How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Wisconsin?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Wisconsin. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Wisconsin Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Wisconsin uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger for first 9 months; family members and a qualified instructor or licensed adult 21+ exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Accumulation of 12 to 30 points within 12 months results in 6-month suspension; more than 30 points results in 1-year suspension. GDL restrictions lifted after 9 months violation-free.

Wisconsin-Specific Information

During curfew hours (midnight to 5 AM), driving alone is permitted only between home, school, and work. Otherwise must have a parent, qualified instructor, licensed spouse 19+, or licensed adult 21+ in front seat. Passenger restrictions last 9 months. Cell phone ban applies to learner permit and probationary license holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Wisconsin gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Wisconsin at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Wisconsin restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Wisconsin, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger for first 9 months; family members and a qualified instructor or licensed adult 21+ exempt.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Wisconsin at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.