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Under 18 in Wisconsin, your probationary license comes with graduated driver license (GDL) limits for the first nine months: one passenger outside your family or a qualified adult, and no driving from midnight to 5 a.m. except between home, school and work. This page covers those limits, how they get extended, doubled points, and when you can move to a regular license.
Wisconsin probationary license restrictions at a glance
| Rule | Who it applies to | How long |
|---|---|---|
| One passenger limit | Under 18 | First 9 months or until 18 |
| No driving midnight to 5 a.m. (with exceptions) | Under 18 | First 9 months or until 18 |
| Phone only to report an emergency | All probationary and permit holders | While on a probationary license |
| Absolute sobriety; seat belt | All probationary holders | While on a probationary license |
| Doubled demerit points from 2nd conviction | All probationary holders, any age | Until you hold a regular license |
Who can ride with you: 5 a.m. to midnight
You can drive alone and go anywhere. Riding with you can be:
- any number of immediate family members
- one person with a valid regular license and at least two years of licensed driving experience who is a qualified instructor or spouse aged 19+, or anyone 21+
- one other person (for example, one friend)
So you can carry only one friend at a time.
Can you drive at night on a probationary license in Wisconsin?
From midnight to 5 a.m.:
- Between home, school and work: you may drive alone, with the same passengers allowed in the daytime.
- Anywhere else: one of these must sit in the front passenger seat:
- a parent or legal guardian
- a person with a valid regular license and two years of licensed driving experience who is a qualified instructor or spouse 19+, or anyone 21+
Any number of immediate family members and one other person may also ride along.
Worked examples
| Scenario | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| 4 p.m., you drive two friends to practice | No: only one passenger outside family or a qualified adult |
| 4 p.m., you drive your two younger brothers and one friend | Yes: family has no limit, plus one other person |
| 12:30 a.m., driving home alone from your job | Yes: home, school and work trips are allowed |
| 12:30 a.m., driving home alone from a party | No, unless a parent, guardian or qualified adult is in the front seat |
What extends the GDL restrictions?
The restrictions are extended six months if:
- you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, or
- you break any of the restrictions, or
- your license is suspended or revoked for any reason.
The restrictions end at 18 regardless. After nine months of violation-free driving they are lifted, and you don’t need a new license card.
Doubled demerit points
On a probationary license, demerit points double for your second and later moving violations, at any age. That continues after you turn 18 until you hold a regular license. Equipment violations under Chapter 347 of the Wisconsin Statutes are not doubled.
| Points within 12 months (probationary) | Result |
|---|---|
| 12 to 30 | 6-month suspension |
| More than 30 | 1-year suspension |
Also, if you got your license under 18 and the DMV later learns you were convicted of a violation committed in the six months before issue, it will cancel the license. You must be six months violation free to reapply. See Wisconsin points system and occupational license.
Phones, alcohol and seat belts
- Permit and probationary holders may use a cell phone only to report an emergency.
- You must keep absolute sobriety while driving. For all drivers under 21 the limit is 0.00%. See zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
- You must wear your seat belt.
Your sponsor still matters
You keep your adult sponsor during the probationary phase until you turn 18. Your sponsor accepts legal and financial responsibility for incidents you cause while driving and can withdraw sponsorship at any time.
When do you get a regular license in Wisconsin?
- You must be at least 19.
- Your probationary license expires two years from your next birthday. For example, get it on the day you turn 16 and the earliest it expires is your 19th birthday.
- You can renew to a regular license from 90 days before your probationary license expires, online or at a DMV service center.
- The regular license lasts 8 years and costs $42.50 (as of November 2026).
Common questions
How many friends can I drive with on a probationary license in Wisconsin?
One, during the first nine months or until you turn 18. Immediate family members don’t count toward the limit.
Does the curfew apply if I’m driving home from work?
No. Trips between home, school and work are allowed alone from midnight to 5 a.m.
Do the restrictions end when I turn 18?
The passenger and hour limits do. Doubled points continue while you are on a probationary license.
Can I use hands-free calling on a probationary license?
The handbook says permit and probationary holders can use a cell phone only to report an emergency. See hands-free and texting laws.
Can I drive out of state on a probationary license?
Yes. The DMV says it is a valid license both in and outside Wisconsin. Other states may apply their own teen rules.
What does a probationary license cost?
$28 as of November 2026, plus the $15 skills exam fee.
Related: Learning to drive in Wisconsin, Wisconsin 50 hour log and sponsor rules, US GDL compared.
Sources
- Wisconsin DMV, “Differences: Instruction permit, probationary license and regular license” (wisconsindot.gov)
- Wisconsin DMV, “Graduated Driver License (GDL) and teen driving requirements FAQs” (wisconsindot.gov)
- Wisconsin DMV, “Probationary driver license” (wisconsindot.gov)
- Wisconsin DMV, “Point system” (wisconsindot.gov)
- Wisconsin DMV, “DMV fees” (wisconsindot.gov)
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation, “Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook 2026 (BDS126)” (wisconsindot.gov)