Wisconsin (WI) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, for two out of three 16-19 year old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes, it was their first and last crash. In 2007, in the state of Wisconsin, 91 teens ages 16-19 were killed in traffic crashes. This figure increased by 3 from 2006-2007. Although the increase is small compared to other states, the state of Wisconsin knows that one teen life lost to a car crash is still one too many. To help end put an end to teen car crashes in the state, Wisconsin’s Graduated Driver Licensing law went into effect in 2000. Before the laws went into effect, teens had less instruction and spent much less practice time behind the wheel before applying for a regular license. Today, for teens that begin the program at 15 ½, the journey to full unrestricted licensing is 3 ½ years long.

Continue reading to learn more about Wisconsin’s Graduated Driver Licensing program and how to get started.

Wisconsin Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Wisconsin’s Graduated Driver Licensing program has three stages:

1.    Instruction permit
2.    Probationary license
3.    Regular license

To apply for an instruction permit, you must:

•    Be at least 15 ½ years of age
•    Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
•    Provide proof of name and date of birth
•    Provide proof of identity
•    Provide proof of Wisconsin residency
•    Provide your social security card
•    Show proof of enrollment in a certified driver education program
•    Show proof of school enrollment in school (ages 18 and under)
•    Pay the $35 fee

In addition, you must pass the knowledge, sign, and vision tests. You must hold the instruction permit for 6 months before applying for a probationary license. During this time you must complete 30 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours at night. You must also maintain a clean driving record in order to obtain your probationary license.

To obtain your probationary license you must:

•    Be at least 16 years of age
•    Have passed an approved driver course
•    Have held the instruction permit for 6 months
•    Completed the 30 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours at night
•    Have an adult sponsor
•    Be enrolled in school if under age 18

In addition, you must provide all of the documentation listed above and you must pass a driving skills test. The fee for the probationary license is $28.

To qualify for a regular license, you must meet all of the requirements of the probationary license and you must have a clean driving record. In addition, you must:

•    Be at least 19 years of age
•    Must hold your probationary driver license until you complete your first renewal, typically two to three years

To apply for your regular license, visit any Wisconsin DMV facility to take the vision screening and road tests. Please carry your probationary license with you and all other identifying documentation as described above and don’t forget to bring $28 to cover the licensing fee.

Wisconsin Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Instruction Permit Restrictions
Instruction permit holders may drive with a supervising driver only. The supervising driver must be seated in the front passengers seat at all times. The supervising driver must also be a licensed parent, guardian or spouse age 19 or older or a qualified instructor age 19 or older. Family members are allowed to ride with the permit holder in the back seat or one non-family member age 21 or older.

Probationary License Restrictions
For the first 9 months, you may drive alone. You may have only one passenger in the car other than an immediate family member or a supervising adult. You may not drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving between home and school or work.

Regular License Restrictions
You must wear your seat belt at all times and maintain absolute sobriety (no alcohol).

The restrictions of the instruction permit or the probationary license may be extended if you get just one traffic ticket. If you violate any of the conditions of Wisconsin's Graduated Driver Licensing program, each violation will carry a point value. If you receive 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license may be suspended for 6 months. Keep in mind that points are doubled for every traffic ticket after your first. 

Wisconsin Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

The state of Wisconsin does not have a specific cell phone law. The state does have a specific law for “distracted driving.” If you engage in any activity that interferes with your ability to drive, you will be cited and fined $173. The violation will add 4 points to your license or permit.

Several bills banning cell phone use for drivers under 18 are under review. Wisconsin Assembly Bill 341 would ban cell phone use by instruction permit holders and probationary license holders ages 18 and under. Wisconsin State Senate Bill 103 would ban text messaging for all drivers. SB 341 carries a $40 fine for a first offense and a $100 fine for a second offense. SB 103 carries fines of $100-$400 for a first offense, $200-$400 for a second offense, and $300-$2,000 for a third offense.

Wisconsin Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Wisconsin, it is a crime for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Wisconsin teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your licensing will be delayed or you may lose your driving privileges altogether.

Wisconsin Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

Whether you are an adult or a teen, in the state of Wisconsin you must carry minimum auto liability insurance coverage in the amounts of 25,000 for personal injury, $50,000 for death, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is not required in the state of Wisconsin, but it is recommended. The recommended amount of UM/UIM coverage in the state of Wisconsin is $50,000/$100,000 per person/per accident.

Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Wisconsin auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.

TIP: Wisconsin is a Tort state. Under the Tort system, if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause or fault of the accident. The person deemed at fault is responsible for all damages. Damages are usually handled through the at-fault person's insurance company. Because of this, most Wisconsin auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher coverages than the state minimums.