Getting a Driver's License in the U.S.

Each state in the U.S. has its own rules and regulations for how to obtain a driver’s license. For a general overview visit the Study in the States website: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/driving-in-the-united-states.

Wisconsin Driver’s License

Read the “Driving in Wisconsin with a foreign driver license” page of the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Foreign motorists from any of the countries who are party to the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 1949) or the Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Motor Vehicle Traffic (Washington, D.C., 1943) who visit the United States as tourists can drive legally using their valid domestic driver license for a period not to exceed one year from the date of arrival. In addition to having a valid foreign driver license, visitors are advised to carry an International Driving Permit obtained in their home country, as authorized by the 1943/1949 or 1968 conventions, or attach an English translation to their national driving license.
Foreign students attending school in the U.S. who are at least 16 years old and their privilege to operate a motor vehicle in Wisconsin is not suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified, can drive with their home country's valid license for up to one year. After one year, they must meet the same licensing requirements as a Wisconsin resident.
In addition to having a valid foreign driver license, visitors are advised to carry an International Driving Permit obtained in their home country.
NOTE: To be issued a driver license, you need to have at least 6 months of validity left on your F-1 or J-1 status. So, do not wait until the end of your program to apply for a driver license.

Find a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location: https://trust.dot.state.wi.us/cscfinder/cscsearch.do.