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Wisconsin DMV waives road test requirement for new drivers due to coronavirus pandemic

Posted at 9:31 AM, May 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-05 18:04:35-04

The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles is waiving the road test requirement for new drivers in Wisconsin due to the coronavirus pandemic, the agency announced Tuesday.

Those who have completed other training and education requirements will no longer have to participate in the time-honored road test.

"Teens who have completed required driver training may have their road tests waived," Wisconsin DOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said in a briefing. The new pilot program begins on May 11.

Those eligible to have their test waived will still have to take the required amount of driver education classes, complete behind-the-wheel training, and have permission from a parent or guardian, Thompson said. The state's graduated driver laws (GDL) will remain in place.

"Due to the requirements of obtaining a license, we are confident this provision will not compromise safety," Thompson said.

98 percent of drivers under 18 passed their road test on their first or second attempt in Wisconsin, he added.

If a parent or guardian thinks their student still needs a road test, they will still be able to schedule one.

The pilot program is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, with the potential to maybe one day become a permanent fixture.

"It may be a decision to [do this] permanently, but that will be based upon the data collection," Thompson said.

Get more information on the DMV's website here.

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