There are federal and state regulations governing the operation of commercial motor vehicles, and a driver must possess a valid Class A or Class B commercial driver license (CDL) with an air break endorsement to operate a ready-mix truck in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin law requires the testing of commercial drivers, who must pass both a knowledge test and a driving skills test in the type of vehicle they drive.

Wisconsin CDL knowledge tests take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete and are administered at most Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Service Centers.  The tests are given using a computerized system of touch screens and provide instant feedback about whether an answer is correct. In situations where one or more endorsements are required, the system automatically advances to the next test in the session.

Preparing for the Test

Wisconsin CDL applicants can prepare for the CDL knowledge test through self-study by downloading the Wisconsin Commercial Drivers Manual, which provides general information on driving rules and practices for operating commercial motor vehicles (Class A, B, or C licenses) and covers endorsements for air brakes, combination vehicles, doubles and triples, tanker information, and passenger transport.

The manual can be downloaded from this link:

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/types/cdl-manual.htm.

Booklet versions of the manual are available at most Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Service Centers.

There are also home study courses available from career institutes and other educational vendors.  Conduct a search on Google or similar search engine for the key phrase “obtain a Wisconsin CDL.”

Truck driver training schools also prepare their students to obtain CDLs and the appropriate endorsements.  Look under “Truck Driving Instruction” in the yellow pages for schools in your area.

The driving skills test consists of three parts: Pre-trip vehicle inspection test, basic vehicle control test, and an on-road test. The skills tests are given at approved third party testing sites across the state.

To improve safety on the nation’s highways, the Congress of the United States enacted the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, requiring all states to provide uniform qualifications, testing, and licensing standards for commercial drivers.

A Wisconsin CDL will be suspended or revoked for improper use of alcohol or drugs and for traffic violations.

CDL Eligibility

To be eligible for CDL in Wisconsin, you must:

• Take and pass the mandatory Wisconsin CDL license examinations that apply
• Be at least 18 years old, if all of your driving is within Wisconsin and you do not transport hazardous materials or drive double or triple trailer rigs … at least 21 years of age if you will drive outside the state, transport hazardous materials, or drive double or triple trailer rigs
• Possess a valid medical certificate in accordance with MCSR regulations
• Certify you do not hold a driver license from more than one state and that your license is not currently suspended, revoked, or canceled in ANY state, nor subject to any of these actions
• Surrender your current driver license
• Provide proof of identification
• Pay all testing and licensing fees.

More information on obtaining a CDL in Wisconsin can be found on this link of the Wis-DOT web site:

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/types/commercial.htm.

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