Wisconsin CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Wisconsin CDL General Knowledge test is a multiple-choice knowledge test you take for your commercial learner's permit. Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (Wisconsin DMV) says you need 80% to pass (source).

Last updated Oct 7, 2026. FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC.

By Scott Wilder, Editor

Last reviewed against the Wisconsin CDL manual on October 7, 2026

Scott Wilder on X | scottwilderhq.com

FirstTry CDL is a CDL permit test prep site by Hive Asset Group, LLC. It offers free exam-style practice tests built from the official CDL manual. 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 permit facts

What	What Wisconsin says	Source
General Knowledge pass mark	80%	Official page
General Knowledge test questions	50	Official page
CLP fee	$30, valid 180 days (Class A, B or C)	Official page
CLP holding period	Hold the CLP for 14 days before you take a skills test	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
Test languages	General knowledge, combination, air brakes, doubles and triples, passenger and tanker tests are offered in English, American Sign Language (video), Burmese, Croatian, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Spanish. The hazmat and school bus tests are English only. Translators and audio assist are not allowed on CDL tests.	Official page

20 question General Knowledge practice test

1. What happens to your crash risk if you get 6 hours of sleep or less?
1. A. It triples
2. B. It rises by about 10 percent
3. C. It doubles
4. D. It stays the same if you drink coffee
Show answer
Answer: A. It triples
Six hours of sleep or less triples your risk.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.11.2.
2. What can a broken coolant hose lead to while you drive?
1. A. Better fuel economy
2. B. Longer tire life
3. C. Engine failure and even fire
Show answer
Answer: C. Engine failure and even fire
A broken hose can lead to engine failure and even fire.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.14.1.
3. How close should you get when using an extinguisher?
1. A. As far from the fire as possible
2. B. As close as you can
3. C. Close enough to touch it
4. D. Right at the flames
Show answer
Answer: A. As far from the fire as possible
Stay as far away as possible.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.21.3.
4. When should you cancel your turn signal?
1. A. As soon as you start the turn, so your hands are free
2. B. After you have completed the turn
3. C. Halfway through the turn
4. D. Just before you begin the turn
Show answer
Answer: B. After you have completed the turn
The manual says to signal continuously and not cancel until the turn is complete.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.5.1.
5. At lower speeds, 12 to 15 seconds ahead is about how far?
1. A. About one mile
2. B. About one block
3. C. About one car length
4. D. About 10 feet
Show answer
Answer: B. About one block
The manual says it is about one block at lower speeds.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.4.1.
6. When you use engine speed (rpm) to decide when to shift up, when do you shift?
1. A. When the engine falls to the bottom of the range
2. B. As soon as the engine rises above idle
3. C. When the oil pressure gauge reads normal
4. D. When the engine reaches the top of its operating rpm range
Show answer
Answer: D. When the engine reaches the top of its operating rpm range
The manual says to watch the tachometer and shift up at the top of the range.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.3.1.
7. A combination vehicle has a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more. The towed unit must have a GVWR of what to make it Class A?
1. A. More than 10,000 pounds
2. B. More than 26,001 pounds
3. C. More than 5,000 pounds
4. D. More than 16,000 pounds
Show answer
Answer: A. More than 10,000 pounds
Class A needs a GCWR of 26,001 or more and a towed GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
From the official CDL manual, section 1.
8. What is the minimum tread depth in every major groove of a front tire?
1. A. 2/32 inch
2. B. 3/32 inch
3. C. 4/32 inch
4. D. 6/32 inch
Show answer
Answer: C. 4/32 inch
Front tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread in every major groove.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.1.3.
9. On a long downgrade, your speed rises back to your safe speed after you release the brakes. What next?
1. A. Repeat the brake application
2. B. Shift to neutral
3. C. Keep the brakes off until the bottom
4. D. Brake until you stop
Show answer
Answer: A. Repeat the brake application
When speed reaches your safe speed, repeat the braking steps.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.16.4.
10. Why is it dangerous to brake while you are in a curve?
1. A. The brakes overheat faster in curves
2. B. The engine may stall
3. C. The trailer may come unhooked
4. D. It is easier to lock the wheels and cause a skid
Show answer
Answer: D. It is easier to lock the wheels and cause a skid
Braking in a curve makes it easier to lock the wheels and skid, so slow down before the curve.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.6.3.
11. How much of the light you need may dirty headlights give?
1. A. Only half
2. B. All of it
3. C. Twice as much
4. D. Three quarters
Show answer
Answer: A. Only half
Dirty headlights may give only half the light they should.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.11.4.
12. When may a CMV driver use a hand-held phone while driving?
1. A. When stopped at a red light
2. B. When the motor carrier calls
3. C. When the call will only take a minute
4. D. When necessary to contact law enforcement or other emergency services
Show answer
Answer: D. When necessary to contact law enforcement or other emergency services
The only exception the manual gives is for communicating with law enforcement or other emergency services.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.9.4.
13. Do you have to double clutch in a truck with a synchronized manual transmission?
1. A. Yes, you must always double clutch.
2. B. Yes, but only when you shift down.
3. C. No, double clutching is not required.
Show answer
Answer: C. No, double clutching is not required.
The manual says double clutching is not required with a synchronized manual transmission.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.3.1.
14. You must travel near other vehicles. What should you do?
1. A. Keep as much space as possible between you and them
2. B. Stay close enough to signal them with your horn
3. C. Stay beside them so you can match their speed
4. D. Stay in their blind spot so they do not crowd you
Show answer
Answer: A. Keep as much space as possible between you and them
The manual says to keep as much space as possible and to drop back or pull forward so the other driver can see you.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.7.3.
15. You have a cell phone after a crash. When should you call for help?
1. A. After setting out reflective triangles
2. B. Before you get out of your vehicle
3. C. After checking each injured person
4. D. After the vehicles have been moved
Show answer
Answer: B. Before you get out of your vehicle
With a cell phone or CB, call for help before you get out.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.20.2.
16. You carry hazmat shipping papers with other shipping papers. Where should the hazmat papers be?
1. A. On the bottom of the pile
2. B. In the middle of the pile
3. C. On top of the other papers
4. D. In a separate locked box
Show answer
Answer: C. On top of the other papers
Hazmat shipping papers must be identified or kept on top of the other shipping papers so they can be found quickly.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.23.2.
17. What is the safest rule about drugs and driving?
1. A. Do not mix drugs with driving at all
2. B. Take drugs only at night
3. C. Drive only short trips after taking drugs
4. D. Take half the dose before you drive
Show answer
Answer: A. Do not mix drugs with driving at all
The safest rule is to not mix drugs with driving at all.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.2.
18. For some people, how many drinks does it take to show signs of impairment?
1. A. Three drinks
2. B. Five drinks
3. C. One drink
4. D. Six drinks
Show answer
Answer: C. One drink
For some people, one drink is all it takes to show signs of impairment.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.1.
19. What can a flapping cargo cover do?
1. A. Tear loose, uncover the cargo, and block someone's view
2. B. Make the cargo lighter
3. C. Lower the vehicle's center of gravity
4. D. Make a little noise but cause no safety problem
Show answer
Answer: A. Tear loose, uncover the cargo, and block someone's view
A flapping cover can tear loose and block your view or someone else's.
From the official CDL manual, section 3.3.4.
20. What is the only thing that will sober you up after drinking?
1. A. Black coffee
2. B. Time
3. C. A cold shower
4. D. Fresh air and a short walk
Show answer
Answer: B. Time
The liver removes alcohol at a fixed rate, so only time sobers you up.
From the official CDL manual, section 2.22.1.

