What to bring to the Wisconsin DMV permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• Completed Wisconsin Driver License Application MV3001 (signed by the driver-ed instructor and adult sponsor if under 18)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status
• Proof of name and date of birth
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Wisconsin residency if you are 18 or older
• Social Security number
• Fee

Fees

• Class D instruction permit (18 months): $35
• Instruction permit renewal (18 months): $35
• Knowledge and signs tests: $0
• Original probationary license (Class D), expires 2 years from next birthday: $28
• Skills (road) exam (Class D), charged for every appointment not canceled 24 hours ahead: $15

The vision test

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.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• A safe, registered vehicle of the class being tested (examiner checks horn, lights/signals, plates, doors, mirrors and registration)
• Instruction permit (one road test is allowed with a permit expired less than one year, but you may not drive to the test on it)
• Under 18: MV3001 with sponsorship completed; driver-ed completion is submitted electronically by the school

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least 6 months violation-free if under 18 (7 days if 18 or older) before the road test.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Must be accompanied in the front passenger seat by someone with at least 2 years of licensed driving experience who holds a valid regular (not probationary or occupational) license and is: a qualified instructor 19+, a parent/guardian/spouse 19+ (immediate family may ride in the back), or a person 21+ (with written authorization from the parent/guardian if the permit holder is under 18)
• If the permit holder is at least 16, one other licensed person 25 or older with 2 years' experience may ride in a seat other than the front seat
• During hours of darkness the person beside you must be a qualified instructor or a licensed person 25 or older with 2 years of licensed experience
• Absolute sobriety (no alcohol at any age) and seat belt required
• No cell phone use (hand-held or hands-free) except to report an emergency
• Under 18: must be enrolled in driver education (30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind-the-wheel, 6 hours observation), be enrolled in school and not habitually truant, and have an adult sponsor
• Valid 18 months; renewable ($35). Suspended for six months if the holder gets 12 or more demerit points in 12 months. Under 18: no traffic tickets in the six months before applying for the probationary license

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV says copies are accepted.