Introduction
If you want to hit the open road as a professional truck driver in Wisconsin, you need a Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
A Commercial Driver’s License tests and approves you to operate heavy-duty motor vehicles such as 18-wheeler trucks, school buses, and tankers in the United States. Think of it as the ticket to a fulfilling truck driving career.
With over two decades on the road as a long-distance trucker myself, I understand exactly how you should go about preparing for a CDL.
So in this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Wisconsin’s CDL for 2025. You’ll learn about license classes, eligibility criteria, application steps, and potential truck driving school options to consider.
What’s the difference between a Class A, B, and C license?
Class A, B, and C are the license classes you can obtain to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Wisconsin.
Each requires you to pass a particular knowledge test before it is issued.
Class A
This license class allows you to operate any combination of commercial motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds.
The tests required for this license class include:
- CDL General Knowledge Test
- Combination Vehicle Knowledge Test
- Air Brakes Knowledge Test (if the vehicle is equipped)
- Skills Testing (Vehicle Inspection, Basic Skills, and Road Test)
Class B
This license class covers the operation of commercial motor vehicles with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds, while the weight of any towed vehicle must not exceed 10,000 pounds.
The tests required for this license class B include:
- CDL General Knowledge Test
- Air Brakes Knowledge Test (if the vehicle is equipped)
- Skills Testing (Vehicle Inspection, Basic Skills, and Road Test)
Class C
This license covers commercial motor vehicles with a GVWR or actual weight of 26,000 pounds (or less) or towing a vehicle of less than 10,000 pounds. In addition, the motor vehicle must be designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or move hazardous materials.
The tests required for this license class B include:
- CDL General Knowledge Test
- Air Brakes Knowledge Test (if the vehicle is equipped)
- Skills Testing (Vehicle Inspection, Basic Skills, and Road Test)
Requirements for getting a CDL in Wisconsin?
Whether you’re driving school buses or classic diesel pickup trucks, you must meet several minimum requirements to qualify for a CDL in Wisconsin.
They include:
- Have a valid, non-CDL driver’s license.
- Be at least 18 years old or 21 to operate a CMV outside of Wisconsin
- Have proof of legal presence
- Current DOT medical certificate
- Testing of commercial drivers, who must pass a knowledge test and driving skills test in the type of vehicle they drive.
- Driving Record
Some other medical and physical requirements also apply for getting a Wisconsin CDL.
You must have passed a medical examination within the past 2 years. This is in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49 CFR 391, Subpart E, as defined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Medical Examination Report.
You must also meet the following requirements:
- Vision in both and each eye individually must be 20/40. Visual improvement devices, such as glasses or contacts, are allowed.
- You must be able to distinguish colors and perceive a forced whisper at a distance of at least 5 feet.
- The maximum allowable blood pressure is 160/100. You can use prescription medication to achieve this threshold.
- The applicant must not have diabetes controlled through insulin injections. Blood sugar may not be higher than 200.
- Use of amphetamine, narcotic, schedule 1, or any habit-forming drug is not permitted.
Steps to take to get your CDL
If you want to earn your commercial license and prepare for the road ahead, here are the essential steps you must follow to obtain your Wisconsin CDL.
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Study the Commercial Driver’s Manual
Your first step is to study appropriate sections of the Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual and take your required test(s).
The manual provides information about driving rules, best practices to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle using a Class A, B, or C license, and how to obtain endorsements.
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Take The CDL Knowledge Test
All applicants for a CDL must take and pass the General Knowledge test.
However, some applicants might also need to take the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT).
All CDL knowledge tests are free, take about 1½ hours, and no appointment is necessary. You need a grade of 80% or more to pass and must present a valid Class D license at the time of testing.
Source: Wisconsin DMV Official Website -
Get your Commercial Driver Learner permit (CLP)
The next step is to get your Learner’s Permit.
To obtain this, complete a Wisconsin Driver License MV3001 and a Commercial Driver’s Application MV3230 application.
You’ll need to present a valid Federal Medical Card and Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at the time of application. In addition, you must pay the required fees.
When granted, your CLP will be valid for 180 days, and you can use it to practice driving buses under a qualified CDL instrcutor or with tow trucks at a reputable Wisconsin towing service.
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Scheduling a road test
Schedule and pass the pre-trip, backing, and skills test.
This should be done with an approved third-party tester within 180 days of getting the learner’s permit (or pending renewal).
