The Ultimate Guide How to Get a CDL in Wisconsin

Ready to hit the road as a commercial driver in Wisconsin? Let’s come to our complete guide on how to get a CDL in Wisconsin. Everything you are searching for is here. Whether it’s a trucking career or your job requires a Commercial Driver’s License, we are going to walk you step by step through everything you need to know from the initial application process right through to the final steps of receiving your license. With the proper preparation and understanding of what is required, you are that much closer to acquiring your CDL and hitting the road as a professional driver. Let’s dive in!

What are the Wisconsin CDL requirements?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, before you begin applying for a CDL in Wisconsin, ensure that you first meet the following minimum requirements:

• You must be at least 18 for driving within Wisconsin and a minimum age of 21 for driving across state lines and the country.
• You have to possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
• You have to provide documentation of identity that is proof of U.S. citizenship or Wisconsin legal residency.
• You must be physically capable of driving a commercial vehicle, a valid DOT Medical Examination (no heart problems, no respiratory dysfunction, no high blood pressure,…).
• You have to pass a background check if you intend to get a hazardous materials endorsement.
• Finished the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program.
• You are able to read and speak English.
• You must pass the vision test, not color blind.
• You must pass knowledge tests and get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).

How to get a CDL in Wisconsin?

A step-by-step process to obtain a CDL in Wisconsin is split into pieces below:

Take the CDL written knowledge test

Your first step toward your CDL is the written knowledge test. The content of and the number of the tests will vary depending on the type of CDL you’re applying for (Class A, B, or C) and any additional endorsements.

General knowledge test

This test will help you know how to operate a commercial vehicle safely. It is required for all those applying for a CDL, whatever the license class you will be operating under: Class A, B, or C. The test will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions regarding federal and state laws, vehicle operation, and safety protocol. The content involves:

• Vehicle inspection: pre-trip, during, and post-trip inspections.
• Basic vehicle control: Maneuvering, turning, and parking.
• Safe driving practices: Defensive driving, weather conditions, and space management.
• Transporting cargo: Securing loads and weight distribution.
• Air brakes: Proper use and inspection-if applicable.
• Hazardous materials: Handling and transportation-for HazMat endorsement only.
• Driving emergencies: How to react in case of brake failure, tire blowout, etc.
• Alcohol and drug regulations: Legal restrictions and effects on driving.

Endorsement test (if applicable)

Depending on your needs, some endorsements like hazardous materials, passenger, air brakes, etc., you may be required to take additional tests for those endorsements.

• Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Safety handling, transportation, and regulations for hazardous materials.
• Passenger Transport: Safety rules for transporting passengers in buses or vans.
• School Bus: Special safety procedures and regulations for driving a school bus.
• Tanker Vehicles: Safety operations of vehicles carrying liquid loads.
• Doubles/Triples: Special driving and coupling techniques for the operation of double or triple trailers.

Air brakes test (if applicable)

This is a crucial step towards getting your Commercial Driver’s License in Wisconsin, in case you want to drive those vehicles that are equipped with air brake systems. This test would measure your knowledge regarding air brakes: how they work, components, and the safety practices that go along with it.

There are 25 multiple-choice questions and the test covers:

• Air brake system components: Knowing parts such as the compressor, reservoir, brake chambers, and valves.
• Air brakes operation: Knowing how air brakes work, and the role played by air pressure in brake application and release.
• Types of air brakes: Knowing the different air brake systems, for example, dual air systems.
• Braking procedures: Knowledge of proper procedures for applying and releasing air brakes and factors affecting “stopping distance”.
• Emergency procedures: Knowing what to do in case of air-brake failure, or other emergencies related to air-brakes.

Combination vehicles test (if applicable)

The combination vehicles test is a requirement to get a Class A CDL because it tests your knowledge and skills dealing with operating vehicles that are composed of a tractor along with one or more trailers. It will check whether you are aware of the complication and responsibility involved in handling combination vehicles.

