Wisconsin license renewal for older drivers

Preparing for the renewal test

If you need to take a written or signs test to renew, it covers the same handbook as new drivers' tests. Our Wisconsin practice tests and road signs test are free to use, and the read-aloud button can help if small print is hard to read.

Wisconsin practice testRoad signs test

Rules that may have changed since you first got your license

Some of the rules in today's Wisconsin handbook are newer than many drivers' first test. Worth a look before renewal:

• Phones: Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers. Instruction permit and probationary license holders may not use a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free) except to report an emergency. No driver may use a hand-held mobile device in a road work zone except to report an emergency.
• Move over: For an emergency vehicle stopped with lights flashing, move into the lane not nearest the stopped vehicle and stay there until past it, or slow down if you cannot move over. Pull over and stop for approaching emergency vehicles using lights/siren (not in an intersection). Give snowplows with flashing lights at least 200 feet.
• School buses: Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with red lights flashing, whether it is on your side or the opposite side of the road; proceed once the red lights stop flashing. On a divided highway, traffic on the other side of the barrier does not need to stop.
• Alcohol: the limit for adult drivers is 0.08%.

Vision standard

For an unrestricted license you need visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye (with or without glasses or contacts) and a 70-degree field of vision from the center of each eye. The minimum for a regular license is 20/100 in at least one eye and a 20-degree field from center in at least one eye. Vision below 20/40 or 70 degrees may require a vision specialist referral, a skills test or license restrictions. Bioptic lenses may not be used to meet the standards.

About the vision test