How to get a CDL in Wisconsin
CDL facts for Wisconsin, checked on October 31, 2026. Fees change: confirm with the state before you pay.
Fees and rules
- Issued by
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV)
- Learner's permit (CLP) fee
- $30 (180 days)
- Knowledge test fee
- $0 (all knowledge tests free)
- Skills (road) test fee
- Up to $150 for the full skills test at one time, or up to $50 per segment (set by third-party tester)
- CDL license fee
- $74 (8-year renewal incl. Class D; original prorated to existing license)
- CLP is valid for
- 180 days, renewable
- Where the skills test is given
- Third-party testers only
- Medical card
- Show Federal Medical Card to DMV at licensing to avoid restrictions
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Required for most CDL applicants since Feb 7, 2022, before scheduling the road test
Official sources
“Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) (Class A, B, C) (180 days): $30” wisconsindot.gov
“Renewal (Class A, B, C) (8 year) (includes Class D): $74” wisconsindot.gov
“All knowledge tests are free.” WisconsinDOT.gov
“Your CLP will be valid for 180 days. You may renew it.” WisconsinDOT.gov
“You must show your Federal Medical Card to the DMV at the time of licensing to avoid restrictions on your license.” WisconsinDOT.gov
“Beginning February 7, 2022, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for most CDL applicants.” WisconsinDOT.gov
“Contact a Commercial Driver License (CDL) third-party testing company to schedule your CDL skills tests.” wisconsindot.gov