Wisconsin CDL General Knowledge questions

What score do you need to pass the Wisconsin CDL General Knowledge test?

Wisconsin says you need 80% to pass the General Knowledge test.

Is the Wisconsin CDL General Knowledge test the same as other states?

The General Knowledge test is built on the same federal knowledge standards in every state, so the topics match the CDL manual. Wisconsin uses its own handbook: https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/dmv/shared/bds356-cdl-manual.pdf

How much does a CDL permit cost in Wisconsin?

CLP fee: $30, valid 180 days (Class A, B or C).

What languages is the Wisconsin CDL knowledge test offered in?

General knowledge, combination, air brakes, doubles and triples, passenger and tanker tests are offered in English, American Sign Language (video), Burmese, Croatian, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Spanish. The hazmat and school bus tests are English only. Translators and audio assist are not allowed on CDL tests.

Sources

https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/rqts-for-cdl/cdl-requirements.aspx
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/dmv-fees.aspx
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-hw-aply/knowledge.aspx
https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/dmv/shared/bds356-cdl-manual.pdf
Manual sections used in this test: 1; 2.1.3; 2.11.2; 2.11.4; 2.14.1; 2.16.4; 2.20.2; 2.21.3; 2.22.1; 2.22.2; 2.23.2; 2.3.1; 2.4.1; 2.5.1; 2.6.3; 2.7.3; 2.9.4; 3.3.4

General Knowledge practice test in nearby states