Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Wisconsin is a crucial step for aspiring truck drivers looking to launch their professional driving career. Understanding the total cost of CDL training, licensing, and associated fees is essential for anyone considering this path. In general, you can expect to spend around $4500 to $6500 to get a CDL in Wisconsin. From tuition and study materials to testing and endorsement expenses, this guide breaks down the comprehensive costs you can expect when pursuing your CDL in Wisconsin.
Now let’s scroll down to see how much you need to spend for a CDL in Wisconsin!
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Wisconsin?
Generally, it costs around $4500 to $6500 for any aspiring drivers to get a Commercial Driver’s License in Wisconsin. This cost counted all the expected fees from DOT physical, Entry-Level Driver Training, testing to licensing fees so you do not have to be worried about any cost incurred. Here is the table to overview all the necessary costs:
|
DOT physical |
$90 to $120 |
|
Entry-level Driver Training |
$4000 to $6000 |
|
Commercial Learner’s Permit |
$30 |
|
Licensing fee |
$74 |
| School bus endorsement |
$10 (and plus $5 when renewing) |
|
Hazardous endorsement |
$67.25 (include fingerprinting fee and costs of Security Threat Assessments) |
| CDL Skills test |
$150 |
Now let’s see the details below!
DOT physical cost
To be qualified for the CDL application, you must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate given after a DOT physical test to ensure you are physically ready for the driving task.
Cost of a DOT physical test in Wisconsin usually fluctuates from around $90 to $120 depending on the specific clinic center you choose.
Entry-level Driver Training cost
In Wisconsin, there are many CDL training schools that offer reasonable fees for anyone dreaming of being thoroughly trained to get a CDL. In general, the Entry-Level Driver Training in Wisconsin costs ranging from $4000 to $6000 including both theory and behind-the-wheel training.
It is worth noting that some CDL schools even cover all the training costs as long as you work for them after completing the training course. Since the training cost is slightly high, you can consider several paid CDL training Wisconsin schools to save your budget.
Testing fee
In order to get a CDL in Wisconsin, or in any other states, you have to pass the CDL knowledge test and the CDL skills test.
Specifically, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not charge you the cost of taking CDL knowledge test), instead you will have to pay for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (the license you get after taking the CDL knowledge test) which is $30 for 180 days valid.
For any endorsement added, you will have to pay another $5. However, there is a slight difference in price of the School bus (S) endorsement and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement.
- School bus endorsement: $10 (and plus $5 when renewing)
- Hazardous endorsement: $67.25 (include fingerprinting fee and costs of Security Threat Assessments).
The cost of CDL Skills test is $150 and includes:
- Pre-trip Vehicle inspection: $50
- Basic control skills: $50
- Road test only: $50
Physical licensing fee
Now, to receive the physical CDL license you have to pay $74 for any class you choose (Class A, B or C). You should keep in mind that if you want to renew your CDL in Wisconsin, you still have to pay another $74 for the license and other endorsement fee (if necessary).
FAQs
How much does a CDL class cost in Wisconsin?
The CDL class cost in Wisconsin slightly varies across different training sites. Typically, you can expect to spend around $4000 to $6000 to be trained thoroughly, both theory and behind-the-wheel class.
How much is the cost of CDL testing in Wisconsin?
The cost of CDL testing in Wisconsin includes
- CDL Knowledge test: You do not have to pay for CDL Knowledge test, instead you have to pay for the Commercial Learner’s Permit after taking the Knowledge test, which is $30.
- CDL Skills test: $20
How much does CDL training cost in Wisconsin?
The CDL training cost in Wisconsin varies depending on the training schools that drivers choose to study. Generally, training cost in Wisconsin is around $4000 to $6000 including both theory and behind-the-wheel training.
Final thoughts
Understanding the CDL cost in Wisconsin is necessary for anyone dreaming of getting a CDL here. In general, it will cost you from $4500 to $6500 including all the necessary fees from DOT physical, ELDT, testing to license fee to get a CDL in Wisconsin. Now that you have an answer for the question How much does it cost to get a CDL in Wisconsin, should anything be confusing, do not hesitate to leave questions below for further discussion.
