Yes, you can drive at night with a temporary permit, often referred to as "temps" or an instruction permit, in Wisconsin, but there are specific time limitations and accompanying passenger requirements you must follow.
Understanding Temporary Permit Driving Hours in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, drivers holding an instruction permit are allowed to drive during most nighttime hours. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) sets clear guidelines for when and how you can operate a vehicle with this permit.
Your driving privileges with a temporary permit are permitted:
- From 5 a.m. to midnight
This means that while you can drive during the evening and early night hours (until midnight), you are not permitted to drive during the late-night and early morning hours, specifically from midnight until 5 a.m.
Here's a breakdown of permitted and restricted driving times:
| Time Frame | Driving Status with Temps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. | Permitted | Includes daytime, evening, and early night |
| 12:00 a.m. to 4:59 a.m. | Restricted | Not permitted for instruction permit holders |
Passenger Requirements for Driving with a Temporary Permit
When driving with your Wisconsin temps, you must always be accompanied by a qualified supervising driver. The rules regarding who can be in the vehicle with you are strict to ensure safety and proper instruction:
- Supervising Driver: You must have one person in the front passenger seat who holds a valid, regular (non-probationary) license. This individual must have at least two years of licensed driving experience and be either:
- A qualified instructor, OR
- Your spouse, 19 years of age or older.
- Immediate Family Members: Any number of your immediate family members can ride along in the vehicle. Immediate family includes parents, grandparents, siblings, and children.
- Non-Family Members: No other non-family passengers are allowed in the vehicle, aside from the required supervising driver.
Example Scenario:
If you plan to drive to an evening event, you can drive with your temps as long as it's before midnight, and you have your qualified supervising driver with you. However, if the event runs past midnight, you would need someone with a full driver's license to drive the vehicle home from midnight until 5 a.m.
For more detailed information on Wisconsin's graduated driver license (GDL) program and specific requirements for teen drivers, you can visit the official Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. Understanding these regulations is crucial for safe and legal driving while on your instruction permit.
