The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has introduced an online option for students aged 15-17 to take the DMV knowledge test from home. This new service is available to those who have completed the classroom portion of their training, with notification from their driver training school to the DMV.

The two-part exam covers road rules and important road signs. The DMV administers over 4,000 Class D knowledge tests monthly. "We know today’s students and families are very busy and this option gives them flexibility to take the test when DMVs would be closed," said DMV Administrator Tommy Winkler. Students who pass will still need to visit a Wisconsin DMV office to obtain their instruction permit.

Wisconsin joins eleven other states offering this online option through KnowTo Drive, a contracted vendor. The $10 fee for the online service goes to the vendor, while in-person tests remain free at DMV Customer Service Centers. The content and format of the online test mirror those conducted at service centers.

Security measures include cutting-edge fraud detection methods by KnowTo Drive. An initial photo is captured for verification before testing begins, with random photos taken throughout to prevent fraud or deception. Students cannot move off-screen or open browsers without detection.

To access the test, users can visit wisconsindmv.gov/test or KnowTo Drive’s site directly. They must agree to rules, verify technology requirements, register with parent or guardian information, respond to identity questions, provide payment information, and take a control photo as a baseline during testing.

Applicants receive results via email and must print completion certificates before visiting any DMV customer service center for an instruction permit application. The program allows two attempts online per applicant; each attempt requires a $10 fee if needed again.

A certificate of completion is emailed upon passing and completing tests; required documents should be presented at a DMV Customer Service Center for validation and receiving an instruction permit. Scheduling an appointment with the DMV is recommended for expedited service.

This initiative adds another layer to Wisconsin DMV's comprehensive online offerings for eligible students interested in pursuing this option through either Wisconsin DMV’s website or by consulting their Driver Training School.