MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — A series of changes are coming to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first? Online license renewal. The Wisconsin DOT has extended expiration dates as a result of the pandemic, and they’re rolling out online renewal on Monday.
“During this public health emergency we’ve extended about 80,000 drivers licenses,” Administrator Kristina Boardman said while appearing on WTAQ’s ‘The Morning News with Matt and Earl’. “We have quite a backlog.”
You’re eligible to renew online if you’re under the age of 65 and have no new medical conditions that would impair your ability to drive.
Another big change is proving controversial: The ability for parents to waive road tests for their kids. It’s something that’s been done by other states.
“If the parent isn’t comfortable with that, or thinks more time is needed, they can go ahead and schedule an appointment,” said Boardman. “We’ll still administer skills test appointments.”
Drivers under 18 require 30 hours of behind-the-wheel experience with a supervising parent or adult sponsor, with 10 of those hours being at night. They also must pass an approved drivers education course. Once they do, they’ll recieve a probationary license.
“We are just partnering with that parent knowing that they have spent 30+ hours in the car with that child if they are comfortable waiving the road test,” said Boardman
Testing is still available on a limited basis amid the pandemic.
