Checked against official Wisconsin sources on Oct 7, 2026
Wisconsin CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Wisconsin follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Wisconsin source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Wisconsin CDL facts
| What | What Wisconsin says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CLP fee | $30, valid 180 days (Class A, B or C) | Official page |
| CDL fee (original, Class A, B or C) | $74, prorated for the time left on your current Wisconsin driver license | Official page |
| CDL renewal fee | $74 for 8 years. It includes Class D | Official page |
| School bus (S) endorsement fee | $10 when adding it for the first time. $5 plus the CDL fee when renewing or transferring a CDL that already has S | Official page |
| Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement fee | $67.25 ($57.25 if done with a CDL renewal), paid to DMV. Fingerprinting is an extra $23.75, paid to Fieldprint | Official page |
| Class upgrade fee | $15 for one or more classes | Official page |
| Endorsement upgrade fee | $5 each, plus a $10 issuance fee | Official page |
| Duplicate CDL fee | $14 | Official page |
| Knowledge test fee | Free. All CDL knowledge tests are free | Official page |
| Knowledge test appointment | No appointment is necessary for CDL knowledge tests. CDL tests take at least 1 to 1.5 hours, so arrive well before closing | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest rule | If you fail, you can retake no sooner than the next day. You may take the same test only five times in one year. After five tries you need special permission from DMV staff | Official page |
| Where to take the knowledge test | Most DMV customer service centers, except Milwaukee Downtown and Sauk City | Official page |
| Valid Class D license needed | You must show a valid Class D license when you take the knowledge tests | Official page |
| Minimum age for a CLP | 18 | Official page |
| Age for interstate driving with a CLP | You must be at least 21 and have a federal medical certificate to drive across state lines with a CLP | Official page |
| Who can ride with a CLP holder | A qualified instructor, or a driver licensed for that type of vehicle who is at least 21, sitting next to you at all times | Official page |
| CLP passenger rule | No passengers. If the driver with you is a qualified instructor, up to 3 other CLP holders may ride along | Official page |
| CLP validity and renewal | 180 days. You may renew it | Official page |
| CLP holding period | Hold the CLP for 14 days before you take a skills test | Official page |
| Skills test order | Pass all three parts on the same CLP: vehicle inspection (pre-trip), basic control skills and road test | Official page |
| Who gives the skills test | Approved third party examiners, not DMV. Plan ahead. There is a minimum two-day wait for an appointment | Official page |
| Maximum skills test fee | $150 for the full test done at one time. $50 each for inspection only, basic control only or road test only. Examiners may charge less | Official page |
| Skills test no-show fee | $15 per test scheduled (up to $45) if you skip the appointment without telling the examiner | Official page |
| Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) | Needed before the skills test for a first CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, or adding H, P or S. It is also needed before the hazmat knowledge test | Official page |
| Medical card | Present a valid federal medical card. Since April 13, 2025, FMCSA sends your exam result to DMV within 48 hours, and paper cards are no longer accepted for newer exams | Official page |
| Tier of operation | Complete form MV3230, Commercial Driver Certification: Tier of Operation, with your application | Official page |
| Passing score | 80% or more correct on each knowledge test | Official page |
| Class A skills test and buses | If you want Class A and also want to drive most buses (Class B with P/S), you must take two skills tests | Official page |
| CLP second renewal | If you want to renew your CLP a second time, and every other renewal after that, you take the knowledge test again | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Wisconsin CDL page before you go. Read the official Wisconsin CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Wisconsin manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.