If you like to drive and you’re looking for a new career, getting your CDL could be a great option. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to operate large vehicles like semi-trucks, buses, and trailers.
To get your CDL in Wisconsin, you’ll need to pass a series of exams proving your skills and knowledge. And the best part is that this could only take up a few weeks to qualify.
In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to do to get your CDL in Wisconsin.
Why Is It a Good Idea To Get a CDL In Wisconsin?
There are many reasons why getting your CDL in Wisconsin is a good idea. For one, it’s a great way to start a new career. If you’re looking for a job that’s both exciting and challenging, becoming a truck driver could be perfect for you.
The demand for truck drivers in Wisconsin is also high. According to the American Trucking Association, the state is facing a shortage of truck drivers. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities available for those with a CDL.
In addition to being in high demand, truck drivers in Wisconsin also earn a good salary. The average annual salary for a truck driver in Wisconsin is $68,465.
Here’s how to obtain your CDL in Wisconsin:
- Get Your Learners permit
- Pass The Skills Test
Although these seem like two simple steps, they can be a bit more complicated than they first appear. Let’s take a look at each step in more detail.
Step One: Get Your Learners Permit
Getting your permit is the first thing you need to do to advance and eventually take your skills test. There are many things you need to know before you take your permit test.
The first thing you need to know is the age requirements. You need to be at least 18 years of age if you’re driving strictly in the state of Wisconsin, but you need to be 21 if you plan on driving out of state.
Next, You need to be qualified to drive a vehicle and have a regular class D driver’s license.
They’re going to need documents to prove your age, residency, and U.S. citizenship or legal status in the United States.
All of this leads up to taking a written knowledge test. This will test your understanding of the state and federal laws that apply to commercial drivers.
You need to get at least an 80% on this exam to pass and receive your permit.
Now that you have your learners permit in hand, it’s time to start studying for the skills test. You’ll need to have your learners permit for at least 14 days before you’re eligible to take the skills test.
Step Two: The Skills Test
The skills test is made up of three parts: the vehicle inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test.
You’ll need to pass all three parts in order to receive your CDL.
The first part is the vehicle inspection. You’ll be asked to inspect your vehicle and identify any potential problems. This is to ensure that you know how to properly maintain your vehicle.
Next, you’ll take the basic control skills test. This will test your ability to control the vehicle while it’s in motion. You’ll be asked to perform tasks such as parallel parking, backing up, and turning.
Finally, you’ll take the road test. This is where you’ll put all of your skills to the test. You’ll be asked to drive in traffic and demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle.
Once you’ve passed all three parts of the skills test, you’ll be one step closer to getting your CDL in Wisconsin.
Pre-Trip Inspection
The pre-trip inspection is an important part of the CDL process. You’ll be asked to inspect your vehicle before each trip to ensure that it’s in safe working condition.
Let’s get into each part in more detail.
Engine Compartment
You’ll need to check the oil level and condition, the coolant level, the power steering fluid level, the brake fluid level, the battery, the alternator, and more.
Cab Check and Starting The Engine
You’ll need to check the horn, the windshield wipers, the mirrors, the emergency equipment, and more. You’ll also need to start the engine and listen for any strange noises.
Brake Check
You’ll need to check the parking brakes, the service brakes, and the trailer brakes. this is important because you need to make sure that your brakes are in good working condition before you start driving.
External Check
You’ll need to check the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, reflectors, and more. This is important because you need to make sure that other drivers can see you while you’re on the road.
You should walk around the outside of the truck and check the tires, the wheels, and the undercarriage. This is important because you need to make sure that everything is in good working condition before you start driving.
Trailer
If you’re pulling a trailer, you’ll need to check the lights, the brakes, the tires, and the hitch. This is important because you need to make sure that everything is in good working condition.
Basic Controls Test
Next up after the pre-trip inspection is the basic controls test. This will test your ability to control the vehicle while it’s in motion. You’ll be asked to perform tasks such as parallel parking, backing up, and turning.
Straight Line Backing
You’ll need to back the vehicle in a straight line for a certain distance. You’ll be graded on your ability to stay within the lines and stop at the correct spot. This is much harder than driving a regular car, so make sure you practice before you take the test.
