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Madison Metropolitan School District

Driver's Education

Madison Metropolitan School District does not offer driving instruction. The following information may be helpful as students explore ways to obtain their training and license.

Student at the wheel, driving a car

Driver’s Ed Information for La Follette Students & Families

Summary of steps to get a driver's license:

  1. Complete the driver's ed class. Must be at least 15 years old to start class.
  2. Pass the written test and get a learner's permit from the DMV. Must be at least 15 years old.
  3. Hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months without violations or fines.
  4. Required driving practice with learner’s permit:
    1. 12 hours of driving lessons with an instructor - usually 6 lessons, 2 hours each lesson
    2. Minimum of 50 hours of driving practice with family/adult sponsor, at least 10 hours at night
  5. Pass road test at DMV. Must be at least 16 years old.

 You can find more details about getting a learner’s permit and driver’s license at the Wisconsin DMV teen driver portal.

Driver’s education classes

Many La Follette students take driver’s ed with 4Lakes. DNL Professional Driving School in Sun
Prairie is another option. The total costs for driver’s ed class and behind the wheel instruction is at minimum $430, possibly more depending on the driving school. That amount does not include DMV fees for a learner’s permit and license. Online courses typically take 6+ weeks and may have an extra fee. In person classes (when available) typically meet twice per week for 8 weeks.

MSCR scholarship driver’s ed program

Each school year MSCR selects 24 La Follette students for the driver’s ed scholarship program. This scholarship covers all of the costs of getting a driver’s license, including driver’s ed, behind the wheel driving lessons, and DMV fees for a learner’s permit and license. The application will be available in spring of 2025 and the driver’s ed class will begin in summer 2025. Any student can apply, but MSCR will prioritize students born in 2009 who qualify for free/reduced lunch. MSCR can only provide the scholarship to 24 students, so unfortunately not all applicants will be accepted.

Identification required by DMV for learner’s permit / driver’s license

The DMV requires all new drivers to show proof of residency and proof of identification. Students typically need to show two of the following. Visit the WI DMV online for more information.

  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Social Security Card
  • Valid photo ID (passport or other government ID with photo and date of birth)