Starting Jan. 1, 2024, young Wisconsin drivers will no longer be able to waive their driving tests and must pass an in-person driving test with an instructor. Wisconsin law states that drivers must complete a 30-hour driver education course, six hours of behind-the-wheel driving education, and six hours of driving observation.
With the launch of its pilot program, the state of Wisconsin sanctioned young drivers the decision to waive their driving tests starting May 11, 2020. The initial introduction of this new protocol emerged with the growing health concerns of young drivers and their instructors throughout March 2020. At this time, driver’s education courses also became virtual due to safety concerns.
Though allowing drivers to waive their tests stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic, many Wisconsin drivers, parents, and behind-the-wheel instructors believed this change was here to stay.
Stoughton Area School District CESA 2 driving instructor Ryan Phelps works with young drivers during the six required behind-the-wheel sessions.
“In July, we had our annual meeting, and they mentioned that [ending the wavering of driver licenses] could happen [in Oct.], but no one was 100% certain,” Phelps said. “They let us know before it was released to the general public that the waiver would be canceled.”
Drivers anticipating to receive their probationary licenses after Jan. 1, 2024, will be able to complete their driving tests, at the earliest, on the day they turn 16. Students will be able to schedule and complete their tests up to 11 weeks in advance.
“The scheduling has not been affected much because most drivers are already past [behind-the-wheel],” Phelps said. “There’s only a couple of students that we’re starting to rush so that we can get them scheduled if they want to do the waiver.”
Those who choose to waive their tests on or before Dec. 31, 2023 do not have to go to the DMV on the day they turn 16 and can choose to have their probationary license shipped to them.
Alex Thiessen, a Junior at Stoughton High School, opted for this when it came to receiving his license this past Sep.
“I had it shipped to my house, and then I just printed out the paper version. I was okay with waiting three or four days to get a physical copy,” Thiessen said. “I didn’t want to waste gas to go all the way up to Madison to get it. I think it’s just more convenient [to get it shipped].”
The driving test, ranging from 20 to 90 minutes, touches on all necessary driving skills learned throughout driver education and behind the wheel. During six one-hour sessions, instructors teach drivers skills ranging from parallel parking to overall safety in the vehicle.
“I think if you’ve proven yourself multiple times with your instructor over the six lessons, and they feel confident enough to put you on the roads, taking [the driving test] isn’t an accurate representation of the driver you are,” Thiessen said.
Wisconsin is one of few states requiring a driver’s education course and behind-the-wheel sessions. These requirements vary for each state.
“I feel like we are making drivers more ready than other states. I know some states don’t even have you do the behind-the-wheel,” Phelps said.
With six hours of required behind-the-wheel sessions, many students lean on their driving instructors when choosing if wavering the test is the right decision for them.
“My driving instructor said I was a really good driver. I think if she was okay to sign off, then I’m an okay driver to be on the roads,” Thiessen said.
However, due to the state’s new protocol, students will no longer need instructor feedback on their driving skills or be able to take instructor’s advice on waiving the test.
“For me, my job is to get the six lessons done and communicate with the parents what I feel is best [..], but once again, the parents could still side with whatever they choose and go that way,” Phelps said.