Wisconsin · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin you need a valid federal medical card before DMV will issue your CLP, and all knowledge tests are free. The permit costs $30 and lasts 180 days.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free Wisconsin permit classroom Official Wisconsin CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in Wisconsin only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $30
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid driver license and be at least 18.
2Study the Wisconsin Commercial Driver's Manual (BDS356).
3Get a DOT physical and a valid federal medical card. You need it before your permit is issued.
4Fill out the application (MV3001) and the Tier of Operation self-certification (MV3230).
5Visit DMV in person and pass your knowledge tests. No appointment is needed.
6Practice for at least 14 days with a qualified instructor or CDL holder age 21 or older.
7Before your skills test, finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
8Book your skills test with a third-party tester and finish all three parts before your permit expires.

What to bring

Your valid driver license
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status
Your Social Security number
Your valid federal medical card
Completed forms MV3001 and MV3230

Medical card

You self-certify your tier of operation on form MV3230, and you must have a valid federal medical card before your CLP is issued. For DOT physicals on or after April 13, 2025, FMCSA sends your medical card to DMV electronically within 48 hours.

Fees

Commercial learner's permitClass A, B or C.	$30
Knowledge tests	Free
Full skills test (third-party tester)State maximum; $50 per individual segment.	Up to $150
Original CDLProrated for time left on your Wisconsin license.	$74

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsements as needed

Testing in Wisconsin

All CDL knowledge tests are free, and you don't need an appointment. Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours.
HazMat and School Bus knowledge tests are given only in English.
Skills tests are given by third-party testers in order: pre-trip, basic control, then road. Failing one part ends the test.
Knowledge tests are taken in person, not online.

Study for these tests in the Wisconsin classroom

Good to know in Wisconsin

Unlike many states, Wisconsin wants your federal medical card before issuing the permit, not just a self-certification.
With a qualified instructor, you may carry up to 3 other CLP holders. Otherwise, no passengers.
Drivers under 21 with a federal medical card get an 'intrastate only' restriction.
Before paying a CDL school, check that it is still listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Thousands of providers were removed in 2025–2026.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

How CLP renewal works and what it costs — confirm with DMV.
Which languages other knowledge tests are offered in.
What residency documents are required.
How long you must wait after a failed knowledge test.
Wisconsin's current policy on non-domiciled permits and CDLs.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.