Wisconsin Driving Test Requirements
- Kim Lapp
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Anyone who drives on Wisconsin public roads must have a valid driver license. To get a driver license you will need to take and pass a few tests. These requirements are below:
Vision Screening
Highway Signs Test
Knowledge Test
Skills Test
Vision Screening
The vision screening tests how well you can see.
This test can be administered by either the DMV or your vision specialist. In Wisconsin, applicants for regular car and motorcycle licenses must have a:
Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one eye (corrected or uncorrected).
70-degree field of vision from the center of each eye.
If you fail the vision test, the DMV staff will inform you of the next steps. This includes visiting a vision specialist with the Certificate of Vision Examination by Competent Authority (MV3030V/T579).
Highway Signs Test
This will test your ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning and directing traffic.
No appointment is necessary to take this test. The test consists of 15 questions, and you must correctly answer 12 of them (80%) to pass. This manual will cover all the various signs you may encounter, so ensure you study them thoroughly.
Knowledge Test
This will test your knowledge of the traffic laws.
You do not need to make an appointment to take this test. This test will take about 45 minutes to complete. Allow enough time to complete the test prior to when the DMV customer service center is scheduled to close. The knowledge test will include 50 questions. You need to answer 40 questions (80%) correctly to pass the test.
Skills Test
The skills test, also referred to as the road test or driving test, is a practical demonstration of your capacity to maintain ordinary and reasonable control over your vehicle. A DMV examiner will accompany you during this test, providing instructions such as, “Turn left at the next intersection,” or “Perform a Y-Turn.”
You must make an appointment to take this test. Please visit our website to schedule this test: wisconsindmv.gov/roadtest
Before your test the DMV examiner will check over your car. They will make sure the car is safe to drive. They will check the horn, lights/signals, license plates, doors, mirrors and more. Make sure that you know how to use all parts of your vehicle that you may need (headlights, wipers, defrost, etc.).
You will be tested on the different driving skills below. Make sure to practice them before you take the skills test:
Turning
Intersections requiring you to stop
Approaching intersections that do not require a stop
Driving in a business or residential area
Changing lanes
Maneuvers such as a Y-turn, roadside stop/start and parking
Backing
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