Wisconsin Teen Driving Laws: A Guide for Parents and New Drivers

For both teens and their parents, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage filled with excitement and a healthy dose of nervousness. To ensure this transition is as safe as possible, Wisconsin has implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. The GDL system is designed to help new, young drivers gain valuable experience behind the wheel while minimizing exposure to high-risk situations.

This guide is designed for parents and teens to navigate the GDL rules together. Understanding the specific restrictions on curfews, passengers, and cell phone use is essential for staying safe, avoiding tickets, and building a foundation of responsible driving habits for life.

The Goal of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Statistics show that teen drivers are at a much higher risk of being involved in a crash, primarily due to inexperience. The GDL program addresses this by slowly phasing in driving privileges. It consists of two main stages for teens before they earn a full, unrestricted license: the Instruction Permit and the Probationary License.

Stage 1: The Instruction Permit ("Temps")

This is where the hands-on learning begins. A teen is eligible for a permit at 15 years and 6 months old, but only after enrolling in an approved driver education course.

Key Permit Restrictions:

Constant Supervision: A teen with a permit may never drive alone. They must be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver in the front passenger seat at all times.
Who Can Supervise? The supervising driver must have a valid (non-probationary) license and at least two years of driving experience. This person can be:
- A qualified instructor (19 or older).
- A parent, guardian, or spouse (19 or older).
- Another licensed adult (21 or older). If the supervising driver is not a parent, guardian, or instructor, they must have written authorization from the teen's parent or guardian.
Night Driving Supervisor: For practice driving during hours of darkness, the supervisor must be a qualified instructor or a licensed person who is at least 25 years old.
Passenger Limit: With a supervising parent, guardian, or spouse, other immediate family members may also be in the vehicle. Otherwise, no other passengers are allowed.
Zero Tolerance: Wisconsin has an "Absolute Sobriety" or "Not a Drop" law for drivers under 21. Any detectable amount of alcohol in their system is illegal.
Seat Belts Required: Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.

To move on, the teen must hold the permit for at least six months violation-free and log 50 hours of practice driving (10 at night).

Stage 2: The Probationary License

After turning 16 and successfully passing the road test, a teen receives a Probationary License. This allows for unsupervised driving, but with critical restrictions that remain in effect for the first nine months (or until the driver turns 18).

Key Probationary License Restrictions:

Nighttime Curfew: A probationary driver cannot operate a vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Exceptions: This curfew does not apply if the teen is driving between their home, school, or work. If driving anywhere else during these hours, they must be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver.
Passenger Limit: This is one of the most important GDL rules. For the first nine months, a teen driver is limited to only ONE passenger who is not a member of their immediate family.
- Who can ride with them? During this period, they can drive with any number of their immediate family members (parents, siblings), plus one of the following: a qualified instructor, a licensed adult 21 or older, OR one peer. The law is designed to dramatically reduce distractions from having multiple friends in the car.
Restriction Extensions: If the teen receives a moving traffic violation, violates these GDL restrictions, or has their license suspended, these nine-month restrictions can be extended.
Increased Point Penalties: For drivers with a probationary license, demerit points for traffic violations are DOUBLED for the second and any subsequent offenses. This means a license can be suspended much more quickly.

The Parent's Critical Role

Parents are the most important partners in this process. Your involvement is key to your teen's safety.

Lead by Example: Your teen has been watching you drive for years. Always model safe behavior: buckle up, put the phone away, and obey speed limits.
Enforce the Rules: The GDL restrictions are not just suggestions; they are the law. Enforcing them, especially the passenger and curfew rules, has been proven to save lives.
Create a Driving Agreement: Consider using a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. This written contract can outline your specific family rules, expectations, and consequences, covering topics like grades, chores, and contributing to gas or insurance costs.
More Practice is Better: The required 50 hours is a minimum. Continue to practice with your teen in all kinds of conditions—highways, city traffic, rain, and snow—to build their skills and confidence.

By working together to understand and respect Wisconsin's GDL laws, parents and teens can ensure the journey to getting a license is a safe and successful one.