CDL in Wisconsin
A CDL in Wisconsin is an important requirement if you are planning on working as a commercial truck driver and is a resident of this state. There are several requirements however, that you would have to comply with before you can be given this license. There are newer federal regulations which have been put to effect in order to protect the security of the state and the well-being of driver’s on the road. Hence, you will notice that there are now other requirements to getting a license aside from the fact that you know how to drive a vehicle.
The first requirement is that an applicant should be at least 18 years old in order to apply. If you need an interstate CDL, you would have to be at least 21 years old. You also have to possess a current and active driver’s license which had not been revoked or suspended for any type of violation. Aside from this, you will also need to pass a DOT medical and visual exam to determine if there you have any medical condition which may affect your driving skills. For this, you will need to pick up a medical form at your local DMV office.
Before you can be given a truck driving license, you will need to apply for an instruction permit which will allow you to drive a commercial vehicle accompanied by a licensed individual. For this, you will need to pass a knowledge test. The Wisconsin CDL Manual is an important aspect at this point as it contains the things that you will be tested on during the written exam. If you will be applying for additional endorsements, separate tests will be conducted for these as well. There are separate fees for them also. You will need to present your current driver’s license, proof of residence, Social Security card, and proof of legal status in the US. There is no fee for this test and walk-in applicants are also welcome.
If you gain an 80% score on this test, you will be given your instruction permit which will be valid for six months. To get the permit, you will need to submit a completed application form, federal Medical Card, proof of residence of legal status in the US, and the corresponding fees for the permit. Make sure to practice and learn about truck driving during this period together with a licensed individual or a truck driving instructor.
When you think that you have learned how to drive trucks pretty well and before the expiration of your permit, you should schedule for a road test by visiting your local DMV office or through a third-party tester. The test will cover a pre-trip inspection, basic maneuvering skills, and an actual road test on various traffic conditions in order to assess your skills. You will have to pass all of these tests successfully in order to gain a license in Wisconsin. If you pass this test, your CDL endorsement will be added to your current driver’s license after paying the corresponding fees.
Many new drivers require training at one of the available truck driving schools in WI to help them learn the necessary skills to operate a tractor trailer rig. Schools will provide students with experience behind the wheel as well as prepare one for the exams. Classes generally last several weeks and many facilities will help their graduates with job placement once they have received their license. To find out more about the latest CDL requirements you should take a look at the driver’s manual linked below on this page.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 7917
Madison, WI 53707-7917
Website: WI DMV
WI Commercial Driver’s License Manual
Phone: (608) 264-7049