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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV)
Official website →$104
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a DMV customer service center with forms MV3001 and MV3230, Federal Medical Card, proof of citizenship/legal status, and CLP fee. Pass CDL knowledge test(s) — tests are free and take about 1.5 hours, no appointment needed.
CLP valid for 180 days
Fee: $30Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule and pass the pre-trip, backing, and skills test with an approved third-party tester within 180 days of getting the CLP.
DMV sets maximum fees; retake up to 5 times within 1 year for written test
Fee: $100–$300 (third-party)Receive Your CDL
Take your skills test results to a DMV customer service center. Pay the CDL application fee. CDL classifications will be added to your existing Class D license.
CDL valid for 8 years; pricing prorated based on time remaining on existing WI license
Fee: $74Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($30) + CDL ($74) + state skills test (N/A — third-party only); excludes third-party skills test fee
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills testing in Wisconsin is conducted by approved third-party testers with DMV-set maximum fees
Third-party fee: $100–$300 (Varies by third-party examiner; DMV sets maximum allowed fees)
Scheduling Note
Schedule directly with approved third-party testers; DMV does not administer CDL skills tests
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Wisconsin with proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal presence
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $44 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $49 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$30
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Wisconsin has 31% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Wisconsin is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
Wisconsin ranks #6 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$74
8-year renewal; $34 for 2-year renewal option
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Confirmed: effective April 13, 2025, FMCSA provides Fed Med card info electronically within 48 hours; paper/fax/email/upload no longer accepted for exams on/after that date. Knowledge tests are free.
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a DMV customer service center with valid out-of-state CDL, proof of U.S. citizenship/legal presence, Wisconsin residency, and Federal Medical Card. Surrender out-of-state license. School bus endorsement holders must meet additional requirements. HAZMAT endorsement requires new TSA background check.
Transfer Fee
$74
Standard CDL application fee
Timeline
Upon establishing Wisconsin residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; School bus endorsement may require additional testing
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Two options: (1) Military Skills Test Waiver — waives skills test using military CDL/license; (2) Even Exchange Program — waives both knowledge and skills tests for qualifying MOS codes. Neither covers HAZMAT or School Bus endorsements. Wisconsin also offers fee waivers for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Eligibility
Current or former military (within 1 year of separation/retirement), including Reserve and National Guard, with valid military CDL/operator's permit
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Wisconsin.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Wisconsin range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Wisconsin.
Start Your CDL Training in Wisconsin
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers one of the longest renewal cycles at 8 years. CDL pricing is prorated based on existing license expiration. HAZMAT endorsement is notably expensive at $44 for the DMV fee alone (plus $23.75 fingerprinting and $85.25 TSA). Knowledge tests are free and can be walked in without appointment. The Even Exchange military program allows both knowledge AND skills test waivers for qualifying MOS codes. Written test retake policy limits attempts to 5 per year, with additional attempts requiring DMV approval.
CDL Schools in Wisconsin
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Wisconsin verified against Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: