What are the rules for a new teen driver in Wisconsin?
Teen Drivers in Wisconsin · Barron, WI
What are the rules for a new teen driver in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
For the first nine months, or until age 18, a probationary driver may carry any number of immediate family members plus one other passenger. From midnight to 5 a.m., they may drive alone only between home, school and work. Anywhere else at those hours, a parent, guardian or qualified adult must ride in front.
The details
Key points from WisDOT's GDL page:
- 5 a.m. to midnight: may drive alone, anywhere, with family plus one other person.
- Midnight to 5 a.m.: home, school or work only, unless a parent, guardian or qualified licensed adult is in the front seat.
- Extensions: the restrictions are extended six months for a moving violation, a restriction violation, or a suspension or revocation.
- Phones: probationary and permit drivers can't use a phone while driving except to report an emergency (Wis. Stat. 346.89).
WisDOT also offers a parent-teen safe driving contract, a simple way to write down house rules.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
More Teen Drivers in Wisconsin answers
- Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
- What does a Wisconsin teen need to get a driver license?
- How do I pick a safe first car for a teenager?
- What is Wisconsin's car seat and booster seat law?
Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Wisconsin phone-while-driving law
- First-time car buyer guide
- Used vehicles under $15,000
- How to check recalls by VIN
More buyer and owner answers
- Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered
- Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
- Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
How many friends can a new Wisconsin driver have in the car?
One non-family passenger during the first nine months or until 18, plus any number of immediate family members.
Can a Wisconsin teen drive after midnight?
Only between home, school and work, unless a parent, guardian or qualified adult rides in front.
When do Wisconsin GDL restrictions end?
After nine months of violation-free driving, or at 18. Violations add six months.
Questions? Talk to a real person
Call or stop in at either store on Highway 8 in Barron. We are happy to help, even if you are not buying today.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- WisDOT: Teen drivers (ages 15-17): wisconsindot.gov
- WisDOT: Graduated Driver License (GDL) FAQs: wisconsindot.gov
- Wis. Stat. 346.89: Inattentive driving; wireless phones: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov