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Wisconsin · Permit test

The Wisconsin CDL practice test and knowledge tests

DMV has an online Wisconsin CDL practice test, meant to go with the Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s Manual (BDS356). The real tests start with 50 general knowledge questions, plus a test for each class or endorsement you want. You need 80% on each, the tests are free, and you don’t need an appointment.

  • 50General knowledge questions
  • 80%To pass each CDL test
  • $30Commercial learner permit, 180 days
  • 14 daysHold the permit before road tests
Open DMV’s CDL practice testFree practice test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Which CDL knowledge tests do you take?

TestQuestions
General knowledge (everyone)50
Combination vehicles (Class A)20
Air brakes, if equipped25
Passenger (P)20
Doubles and triples (T)20
Tank vehicles (N)20
Hazardous materials (H)30
School bus (S)25
Farm service (F)10

Allow at least 1 to 1½ hours, and bring a valid Class D license. The hazmat and school bus tests are in English only. The others also come in American Sign Language, Burmese, Croatian, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Spanish. Translators and audio assist aren’t allowed on CDL tests.

How should you use the Wisconsin CDL practice test?

DMV built its online CDL practice test to be used with the Commercial Driver’s Manual, which covers Classes A, B and C and the passenger, combination, tank, school bus, air brake and hazmat sections. Read the sections for your class and endorsements, then test yourself.

Wisconsin DMV: Commercial Driver’s Manual ↗

Getting a commercial learner permit

To get a CLP, you must:

  • Be 18 or older and hold a valid Class D license
  • Fill in forms MV3001 and MV3230 (tier of operation)
  • Show a valid federal medical card, if your tier needs one, and proof of legal status
  • Pass the knowledge tests and pay $30

The CLP lasts 180 days. Hold it for 14 days before any road test, and practice only with a qualified instructor, or a driver 21 or older licensed for that vehicle, in the seat beside you. Until you’re 21 and have a federal medical card, a CLP doesn’t let you drive in interstate commerce, which can include trips that stay inside Wisconsin. Renewing it means retesting every other time.

Which class do you need?

ClassCovers
ACombination vehicles towing a unit over 10,000 lbs
BSingle vehicles over 26,000 lbs, towing up to 10,000 lbs
CVehicles carrying placarded hazardous materials or 16 or more people, driver included

Training and the skills test

First-time CDL applicants, Class B to A upgrades and anyone adding H, P or S need entry-level driver training from a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry. The pre-trip, backing and road tests are given by approved third-party testers, not DMV examiners.

An original CDL is $74, and the hazmat endorsement $67.25 plus $23.75 for fingerprinting.

Wisconsin DMV: CDL third-party testers ↗The car permit test (Class D) →
Sources: Wisconsin DMV · WisDOT and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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