Wisconsin CDL Endorsements and Classifications

Essentially, each endorsement needs a completely distinct knowledge test or sometimes a skill test when issued.

This Wisconsin CDL Endorsements post is for drivers who need information regarding commercial licenses and other driver requirements. Here, you can find a comprehensive guide of driver’s licenses, requirements checklist, and other application forms in order to understand your requirements better.

 

CDL classes in Wisconsin

Currently, the state of Wisconsin basically has 5 main Commercial Driver’s License classifications – Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class M.

Class A

Vehicles that have a total gross weight of over 26,000 lbs and an actual weight of more than 10,000 lbs for towing vehicles can be granted with this Commercial Driver’s License classification.

Obtaining a Class A license basically gives the holder the ability to operate commercial vehicles in the list of Class B and Class C. Most commonly, this class is suited for occupations like heavy truck drivers, bus drivers, dispatchers, couriers, and local drivers.

Vehicles in Class A include:

• Tractor-trailers
• Two-way and triple trailers
• Combination of truck and trailers
• Livestock trailers
• Tanker vehicles
• Flatbed trucks

Class B

Class B Commercial Driver’s License requires that any single vehicle must have a Gross Vehicle Weight of over 26,000 lbs. and a 10,000 lbs. actual weight. or less for towing vehicles to be able to acquire this type of Commercial Driver’s License. 

Obtaining a Class B license basically gives the holder the right to operate commercial vehicles included in the Class C list only and not from the Class A list. Remember that you must have the right endorsements based on the loads that your vehicle carries.

Vehicles in Class B include:

• Straight trucks
• Cube trucks
• Heavy goods vehicle
• Large buses
• School buses, Tourist Buses, City Buses
• Dump trucks

Class C

Class C license is designated for automobiles that do not go beyond the 26,000 lbs. gross weight and a 10,000 lbs. towing capacity. Basically, vehicles under the Class C Commercial Driver’s License are used to transport hazardous materials that require placarding. Furthermore, they are also suited to transport 16 passengers (counting the driver) or more.

Class C license is only required not only for hazmat and bulk passengers but also when you need a Commercial Driver’s License involved in your endorsements. 

Class D

This Commercial Driver’s License classification is specifically designed for operating automobiles, light trucks, and mopeds.

Class M

This Commercial Driver’s License classification is specifically designed for operating motorcycles.

Wisconsin CDL Endorsements code

Here is a list of Wisconsin CDL endorsements code and descriptions:

H – Wisconsin Hazmat Endorsement

This endorsement code allows you to operate transport vehicles for hazardous materials. For further information, this endorsement is not available for transfer from another state. Thus, you must first complete a hazardous material written knowledge test to pass.

N – Wisconsin Tank Vehicle Endorsement 

This endorsement code basically allows you to drive a tank. Similar to code H, you would only need to complete the written knowledge test only to pass.

P – Wisconsin Passenger Endorsement 

This endorsement code allows you to drive a passenger-carrying vehicle. For this examination, you must get ready for the Wisconsin Passenger Endorsement Commercial Driver’s License written tests. 

S – Wisconsin School Bus Endorsement 

This endorsement code basically allows you to operate a school bus. Get ready for the Wisconsin School Bus Endorsement Commercial Driver’s License written tests.

T – Wisconsin Double/Triple Trailers Endorsement 

This endorsement code allows you to operate vehicles that tow two-way or three-way trailers. Thus, you must first get ready to complete the Wisconsin Double / Triple Trailers Endorsement Commercial Driver’s License written tests.

X – Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements 

This is an endorsement code that requires you to a Wisconsin Combination of Tank and Hazardous Materials Endorsement “X” Commercial Driver’s License written tests.

W – Tow truck. 

This is an endorsement code that requires a written test in New York State.

Wisconsin CLP Endorsements

There are only 3 accepted endorsements for CLP in the state of Wisconsin. They are as follows:

P – This endorsement is especially exclusive for federal auditors, examiners, inspectors, and other trainees. This means that drivers that hold a Wisconsin CLP are not allowed from driving commercial motor vehicles that transport passengers.

S – This endorsement is especially exclusive for federal auditors, examiners, inspectors, and other trainees. This means that drivers that hold a Wisconsin CLP are not allowed from driving school vehicles that transport passengers.

N – This endorsement means that it can only operate on empty tanks. Thus, all types of vehicles under the “N” endorsement are not allowed from any operation related to the transfer of hazardous materials on containers that were already contaminated as they could still hold harmful chemical residues.

Wisconsin CDL restrictions

Apparently, there are a number of Commercial Driver’s License restrictions in Wisconsin that are not recognized in other states. To name some, here is a list that you can check out.

3 – For drivers that were not able to pass the written test for air brakes, were not able to identify the system components, do not know how to properly conduct a system check, or taking an incomplete skill test, they are required to have an “L” restriction on their license.

B – For drivers that take vehicle tests that have air-over hydraulic brake systems, a “Z” restriction will be indicated on their license. In other cases, the driver is prohibited from operating full air-braked vehicles.

C – For drivers that take skill tests for Automatic Transmission, an “E” restriction or no manual transmission will be indicated on their CDL.

D – For drivers that take skill tests in Class A vehicles, an “O” restriction will be indicated on their CDL.

Requirements of getting a Wisconsin CDL 

 

In applying for a CDL in Wisconsin, here is a list of the minimum requirements that you should get beforehand.

• The minimum age requirement must be 18 years old while for the endorsement of hazardous materials, the driver must be 21 years old. 
• A valid, non-commercial driver’s license
• Proof of legal existence
• Driving record
• Medical Certificate with an updated validity
• Proof that you pass the knowledge and skill test designated for the type of vehicle you wish to drive

Now, you’ve got plenty of necessary information, let’s take the Wisconsin CDL practice test!

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