THE BRIGHT SIDE

Teens statewide can now sign up for free driver’s education.
For the first time in 20 years, the state is paying for low-income students to learn to drive. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is set to launch a new Driver Education Grant Program aimed at providing low-income students access to driver education courses. This grant program aims to address the financial barriers that have prevented many teens from accessing driver education. The initiative, part of Wisconsin Act 86, signed by Governor Tony Evers in December, allocates $6 million to fund driver education for eligible high school students across the state.

Officials estimate that between 10,000 and 13,300 students could benefit from the program. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may apply to have their classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training for a Class D (Regular) driver license paid for through the Driver Education Grant Program. Students with grants can enroll in any driver education program offered by an authorized driver education provider.

The tuition will be paid directly to the Driver Training school. Eligible students must be Wisconsin resident, 14-19 years of age, eligible or receiving free & reduced lunch, and the student has not previously held a driver’s license. The grant covers 30 hours of classroom, 6 hours of observation, and 6 hours behind the wheel. Grant funds issued to a student expire after 18 months of no use and the student may reapply. Information on all the steps needed to obtain a driver’s license is available at wisconsindmv.gov/teendriver.