If you have not previously held a driver license, you must first get an instruction permit at a DMV Service Center.

1. To get an instruction permit, you must:

• be at least 15 years, six months of age, and
• pass the knowledge and highway signs tests, and vision screening.

2. If you are under 18, you are required to:

• have completed or be enrolled in an approved behind-the-wheel driver ed course which begins within 60 days of the date your driver ed instructor certifies your application.

Note: If you have not completed the classroom portion of driver ed, you must be within 60 days of starting behind-the-wheel.

• have your adult sponsor sign the application. The sponsor’s signature must be witnessed by either a notary public or an authorized DMV employee.

Note: Your instruction permit is valid for 12 months. If you need to renew your permit or get a duplicate, you will be asked to provide proof that you are currently enrolled in or have completed driver ed.

3. Present proof of U.S. citizenship, legal immigration status or legal temporary visitor status in the U.S., such as a:

• certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate;
• valid U.S. passport;
• valid foreign passport with appropriate immigration documents.

4. Present proof of your name and date of birth, such as a:

• certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate;
• valid U.S. passport;
• valid foreign passport with federal I-551 or I-94, arrival and departure record.

Note: Hospital birth certificates, notification of birth registration or baptismal certificates are not acceptable. You can get a certified copy of your birth certificate at the Register of Deeds in the county where you were born. If you were born in Wisconsin, you can contact Vital Records, P. O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701. You will be charged a fee.

5. Present proof of your identity, such as a:

• Social Security card with your signature;
• valid Wisconsin or out-of-state ID card with your photograph;
• U.S. Military ID card with your photograph.

Visit the DMV Web site at www.dot.wisconsin.gov to find out what other identification documents are acceptable.

Note: You may be required to show proof of Wisconsin residency. For more information, visit the DMV Web site.

All documents presented as proof must be original. Photocopies are not acceptable.

Restrictions of the Instruction Permit

You may drive only when you:

1. are accompanied by a person with two years driving experience who holds a valid regular (not probationary or occupational) license and who sits in the front passenger seat and is one of the following:

• a qualified instructor 19 or older. (Up to three others may ride along if the car is equipped with dual controls), or
• a parent, guardian or spouse 19 or older (your immediate family members may ride along in the back seat), or
• a person 21 or older. (If you are under 18, this person must be designated in writing by your parent or guardian prior to accompanying you while driving a vehicle.)

Note: If you are at least 16 years of age, in addition to the licensed accompanying driver, one other licensed person 25 years of age or more with at least 2 years driving experience may occupy a seat in the vehicle other than the front seat.