Wisconsin Online Driver's Ed

Wisconsin Driver's Ed FAQ: Costs, Requirements & More

Everything you need to know about the course, requirements, costs, and what happens after. If you don't see your question here, contact us. We're happy to help.

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✓ $98.76 ✓ 30 Hours ✓ 100% Online ✓ Wisconsin DOT-Approved
The Basics

Getting Started

Is driver's ed required in Wisconsin?
Yes. If you're under 18, the state of Wisconsin requires you to complete a driver's education program before you can get your driver's license. The program has two parts: 30 hours of classroom instruction (which is what this online course covers) and 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training (6 hours of driving plus 6 hours of observation with a licensed instructor). Behind-the-wheel training is not part of this online course and is arranged separately with a licensed Wisconsin driving school. You must complete both parts to be eligible for your probationary license.
What age can you start driver's ed in Wisconsin?
You can begin the online classroom course at age 14½ (14 years, 6 months). We recommend starting around 14 years and 9 months so you can complete the course and be ready to get your instruction permit around your 15½ birthday, which is the earliest you can apply for one.
What age can you get a permit in Wisconsin?
You can apply for your instruction permit at age 15½ (15 years, 6 months). To get the permit, you'll need to have completed or be enrolled in an approved driver's education course, pass the knowledge test, signs test, and vision screening at a DMV service center, and have an adult sponsor (usually a parent or guardian) sign your application. The online classroom course is typically the first step. Most students complete it before applying for their permit.
Do I need a permit before starting the course?
No, it's actually the other way around. You enroll in and complete the online course first, then use your completion certificate as part of the process to get your instruction permit at the DMV. You don't need a permit, a license, or any prior driving experience to start. Enroll now →
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What to Expect

About the Course

How long does driver's ed take in Wisconsin?
The online classroom portion is 30 hours. You can complete up to 2 hours per day, and the course must be spread across a minimum of 21 days. You have a full 180 days (about 6 months) from enrollment to finish. It's completely self-paced. There are no scheduled class times, no live sessions, and no instructor contact required. You work through it on your own time.
What does the course cover?

The course covers every topic the Wisconsin DOT requires for the classroom portion of driver's education, including Wisconsin traffic laws and rules of the road, road signs and signals, city/freeway/rural driving, hazard awareness (railroad crossings, farm equipment, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles), the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, vehicle controls and ownership responsibilities, and more. The full curriculum is mandated by the state, so every approved course in Wisconsin covers the same required topics.

See the full topic list on our Course Info page →
What is the difference between the online course and behind-the-wheel training?
They're two separate parts of driver's education in Wisconsin. The online course covers the 30 hours of classroom instruction: traffic laws, road safety, hazard awareness, and everything you need to know before behind-the-wheel training. Behind-the-wheel training is the in-car portion: 6 hours of driving and 6 hours of observation with a licensed driving instructor. You complete the online course first, then enroll in behind-the-wheel training separately with a licensed driving school. Both are required to get your probationary license.
Does this course include behind-the-wheel training?
No. This is the online classroom course only, which covers the 30 hours of classroom instruction required by Wisconsin. Behind-the-wheel training, the in-car portion of driver's education, is a separate program that you enroll in with a licensed Wisconsin driving school after you finish the online course. Behind-the-wheel training consists of 6 hours of driving plus 6 hours of observation, and pricing is set by each individual school. Find a licensed driving school in your area →
Can students from anywhere in Wisconsin enroll?
Yes. This course is 100% online, so students from anywhere in Wisconsin can enroll and complete it from home. We serve students from Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Wausau, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Oshkosh, and everywhere in between. As long as you have internet access, you can take the course. Enroll now →
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Pricing

Cost and Payment

How much does driver's ed cost in Wisconsin?
This online classroom course is $98.76, a one-time payment with no hidden fees, no recurring charges, and no upsells. That covers the full 30-hour online classroom portion of driver's education only. Behind-the-wheel training is not included. It's arranged separately with a licensed Wisconsin driving school of your choice, and pricing varies by school and location. Enroll now →
What payment methods are accepted?
Registration is handled through our secure Teach Safe platform. You'll need a credit or debit card to complete payment at the time of registration.
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Devices & Certificates

Course Logistics

What device do I need to take the course?

You can take the online course on any device: laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone. Use whatever is most convenient for you.

However, there's an important distinction: the Wisconsin DMV knowledge test (the permit test you take separately at the DMV after completing this course) requires a laptop or desktop computer. It cannot be taken on a phone or tablet. Make sure you have access to a laptop or desktop before your test date.

How is the completion certificate issued?
Once you finish the course, your completion certificate is emailed directly from the Wisconsin DOT (from no-reply@dot.wi.gov). It typically arrives within 10 days of completing the course. This certificate is what you'll present when applying for your instruction permit at the DMV.
Ready to enroll? →
Next Steps

After the Course

What happens after I finish the online course?

Here's the step-by-step path after you complete the course:

  1. Receive your completion certificate from the Wisconsin DOT via email.
  2. Study the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook to prepare for the knowledge test.
  3. Go to a DMV service center to take the knowledge test, signs test, and vision screening.
  4. Get your instruction permit.
  5. Enroll in behind-the-wheel training. That's 6 hours of driving and 6 hours of observation with a licensed driving school.
  6. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night) with a licensed adult.
  7. After holding your permit for at least 6 months with no violations, apply for your probationary license and pass the driving skills test.
See the full path on our Course Info page →
How long does it take to get my license after finishing the course?

It depends on when you start, but here's a realistic timeline: if you begin the online course at 14½ and complete it in about a month, you can get your instruction permit at 15½ (the earliest age allowed). You then need to hold your permit for at least 6 months and complete behind-the-wheel training and 50 hours of supervised driving before applying for your probationary license at age 16 or later. From start to license, most students are looking at roughly 12-18 months.

The sooner you start the course, the sooner you're on the road. Every week you wait is a week added to your timeline. Enroll now →

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Trust & Approval

About the School

Is this course approved by the Wisconsin DMV?

Yes. This course is powered by LG Driving School Inc., License #0581. The school is fully licensed by the Wisconsin DOT, and the course meets all state requirements for the classroom portion of teen driver's education. You can verify the school's license on the Wisconsin DOT's public directory of licensed driver training schools.

Learn more about our state approval on the Wisconsin-Approved page →
Is this course accepted by Wisconsin high schools?
This course is approved by the Wisconsin DOT and meets all state requirements for the classroom portion of teen driver's education. For DMV and licensing purposes, this course fully qualifies. However, some high schools may have their own specific requirements for driver's education credit. If your school requires driver's ed for graduation or has a preferred provider, we recommend checking with your school directly to confirm their policy.
Who runs this course?

DriversEdOnlineWI.com is the online driver's education course powered by LG Driving School Inc., a Wisconsin-licensed driving school (License #0581). The school was started by a lifelong Wisconsin resident who saw that high schools across the state were cutting back on driver's education, leaving teens and families scrambling to find options. This course was created to fill that gap: an affordable, state-approved option focused entirely on Wisconsin students.

Learn more about why a Wisconsin-based school matters →  |  Enroll now →
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Want more details about the course? Visit Course Info & Pricing.

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Enroll Today, $98.76