DMV removes road test requirement for teen drivers

By Patrick Lynn

The State of Wisconsin announced Tuesday morning it was offering a road test waiver for teenagers seeking their driver’s license.

Beginning May 11, and with parents’ permission, teens can receive a waiver on the driving portion of their license application if they have completed driver education classes.

During a May 5 conference call with reporters, Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson called the change a “pilot program” introduced to “protect the public and our associates during the public health emergency, while continuing to provide vital public services.”

Thompson said he believes as many as 10,000 teens have been waiting to receive their licenses since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The DMV announced its change in policy to limit in-person visits to service centers during the COVID-19 pandemic but will schedule in-person road tests for teen drivers who still want one.

Among other changes announced Tuesday, Wisconsin will allow drivers 18-65 years old to renew their licenses online, provided they’ve had no change in their vision. The DMV is also waiving late fees until July 25, Thompson said.