How do I become a licensed CDL in Wisconsin?

1. 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. 2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. 3. 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. 4. 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.

How much does it cost to become a CDL in Wisconsin?

The total estimated cost to become a CDL in Wisconsin is $105. This typically includes application fees, exam fees, training costs, and any required background checks.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in Wisconsin?

The minimum age for intrastate CDL operation in Wisconsin is 18. Interstate CDL operation requires a minimum age of 21 (federal requirement).

Commercial Driver's License

WisconsinCDL Requirements & How to Get Licensed

VerifiedLast verified: March 2026

Governing Authority

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV)

Official website →

Most information on this page has been verified.

88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data

$105

TOTAL GOV FEES

$3,000-$7,000

TRAINING COST

8 years

RENEWAL CYCLE

18+

INTRASTATE AGE

Get Your CDL in Wisconsin: Step by Step

Verified

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: $30

Complete 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: $75

CDL Classes Explained

Commercial 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

•Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
•Flatbeds
•Tanker trucks
•Livestock carriers
•Most truck and trailer combinations

Class B CDL

26,001+ lbs GVWR

Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs

Common examples

•Straight trucks (box trucks)
•Large buses (city, school, transit)
•Dump trucks (single axle)
•Segmented buses
•Large delivery trucks

Class C CDL

Under 26,001 lbs GVWR

Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds

Common examples

•Small HAZMAT vehicles
•Passenger vans (16+ passengers)
•Small school buses
•Some specialized vehicles

Cost Breakdown

Self-Pay Path

Government Fees

CLP (Permit) Fee$30

CDL License Fee$75

Skills Test (State)—

Skills Test (Third-Party)$100–$300

Endorsement Fees

Hazmat Endorsement$44

Passenger Endorsement$5

School Bus Endorsement$10

Tanker Endorsement$5

Doubles/Triples Endorsement$5

Hazmat + Tanker (X)$49

Training Cost

CDL Training Program$3,000-$7,000

Total Gov Fees$105

CLP ($30) + CDL ($75) + state skills test (N/A — third-party only); excludes third-party skills test fee

Employer-Sponsored Path

Government Fees (You Still Pay)

CLP (Permit) Fee$30

CDL License Fee$75

Skills Test (State)—

Skills Test (Third-Party)$100–$300

Training Cost

Company-Sponsored Program$0

Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)

Costs vary by school and program length

Ready to start your CDL training?

Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.

DriversEd.com Aceable

CDL Testing in Wisconsin

Knowledge Test

Passing Score: 80%

Test Components

•General knowledge
•Combination vehicles (Class A)
•Air brakes (if applicable)
•Endorsement-specific sections

Skills Test

Three-Part Exam

1. Pre-Trip Inspection — Demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety components
2. Basic Vehicle Control — Straight-line backing, offset backing, alley docking
3. On-Road Driving — Turns, intersections, highway driving, general driving behavior

Third-Party Testing

AvailableVerified

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

Requirements

Intrastate Minimum Age

18 years old

Verified

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

Endorsements & Fees

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.

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

CLP Fee

$30

Holding Period

14 days

Validity

6 months

CLP Requirements

•Valid Wisconsin driver's license
•Pass CDL knowledge test(s)
•Pass DOT physical / obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate (Federal Medical Card)
•Self-certify operating category
•Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal presence
•Complete Wisconsin forms MV3001 and MV3230

CLP Restrictions

•Must be accompanied by CDL holder in front seat
•May not carry passengers or hazardous materials
•May not operate a school bus with passengers

CDL Renewal

Renewal Cycle

8 years

Renewal Fee

$74

8-year renewal; $34 for 2-year renewal option

Medical Renewal

Every 2 years

Details

Wisconsin CDLs are valid for 8 years. Effective April 13, 2025, FMCSA electronically submits Federal Medical Card information to WI DMV within 48 hours of DOT Physical — DMV no longer accepts paper copies for exams done after that date. All CDL knowledge tests are free.

Regulatory Board

Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV)

Transferring Your CDL to Wisconsin

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

$75

Standard CDL application fee

Timeline

Upon establishing Wisconsin residency

Transfer Requirements

•Valid out-of-state CDL
•Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent legal presence
•Proof of Wisconsin residency
•Federal Medical Card
•Surrender out-of-state license

Retesting Required

Verified

Vision screening; School bus endorsement may require additional testing

Military CDL Waiver

Skills Test Waiver: YesKnowledge Test Waiver: Yes

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

Find CDL Training Schools in Wisconsin

CDL School Finder →

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.

Special Notes

•Wisconsin DMV does NOT administer CDL skills tests — all testing through third-party providers
•All CDL knowledge tests are FREE and no appointment needed
•CDL pricing is prorated based on time remaining on existing Wisconsin driver's license
•Written test can be retaken up to 5 times within 1 year; more attempts require DMV approval and proof of improvement
•HAZMAT endorsement total cost: $44 (DMV) + $23.75 (fingerprinting) + $85.25 (TSA) = ~$153
•Active duty military licenses do not expire; valid until 30 days after return to WI or 90 days after discharge
•Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) has been mandatory for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Next Steps

Other Licenses in Wisconsin

Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Wisconsin.

Nearby States

IowaCDL requirements →IllinoisCDL requirements →MichiganCDL requirements →MinnesotaCDL requirements →

State Rankings

Compare all states

How this state compares to 50 others for this profession

Timeline

#1 of 51

Salary

#26 of 51

Cost

#21 of 51

Processing

#1 of 51

Salary & Earnings

Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)

Entry Level

$48,530

25th percentile

Median

$57,380

At national average

Experienced

$62,800

75th percentile

Wage Distribution (Annual)

$40,650

10th

$48,530

25th

$57,380

Median

$62,800

75th

$74,580

90th

52,980 employed in this state

Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.

Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)

Job Outlook & Growth

National employment projections for 2024-2034

Projected Growth

+2.6%

Below Average

New Jobs

+53,500

over 10 years

Annual Openings

228,600

per year (avg.)

vs. all occupations (4% avg.):-1.4 percentage points

2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)

Licensing Cost Breakdown

Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license

CLP Fee

$30

Total Government Fees$30

Time investment: 1 months–4 months

Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.

Source: CDL Requirements | WisDOT

Time to Get Licensed

Estimated total: 6–16 weeks

Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

1–2 weeks

Complete ELDT training program

3–8 weeks

Hold CLP for minimum 14 days

2 weeks(can overlap with previous step)

Pass CDL skills test

1–2 weeks

Receive CDL

1–2 weeks

Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.

Source: CDL Requirements | WisDOT

Application Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated processing time

Source: CDL Requirements | WisDOT

CDL Exam Prep Books for Wisconsin

Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.

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Professional Equipment & Supplies for Wisconsin

Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.

Dash Cams →Seat Cushions →Work Gloves →

Sources

All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:

CDL Requirements | WisDOT(accessed 2026-02-25)
CDL Military | WisDOT(accessed 2026-02-25)
WIDOT Driver License Guide(accessed 2026-02-25)
Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual (December 2025)(accessed 2026-02-25)

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from official state licensing board websites and verified against multiple sources. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state's licensing authority, as licensing rules can change. Links to official state resources are provided for each data point. LicenseMap does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. See something incorrect? Report it here.

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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Wisconsin.