Learning to drive can be fun but also somewhat stressful. There are several steps to take along the way. Before getting a driver’s license and hitting the road, new drivers have to take tests and complete training in accordance with their state’s laws. Wisconsin allows drivers to complete a portion of the required training online, so let’s take a closer look at online driver’s education in the state of Wisconsin.
DriversEd.com is one of the most recognizable and popular online driving course programs in the country, and it offers classes in Wisconsin. The company has courses for teen drivers and adult drivers needing to brush up on driving knowledge. It’s worth noting, however, that the company’s adult driver program is not approved by the state, so only the teen driver course can be counted toward an official requirement.
DMVEdu offers a value-priced online course for drivers under 18 years old. Its course satisfies the state’s requirements and will help get you set to take the driving test. The courses are available 24 hours a day and can be completed at the student’s pace. The company says drivers can take the test as many times as they need.
Safety and Respect is an Eau Claire, WI-based company that offers online, in-person, and combination courses for new drivers. Its courses are available 24/7 and satisfy the education portion of Wisconsin’s driver education requirements. If you need hands-on instruction, Safety and Respect’s combination courses include up to nine hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Just Drive offers in-person, online, and hands-on education for new and inexperienced drivers. The company has physical locations all over the state, and offers flexible combinations that allow drivers to choose whether they’d like online or in-person instruction.
New Wisconsin drivers have to obtain a Class D instruction permit, which allows them to operate a vehicle under adult supervision. The state requires the driver to be at least 15 years old, be enrolled in a driver’s education program, have a parent signature, and be enrolled in school full-time. Wisconsin requires 30 hours of classroom or online education in addition to six hours of time behind the wheel and six hours of observed time behind the wheel. The state lists dozens of approved online and in-person courses on its website.
Driver's education ranges from around $100 to more than $400, depending on the type of instruction and courses needed. Expect to pay near the high end of that range for extensive hands-on instruction and behind-the-wheel training. That said, it’s easy to find discounts and other promotional offers that may reduce the price.
There are two avenues to reaching the state-required number of hours and hands-on time, and the best one for you depends on your situation and how you learn. Some people learn better in a virtual/online environment, while others do best with in-person training. You may also consider the costs of in-person versus online courses, as hands-on classes typically cost more. No matter which avenue you choose, however, you (or your teen driver) will have to satisfy the hands-on hours requirements before you can get a license in Wisconsin.
You can download a license application online and take it to a Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles location. The state charges $35 for an Instruction Permit and $28 for a probationary Class D license. When it’s time for a full-fledged license, expect a $34 charge.
To get a learner’s permit in Wisconsin, you’ll have to meet a few requirements, including proof of citizenship, proof of your name and date of birth, and more. You’ll also need to be at least 15 years old, be enrolled in a driver’s education program, and be enrolled in school full time.
Some states allow what is known as parent-taught or parent-led driver education, but that is not the case in Wisconsin - at least for the classroom portion of training. The state requires licensed instructors and approved courses. That said, parents can lead their students in the hands-on portion of the training, and the state offers resources to guide them through the process.
Read more on the Best Online Drivers Education in the industry here.