Wisconsin to Conclude DMV Road Test Waiver Pilot Program by Year End

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently confirmed that the Road Test Waiver pilot program, initiated in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to conclude on December 31, 2023. Post this date, individuals below 18 years will be required to undergo in-person road tests at designated DMV to acquire their probationary licenses.

Launched in May 2020, the Road Test Waiver program was conceived as a timely response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. It allowed 16 and 17-year-old student drivers who had completed requisite driver education and training to bypass the traditional road test. As of August 31, 2023, the program had facilitated 144,082 parents/guardians of eligible drivers to avail of the road test waiver for their wards.

Commencing January 1, 2024, the in-person road tests can be scheduled 11 weeks in advance via the official DMV portal at wisconsindmv.gov/roadtest. For instance, the booking window for road tests on the first day of the new year opened on October 17. The DMV has structured its appointment calendar to unfold daily, allowing for scheduling up to 11 weeks prior, with a surge in appointment availability observed four weeks preceding the testing date.

Reflecting on the impact of the pilot, Reggie Paradowski, the deputy DMV administrator, acknowledged the program's success in adapting to the pandemic-induced challenges. He remarked, “Wisconsin DMV launched this innovative pilot program to continue to meet our customers’ needs as we all faced tremendous challenges during the pandemic.” Paradowski assured that the DMV would persist in enhancing online services to augment customer convenience and efficiency.

Although the pilot program garnered a positive reception and demonstrated no adverse implications on driver safety, legislative action is requisite for cementing such initiatives permanently. The DMV’s endeavor to manage services and staffing efficiently continues, even as more patrons revert to availing in-person DMV services.

Terminating the Road Test Waiver pilot underscores the gradual transition to pre-pandemic operational norms. As the DMV augments its in-person service capacity, patrons can leverage online platforms for vehicle-related services and appointment scheduling, ensuring a seamless and expedited service experience.

For further details on road test scheduling and other online services, individuals can visit wisconsindmv.gov or refer to the driver’s license guide at dlguides.wi.gov.