Commercial driver license (CDL)
Disqualification | License classes | Operation of farm machinery | Wisconsin CDL law
Commercial driver licenses (CDL) are required to operate vehicles that:
Weigh over 26,000 pounds, determined by the highest of the following weights: manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
manufacturer’s gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
actual weight
registered weight
Carry hazardous materials that require placarding under federal law.
Are designed or used to carry 16 or more persons including the driver. (Buses and some school buses.)
There are federal and state regulations governing the operation of commercial motor vehicles.
Wisconsin law requires:
A classified licensing system.
Issuing of only one license to each driver.
Testing of commercial drivers, who must pass a knowledge test and driving skills test in the type of vehicle they drive. School bus drivers are required to pass a knowledge test and abbreviated driving skills test at each renewal.
Commercial drivers with an H endorsement are required to pass a hazardous materials knowledge test at each renewal.
Commerical Driver's License (CDL) Disqualifications
What does it meant to "disqualify" a commerical driver's license (CDL)?
If your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is disqualified, you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle.
Obtaining a CDL
When ready to apply for your first CDL, come to a local Secretary of State branch office to:
Show proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, payroll check stub, W-2 Form).
Fill out an application which includes a statement certifying that you meet medical and driver qualifications.
If you have had any change in your physical condition since your last driver license renewal which may affect your ability to drive, you may need a special form from the branch office for your physician to fill out before you can apply for your license.
Meet driver record eligibility requirements as determined by Secretary of State branch office personnel.
Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. You must pass all required knowledge tests to obtain a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP). This allows you to practice driving under supervision of a driver who has a CDL for the type of vehicle you wish to drive. A CDL TIP is also required for taking the CDL skills tests.
Pay your CDL fees.
Schedule your CDL skills test.
You must take the skills tests through an approved third party tester. Third party testers are public and private agencies authorized by the state to conduct CDL skills tests. Once you have passed your CDL skills tests, you must return to the Secretary of State branch office to:
Pay a correction fee to add CDL privileges to your license.
Receive your CDL.
Michigan Department of State