Generally, 20 multiple choice questions involved in the test and covering:

• Coupling and uncoupling procedures: Knowing how to properly couple and uncouple a tractor to and from the trailer safely.
• Weight distribution: How to safely load a vehicle and distribute weight in its axles.
• Turning and maneuvering: How to make turns and negotiate tight spaces with a trailer in tow.
• Braking techniques: How braking distance and methods vary in the operation of a combination vehicle.
• Handling air brakes: How air brakes work on combination vehicles, including inspection and operation.
• Safety considerations: Many other safety concerns exist with operating larger combinations, including but not limited to blind spots and trailer sway.

After passing the knowledge tests, you can obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and take the skills tests 14 days later.

Take the Wisconsin CDL practice test here!

Take the CDL skill test

After you have passed the knowledge test and possess your CDL permit, you will be required to take a skills test; a three-part test that includes:

• Pre-Trip inspection: Apply appropriate inspection procedures to identify a potential problem with the vehicle’s major components of lights, brakes, tires, and fluid levels.
• Basic vehicle control: Perform basic maneuvers such as backing, turning, and parking under normal driving conditions that demonstrate an ability to control the vehicle.
• On-road driving: The driving on the road should be done in varied traffic conditions; obey all traffic laws; make use of good driving techniques to change lanes, merge, and pass through intersections.

Receive the actual license

Once you have successfully passed both your knowledge and skills testing, you will submit the results, pay the required fee, and be issued your CDL. Remember, there is usually a short period of processing before you actually get your license in hand.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Wisconsin?

The cost of a CDL in Wisconsin depends on the class and endorsements but usually ranges between $80-$100. Additionally, there may be a higher fee assessed for certain endorsements or re-testing.

2. How long does it take to get a CDL in Wisconsin?

The timeline is solely up to you and how well you prepare for it; sometimes, this might take a few weeks in terms of the written and skills tests. The training can also last for a few weeks, although the average time it could take is 4-6 weeks.

3. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can get a CDL with a DUI in Wisconsin; however, this will be situational depending on how long ago this occurred. For instance, if it was within the last three years, you may be disqualified from getting your CDL. If you have been convicted several times of a DUI, you could be permanently disqualified.

4. How to get a class B CDL in Wisconsin?

You will need to first take the general knowledge test followed by the skills test to get a class B CDL. A class B CDL can be used for single vehicles weighing over 26,001 pounds.

5. How to get a CDL permit in Wisconsin?

First, you will need to pass the written knowledge test and provide the necessary documents, such as proof of your identity, residency, and your driver’s license. Once approved, you will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit CLP.

6. How to get a class A CDL in Wisconsin?

For a Class A CDL, the process involves passing the general knowledge test, endorsements if required, and a more advanced skills test. Class A licenses allow you to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.

7. How hard is it to get a CDL in Wisconsin?

Getting a commercial driver’s license in Wisconsin is possible with the right preparation. However, it requires study, practical training, and testing for licensure to meet state standards.

8. What is required to get a CDL in Wisconsin?

You will have to satisfy the basic requirements, pass both written and skills tests, and be able to provide the necessary documents and fees to obtain your CDL.

9. What are the 3 tests for a CDL permit in Wisconsin?

General knowledge test, endorsement tests if applicable, and air brakes test if required.

10. What are the CDL disqualifications in Wisconsin?

A number of disqualifications come along with a CDL in Wisconsin, including:

• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
• Failure to stop and report an accident.
• Negligent operation of a commercial vehicle.
• Driving a commercial vehicle with a disqualified license.
• Refusal to take a sobriety test.
• Felony charges and offenses.

11. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in Wisconsin?

No, having two DUI convictions will make you ineligible to get a CDL in Wisconsin. Multiple offenses of DUI mean lifetime disqualification from having a CDL.

12. Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in Wisconsin?

No, just like DUI, two convictions of DWI will disqualify you for life from getting a CDL in Wisconsin.

Final Thought

Obtaining a CDL in Wisconsin is a great process because it opens up a wide vista of potential career opportunities in commercial driving. However, it does require you to understand what steps are taken, preparation toward the tests, and satisfaction of all requirements. Then you will be on the right track toward how to get a CDL in Wisconsin. Best wishes as you move forward with confidence.