Wisconsin CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info.Red Underline

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Wisconsin CDL Test Answers CLICK HERE

Do I Need A Wisconsin Commercial Driver License?

Wisconsin adopted the Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, and is part of a nationally uniform system of classifying, testing, and licensing commercial vehicle drivers.


CDL Endorsements are required for:


  • Weigh over 26,000 pounds, determined by the highest of the following weights:
  • manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
  • manufacturer’s gross combination weight rating (GCWR) when the towed unit has a GVWR, registered weight or actual gross weight over 10,000 pounds
  • actual weight
  • registered weight
  • Carry hazardous materials that require placarding under federal law.
  • Are designed or used to carry 16 or more persons including the driver (buses and some school buses).

If you drive a commercial vehicle that falls into one of the following classifications, you must have an Wisconsin Commercial Driver License (CDL).


There are certain limitations of the people who cannot be issued the Wisconsin license. These are:


Written Tests:

All written tests are multiple choice. The passing score for a written test is 80 percent. The applicant is only required to retake the test they failed. Written tests that are passed are valid for two years. A written test is required in a number of situations including when:


  • An applicant has never been previously licensed in the United States, any U.S. Territory, Canadian Province, or Germany;
  • A client’s driving record indicates that his last license has been expired, revoked or denied for two years or longer (immediately prior to this application), or his privilege to drive has been revoked, canceled or disqualified;
  • The applicant is upgrading the class of his license or adding any endorsements;
  • An applicant is removing the air brake restriction “L;” and the applicant is removing the Air Over Hydraulics restriction (He must perform the pre-trip and road test as well).

Wisconsin CDL Test Answers CLICK HERE

Vision Screening:

A vision reading of 20/40 with both eyes is required to pass the vision screening. If you fail to meet this standard with or without glasses, you may be required to obtain a vision statement from your eye specialist. If you wear contact lenses or glasses during the vision screening, you will be required to wear them at all times while driving. A vision reading of worse than 20/40 (best possible correction) in one eye will result in the CDL driver being restricted to intrastate driving only.


Skills Test:

A skills test will consist of a vehicle pre-trip inspection, a basic control skills test and an over-the-road skills test. Skills tests are conducted by appointment only after the successful completion of all applicable written tests. The State of Wisconsin does not furnish vehicles for the skills testing process. Vehicles for testing must be driven to the test site by a person who holds a valid driver’s license for the class and type of vehicle used for testing.


Applicants are required to furnish vehicles for their skills test that are representative of the class of license for which they are applying. If the vehicle or combination vehicle is a tank vehicle you MUST have an N endorsement on your CLP. If the tank vehicle previously contained hazardous materials you MUST have a letter in-hand stating the tank vehicle has been purged of all residue. However skills tests will not be conducted in a loaded commercial vehicle. Simulated weight is the only thing allowed in trailer. Additionally, placarded vehicles are not allowed to be used for skills testing.

Wisconsin CDL Test Answers CLICK HERE

Cost of Wisconsin CDL Test

The fee for a skills test is $40.


Wisconsin third-party examiners are allowed to administer the skills test only to their employees and not to the general public. Third-party examiners are not allowed to charge a fee for the administration of the skills test. The training and certification process for third-party examiners is provided by WYDOT at no charge.


Applicants for a Wisconsin CDL, who hold a valid US Military license, must pass all written tests for the class of license they currently hold.

Wisconsin D.O.T