Grant Program

Free Driver's Ed in Wisconsin? Here's What Families Need to Know

For many families, the cost of driver's education can be a real barrier. The good news? Wisconsin has a state-funded program designed to remove that obstacle entirely — and Get in Gear Driving School is proud to be a part of it.

What Is the Driver Education Grant Program?

Created under Governor Tony Evers through 2023 Wisconsin Act 86, the Driver Education Grant Program pays the costs of driver education courses for income-eligible students at approved driver education providers. The grant covers the full cost of:

• 30 hours of classroom instruction
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
• 6 hours of in-car observation

All at no cost to qualifying families. WisDOT pays the driving school directly, so there's nothing for families to manage on the payment side.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility requirements are straightforward. Students must be:

• A Wisconsin resident
• Between 14¾ and 19 years old
• Currently eligible for or receiving free or reduced lunch
• Someone who has not previously held a driver's license

How Impactful Has It Been?

The demand has been remarkable. Since launching in September 2024, the program provided $6 million in grants to more than 10,000 students — and reached capacity in just over a month. Recognizing this success, the 2025–27 Biennial Budget continued the program with a $12 million investment to be dispersed quarterly, making the $6 million annual allocation permanent.

What If Funds Have Run Out?

Because the program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, funding can be exhausted quickly. If the grant isn't currently available, Get in Gear offers our own "Fuel the Future" scholarship program to help fill the gap for families in need. We encourage interested families to sign up for our mailing list to stay informed on both the state grant and our scholarship opportunities.

Ready to Apply or Learn More?

Don't let cost stand between your student and the road. Reach out to us — we'll help you navigate the process from application to graduation.

Get in Gear Driving School

‍📞 (608) 291-7531

✉️ onlineclass@getingeardrivingschool.com

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