WISCONSIN — Want-to-be Wisconsin drivers under 18 years old once again need to complete an in-person road test at a DMV in order to get a probationary license. Tests resumed on Jan. 1, 2024.

The in-person test requirement was previously waived in May 2020 because of the pandemic. It allowed student drivers who were 16 and 17 years old and had completed required driver education course, behind the wheel training, and 50 hours of supervised driving to apply for the waiver to get their probationary license.

From May 2020 through Aug. 31, 2023, 144,082 Wisconsinites utilized the Road Test Waiver. The program ended on Dec. 31, 2023.

“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.”

The DMV said it found “no negative effect on driver safety” because of the pilot program. The DMV explained that while it can introduce pilot programs, a legislative measure would have to be implemented in order to make the pilot program permanent.

Appointments for road tests can be made, here, up to 11 weeks in advance.