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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 |
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.
- 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).
Questions? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 264-7049
Last modified: August 18, 2011
BDS/QIS/DRE
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