Wisconsin's Road Test Waiver program ends Dec. 31 -- here's what you need to know if you're a new driver

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Starting next year, those under 18 years old in Wisconsin will need to complete an in-person road test at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a license. The DMV Road Test Waiver pilot program will end Dec. 31, 2023. 

Student drivers ages 16 and 17 who have completed their required driver education course, behind the wheel training, and 50 hours of supervised driving may apply for the road test waiver through Dec. 31, 2023.

The Road Test Waiver Pilot program began in May 2020, at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. DMV is authorized to introduce pilot programs, but legislative action would need to take place to make such programs permanent.

As part of the pilot, DMV tracked potential safety implications and found no negative effect on driver safety.

Through Aug. 31, 2023, 144,082 parents/guardians of 16- and 17-year-old drivers utilized the road test waiver.

“Wisconsin DMV launched this innovative pilot program to continue to meet our customers’ needs as we all faced tremendous challenges during the pandemic,” Reggie Paradowski, deputy DMV administrator said. “We will continue to develop online services to provide greater convenience and efficiency for our customers.”