WI road test typically stays within city streets, residential areas, and lower-speed roads.

Yes! Your examiner will give you immediate feedback after the test.

If you pass, they’ll provide a slip to take inside the DMV for your new license photo.

If you didn’t pass, they’ll explain what went wrong so you can practice before rescheduling.