WISCONSIN — Driving students can now take the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) knowledge test online.

What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin DMV said students can now take their knowledge tests online for a fee of $10

  • It will be available to students ages 15 to 17 who have completed the classroom portion of driver’s education training

  • Wisconsin joins 11 other states that offer the test online

  • The DMV said it will still continue to offer the in-person option at service centers for free

The Wisconsin DMV said it will be available to students ages 15 to 17 who have completed the classroom portion of driver’s education training. The training school the student attends must also notify the DMV.

Wisconsin is now one of 11 other states that provides the online testing option.

“We know today’s students and families are very busy and this option gives them flexibility to take the test when DMVs would be closed. Students who pass will still need to visit a Wisconsin DMV to obtain their instruction permit, but they can be in and out in 15 minutes,” DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler said in a release.

There are over 4,000 Class D knowledge tests administered by the DMV each month, according to the organization. The test is a two-part exam covering the road rules and road signs. The Wisconsin DMV said the online test will have the same content and look and feel as those given in DMV service centers.

The new online option will be administered through the test vendor, KnowTo Drive. It will cost $10 to take the test online and students must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Students can make a total of two attempts on the online test; however, the $10 fee will apply both times.

Students must receive a score of 80% or better to pass. When they pass and complete the test, they’ll receive a certificate of completion in their email. To get their instruction permit, students must bring the certificate and all other required documents to the DMV for “testing validation.”

The DMV said there are security measures in place throughout the test, such as photo verification, to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the online testing service.

If you’re interested in taking the test online, you’ll have to visit the Wisconsin DMV website or the KnowTo Drive site and then take the following steps:

  • “Agree to the rules and verify their technology meets requirements
  • “Register and provide information about their parent or guardian overseeing the exam
  • “Respond to identity verification questions
  • “Provide payment information
  • “Take a control photo of the applicant to be used as the baseline during the exam process
  • “Receive test result and/or completion certificate via e-mail
  • “Print completion certificate(s) and visit any DMV customer service center to apply for their instruction permit. DMV staff will review each applicant’s online test results”

The Wisconsin DMV said it will still continue to offer the in-person testing option at service centers for free.