In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Wisconsin State Patrol are emphasizing the importance of driver education and experience in reducing teen-related crashes. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 70 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers last year, with 18,823 such incidents reported statewide.
Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan noted that inexperience contributes to the high crash rate among teens. The campaign highlights key safety measures, including wearing seat belts, avoiding substance use, and eliminating distractions such as texting while driving.
To support new drivers, the Wisconsin DMV’s teen portal offers resources for parents and teens, including steps to obtain a license, the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program, a sample parent-teen driving contract, and an interactive map of approved driver education courses. DMV Director Tina Braddy encouraged parents to set positive examples for their teens by avoiding distracted driving and speeding.
To obtain a learner’s permit, teens in Wisconsin must complete an approved driver-education course. After receiving the permit, they are required to log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before applying for a probationary license. The state’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) program introduces additional limits, such as curfews and passenger restrictions, during the early months of independent driving to reduce risks.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and State Patrol continue to promote education, training, and parental involvement to improve teen driving safety and lower crash rates across the state.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to clarify information about teen driving requirements.
