Wisconsin (WI)

How many practice hours do you need in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.

50
Total practice hours
10
Night hours
15½
Permit age
16
License age

Wisconsin learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 15½
  • Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
  • Permit hold period: 6 months
  • License eligibility age: 16
  • How hours are certified: Wisconsin supervised driving log (50 hours, 10 at night) signed by a parent or guardian.

Wisconsin requires 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night, documented on the state's driving log form. Applicants under 18 must also complete driver education.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the Wisconsin DOT before applying.

Wisconsin's graduated licensing stages

1
Instruction permit · age 15½

Enroll in driver ed; drive with a qualified adult 21+; log 50 hours (10 at night).

2
Probationary license · age 16

Issued after 6 months; night and passenger limits apply for 9 months.

3
Full license · age 18

Probationary restrictions are removed.

Driving restrictions for new Wisconsin drivers

Night driving

Probationary license holders can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified adult, or driving to or from work or school.

Passengers

For the first 9 months, probationary drivers may carry only immediate family unless a qualified adult is present.

Phone use

Drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license may not use a cell phone while driving except to report an emergency.

Log every Wisconsin practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.

Wisconsin driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in Wisconsin?+

Wisconsin requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

How many hours of driving does Wisconsin require?+

50 hours of supervised driving including at least 10 at night, recorded on the state's driving log form.

How long do Wisconsin's teen passenger limits last?+

The first 9 months of the probationary license, unless a qualified supervising adult is in the car.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.