The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles administers the state’s motorcycle license and permit program. Applicants seeking to ride motorcycles on Wisconsin roads can first get a Wisconsin motorcycle permit by passing a written test. They can then either take a skills test or complete an approved motorcycle training course to get a motorcycle license in Wisconsin.
Step 1:
Future Wisconsin motorcycle riders can start their journey to a license by getting a Wisconsin motorcycle permit. This permit is valid for 6 months and allows a rider to practice and get training on motorcycles on Wisconsin roads. The main requirement for getting a permit is passing the written Wisconsin motorcycle test, a Wisconsin road sign test and the usual vision test.
Download the necessary manual from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. The Wisconsin motorcycle manual (“Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook”) is available online at dot.state.wi.us/drivers/docs/cycle-handbook.pdf. Use this to prepare for the motorcycle knowledge test. However, you also have to pass a test on road signs. Download the standard Wisconsin drivers manual (“Wisconsin Motorists’ Handbook”) at dot.state.wi.us/drivers/docs/e-handbook.pdf. This manual has information on road signs and other general driving knowledge that you should know when testing to get a Wisconsin motorcycle permit.
Note: If you are under 18, there are additional requirements to get a permit. These include completion of drivers education, getting a sponsor and completion (or at least enrollment in) a Wisconsin motorcycle class (see below for details). You must be at least 16 to get a permit.
Step 2:
Contact a local Wisconsin DMV driver’s license center to take the motorcycle test. You can find local offices by using the DOT website Division of Motor Vehicles service center directory at dot.state.wi.us/about/locate/dmv/scmap.htm. Take your tests to get your motorcycle permit.
Once you have a permit, then you have 6 months to train. It is beneficial to take a motorcycle training course at this point. In fact, it is required to enroll or complete a course if you are 16 or 17 and need a permit. After the second renewal of a 6-month permit, you would also have to take a Wisconsin motorcycle class regardless of your age.
Visit dot.state.wi.us/safety/vehicle/motorcycle/training.htm to find Wisconsin motorcycle training schools and sponsors throughout the state. Most sponsors are Wisconsin colleges or universities (and some private motorcycle schools).
The added benefit of taking this basic rider course is that you get a waiver on your Wisconsin motorcycle driving (skills) test. Just complete the course to receive a waiver certificate. You can then take that certificate to your local Wisconsin DMV service center to get your license (provided you meet vision and other requirements).
Step 4:
This last step applies if you did not take a Wisconsin motorcycle course. Instead, you will need to take your motorcycle driving test at a DMV service center. The DOT website has instructions for making a road-test appointment at dot.state.wi.us/drivers/drivers/schedule.htm.
In short, you will need to prove sufficient knowledge of motorcycle riding skills by passing a written test for a Wisconsin permit. After completing that step, you can then get a Wisconsin motorcycle license by either passing an on-the-road skills test with the Wisconsin DMV or completing a basic motorcycle riding course approved by the state for motorcycle riding education.
Sources:
Info from the Wisconsin DOT on Motorcycle License Qualifications
