In Wisconsin, all new drivers, regardless of age, must obtain an instruction permit before applying for a driver’s license. You must be at least 15 years old to get a permit. Requirements for an instruction permit include submitting an application (form MV3001) for the permit and passing three official tests: a vision test, a road signs test, and a knowledge (permit) test on driving theory.
If you’re under 18, you have several additional requirements to meet before you can be issued a permit: You must be enrolled in a certified driver’s education course. Your driving instructor must sign your MV3001 form, attesting to your participation. You must be enrolled in or have graduated from high school or the equivalent (e.g., GED). Your parent or guardian must also sign the MV3001 form to attest to your high school enrollment or graduation and assume financial responsibility for your driving.
Before you obtain an instruction permit, you may only take the classroom or online portion of the driver’s education course; the behind-the-wheel portion must wait until you’ve obtained a permit. You should take the three official tests after completing the classroom or online portion of the course. You must begin the behind-the-wheel portion of the course within 60 days of obtaining the permit.
You may take the knowledge (permit) and signs tests at a DMV customer service center or your driver’s education course provider if they offer it, not online. All questions on the knowledge and signs tests are based on the official Wisconsin DMV driver’s 2025 handbook (Wisconsin DMV Handbook (WI Driver's Manual) 2025). The DMV currently publishes versions of this manual in English and Spanish. These versions can be easily downloaded from this webpage in PDF format for your convenience.
We have also created an audiobook of the English version of the official driver’s manual. It’s formatted as a series of seven downloadable MP3 files, one for each section of the handbook. The total running time of this audiobook is approximately 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 43 seconds, so you should be able to listen to the entire audiobook in a few days. Try listening to an audiobook file while you follow along with the text of the PDF version. This technique can help you concentrate on the material.
In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide (available elsewhere on this website) to help you get ready as the day of your DMV knowledge and signs tests approaches. It covers how to prepare yourself mentally and physically, what documents to take with you, fees you may have to pay, and frequently missed knowledge test questions.