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Get CDL License
To complete the process, take the results of your tests to the DMV.
The new CDL classifications will be added to your existing Class D license.
What restrictions can be placed on your CDL license?
Restrictions apply to your CDL license and indicate the types of vehicles you can and cannot operate.
Here are seven popular CDL restrictions and what they mean.
| CDL Restriction | What It Means |
|---|---|
| L | A “L” no full air brake restriction is placed on a license when the driver does not pass the Air Brakes Knowledge Test, does not correctly identify the air brake system components, does not properly conduct an air brake systems check, or does not take the Skills test in a vehicle with a full air brake system. |
| Z | A “Z” no full air brake restriction is placed on their license when a driver takes the test in a vehicle with an air-over hydraulic brake system. In this case, the driver is not authorized to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes. |
| E | An “E” no manual transmission restriction placed on their license indicates that the driver took the Skills Test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. |
| O | An “O” restriction indicates that the driver took the Skills Test in a Class A vehicle with a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection. This restricts them from driving any Class A vehicle with a fifth-wheel connection. |
| M | An “M” restriction indicates that the driver can only operate Class B and C passenger vehicles or school buses. This means the driver possesses a Class A CDL but obtained their passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class B vehicle. |
| N | An “N” restriction indicates that the driver has a Class B CDL but obtained their passenger or school bus endorsement in a Class C |
| vehicle. In this case, the driver can only operate Class C passenger vehicles or school buses. | |
| V | A “V” restriction is used to indicate that there is information about the medical variance on the CDLIS record. |
How much will a Wisconsin CDL cost?
Here’s a rundown of the costs involved in getting a Wisconsin CDL.
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Commercial Learner Permit, CLP for 6 months (Class A, B, C) | $30 |
| Original CDL (Class A, B, C) (prorated for the time remaining on existing Wisconsin driver’s license) | $74 |
| CDL Renewal for 8 years (Class A, B, C) | $74 |
| School bus endorsement (when renewing a CDL with an existing S or transferring a CDL from another state with an existing S) | $5 + CDL fee |
| School bus endorsement (when adding S for the first time | $10 |
| Duplicate | $14 |
| School bus endorsement – S | $5 |
| Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) | $44 (or $34 if also renewing a CDL) |
| Class upgrades | $15 (one or more classes) |
| Endorsement upgrades | $5 each + a $10 issuance fee |
| Lifting restriction – “No CMV operation in interstate commerce.” | $14 |
| Lifting restrictions – “No CMV operation with air brakes.” | $14 (plus skills exam fee) |
| Skills exam (Class A, B, C) | $20 |
| Skills exam school bus (Class B, C, D) | $15 |
| Knowledge test | $0 |
Wisconsin DMV customer service centers will accept cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards for payment. In addition, they accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Top Truck Driving Schools to Get Your CDL in Wisconsin in 2025
If you want a career driving heavy-duty vehicles or working with a tow truck company, you must get training from a certified truck driving school.
Here are several top truck driving schools in Wisconsin that offer comprehensive Truck Driving programs:
Northwood Technical College
NTC offers a technical diploma in Truck Driving where you’re prepared to complete the CDL road test successfully.
The course is taught by state-certified instructors in the classroom. It includes practical sessions on the driving range and road.
As a graduate, you’ll be able to perform basic truck driving operations, adhere to safety procedures, and explain advanced operating practices.
The 10-week program is offered at the New Richmond and Rice Lake campuses in Wisconsin.
Program Link: https://www.northwoodtech.edu/academic-programs/degree-programs-and-certificates/truck-driving/
Milwaukee Area Training College
MATC’s eight-week truck driving program teaches you all about the operations, safety and maintenance of buses, trucks, trailers, and heavy-duty wreckers in Wisconsin.
As a result of the training, you’ll be able to attain a Class A CDL and apply for entry-level driver positions in a Wisconsin trucking company.
The certified technical diploma program takes place at the Oak Creek campus.
Program Link: https://www.matc.edu/course-catalog/manufacturing-construction-transportation/truck-driving.html
Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley is a popular technical college and a certified training school choice for aspiring truck drivers in Wisconsin.
Their truck driving program teaches you how to operate heavy-duty vehicles, earn a Class A CDL, and prepare for an exciting career on the road.
Aside from learning core driving skills in the classroom, you’ll also get to practice on the range and roadway.
Program Link: https://www.fvtc.edu/program/transportation/truck-driving/30-458-1/truck-driving