Wisconsin is expanding access to driver’s education statewide through an innovative grant program that combines targeted funding, strong partnerships and a clear focus on equity—offering a model for jurisdictions across North America.

Launched in 2024 with an initial $6 million appropriation, the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver Education Grant Program removes financial barriers for students eligible for free and reduced lunch by covering the full cost of required driver’s training. The grants fund classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, with tuition paid directly to training providers.

The program addresses a longstanding affordability gap. After public funding for driver’s education ended more than two decades ago, many families faced out-of-pocket costs averaging nearly $600—placing training out of reach for some students.

“About four years ago, this topic came to the forefront,” says Tommy Winkler, division administrator for the Wisconsin DMV. “The concept was that the state could fund driver’s education to offset the costs of classroom and behind-the-wheel training.”

Rapid Implementation

The Wisconsin DMV built and launched the program in a few months—just in time for the 2024 school year. “We had a very quick turnaround,” says Leah Fix, section chief of the Qualifications and Issuance Section. “Luckily, we were able to use several systems that were already in place.”

By leveraging existing online application tools, payment systems and electronic reporting from training schools, the state avoided building new infrastructure from scratch. The result is a streamlined, digital-first experience.

Eligible students apply online and receive coupon codes redeemable at participating training schools. Schools submit the codes and are reimbursed directly by the DMV.

“Once the parents handed over that coupon, they would enroll them in driver’s ed. That would kick off an overnight batch payment from our system directly to those schools,” Fix says.

Driving Continuous Improvement

As demand surged, the program faced early capacity challenges. In response, Wisconsin shifted from a single annual funding release to quarterly distributions—allowing schools to better manage staffing, vehicles and scheduling.

“We saw a sudden increase in the number of students looking to complete driver’s education,” Fix says. “The schools didn’t have enough staff to instruct or enough cars available for behind-the-wheel practice.”

The change improved program flow while maintaining strong demand. “We are reaching our capacity in less than three days,” Fix adds.

Ongoing engagement with schools, including roundtables and structured feedback, has helped to further refine program operations and strengthen buy-in across the private and public sectors.

An emphasis on communication has been critical to ensuring equitable access, too. “We have structured emails that go out and an email notification list, so families know exactly when applications will open,” says Tina Braddy, bureau director for Driver Services.

This proactive outreach, combined with coordination across schools and community organizations, helps ensure eligible families are aware of the opportunity, even as funding cycles fill quickly.

A Model for Broader Impact

The program’s reach extends well beyond urban centers. Data shows participation across rural, suburban and urban communities statewide, reinforcing its equity-driven design. “It is opening doors and breaking down barriers to some who would not have gone through driver’s ed had this program not existed,” Winkler says.

Originally funded as a one-time initiative, the program’s success has earned strong legislative and stakeholder support, leading to its continuation as a permanent $6 million annual investment.

“For us, this program really shows what’s possible when you combine the right funding with strong partnerships and a shared focus on safety,” Winkler says. “We’re not just helping more students get licensed—we’re helping ensure they’re trained and prepared, and [there are] safer drivers on our roads.”