Drivers & Vehicles > Drivers > Commercial drivers >

Commercial Driver License (CDL) - How to apply

NOTE: You must pass a medical examination and hold a valid Federal Medical Card to drive in intrastate or interstate commerce in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 49 CFR 391, Subpart E. You must show your Federal Medical Card to the DMV at the time of licensing to avoid restrictions on your license. See CDL medical requirements.

1. Study the appropriate section(s) in the CDL manuals before taking your test(s). All applicants for a CDL must pass the General Knowledge test.

Topic / Test subject	Questions	CDL manual
Classes
B/C - General Knowledge	50	Volume 1, Section 1-3
A - Combination Vehicles	20	Volume 1, Section 6
Restrictions
Air Brakes	25	Volume 1, Section 5
Endorsements
P - Transporting Passengers	20	Volume 1, Section 4
T - Doubles and Triples	20	Volume 1, Section 7
N - Tank Vehicles	20	Volume 1, Section 8
H - Hazardous Materials	30	Volume 2, Section 9
S - School Bus	25	Volume 2, Section 10
F - Farm Services	10	Farm Service Manual (570 KB)

2. Take and pass the appropriate knowledge test(s) for the vehicle you plan to drive.

• You must present a valid Class D license at the time of testing.
• Applicants for a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement must also present their Social Security Card and show Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at the time of testing.
• All knowledge tests are free. No appointment is necessary. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your test prior to when the DMV service center is scheduled to close. CDL knowledge tests take at least 1 to 1½ hours.
• Passing grade is 80% or more correct answers.

3. Obtain your Commercial Driver License Instructional permit (CDLI).

• Complete an MV3001 Application form . (561 KB)
• Present your valid Federal Medical Card.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen you will need to provide Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at time of application.
• Pay the required fee(s). Additional fees are required for the H endorsement background check and fingerprinting.
• Your CDLI will be valid for 6 months. You may renew it.
• Use your CDLI to practice driving with a qualified instructor or CDL driver holding a valid license at or above the level of your permit.

4. Schedule and pass the pre-trip and skills test(s). You must schedule a skills test with an approved third party tester.

5. Add the CDL classes and endorsements to your Class D license.

• Complete an MV3001 Application form .
• Present your current valid driver license.
• Present your valid Federal Medical Card.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen you will need to provide Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at time of application.
• Present the skills test results.
• Pay the required fee(s).

Additional information

Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 264-7049

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Last modified: August 18, 2011
BDS/QIS/DRE