90 Degree Alley Docking
A lot of trucking drop-offs and pick-ups are done in tight spaces. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to dock the truck in a small space. This is much harder than driving a regular car, so make sure you practice before you take the test.
Parallel Parking Drivers’ Side and Conventional
You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to parallel park on both the driver’s side and the conventional side.
Offset Backing To The Left and Right
You’ll need to back the vehicle into an offset space. They want to make sure you can do this to the left and right. This takes plenty of practice to get right, so make sure you practice before you take the test.
Road Skills Test
Finally, you’ll take the road test. This is where you’ll put all of your skills to the test. You’ll be asked to drive in traffic and demonstrate your ability to safely operate the vehicle.
The examiner will grade you on your ability to do multiple things. We’ll go into each of those below.
Starting and Stopping
You’ll be graded on your ability to start and stop the vehicle smoothly. This is important because it shows that you have good control of the vehicle.
Braking
You’ll be graded on your ability to brake smoothly. This is important because it shows that you have good control of the vehicle and you’re not over-braking or under-braking.
Turning
You’ll be graded on your ability to make smooth, safe turns. This is important because you’ll run into a lot of different turns while you’re driving.
Lane Control
You’ll be graded on your ability to stay in your lane and not swerve. This is important because it shows that you’re paying attention to the road and you have good control of the vehicle.
Traffic Signs and Signals
You’ll be graded on your ability to obey traffic signs and signals. This is important because it shows that you’re paying attention to the road and you know the rules of the road.
Railroad Crossing
You’ll be graded on your ability to safely cross a railroad track. This is important because it’s a common place for accidents to happen.
Bridge Clearance and Weight Limits
You’ll be graded on your ability to safely cross a bridge and obey weight limits. This is important because you need to make sure that the bridge can support the weight of the truck and its load.
Underpass Clearance
You’ll be graded on your ability to safely clear an underpass. This is important because you need to make sure that the truck will fit under the clearance.
Downgrades, Downgrades Stopping, Upgrades, and Upgrade Stopping
You’ll be graded on your ability to safely stop on a downgrade and an upgrade. This is important because you need to make sure that you can stop the truck on different types of terrain.
Speed Control
You’ll be graded on your ability to maintain a safe speed. This is important because you need to make sure that you’re not going too fast or too slow for the conditions.
How To Find a Job Driving Commercial Vehicles In Wisconsin
Indeed and Glassdoor
These are great places to start your job search. You can also contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for more information. You can upload your resume, search for jobs, and apply for jobs on these websites.
If an employer thinks you’re a good fit for the job, they’ll contact you for an interview. After the interview, if they still think you’re a good fit, they’ll offer you the job.
If you have a Linkedin profile and are connected with employers in the trucking industry, you can reach out to them and inquire about job openings. Even if you don’t you can put out a post saying you’re looking for a driving job in Wisconsin and see if anyone responds.
Specific Trucking Sites
Some websites are specific to the trucking industry. You can create a profile on these sites and employers will be able to find you.
Can A CDL In Wisconsin Be Transferred To Another State?
Having a CDL in Wisconsin is specific to Wisconsin. Although this is the case, you don’t have to redo the whole process when you move to another state. All you have to do is find out the process of transferring your CDL to the new state.
To do this, you have to contact the DMV of the state you are moving to and inquire about transferring your CDL. They will give you a list of requirements that you have to meet to transfer your CDL. With the technological advances of today, this process has become easier than ever, and people are even able to do it over the phone or online.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Go To Trucking School To Get Your CDL?
No, you don’t have to go to trucking school to get your CDL. However, going to trucking school can give you an edge over the competition because you’ll have more experience and knowledge. This knowledge can help you get a job and be a better driver.
How Long Does It Take To Get a CDL In Wisconsin?
While it is not hard to get a CDL, the fastest possible amount of time you could get it is three weeks. However, this is if you do nothing but study for the test and take it as soon as possible. If you have other commitments, it might take longer.
It’s better to take your time because you don’t want to rush and make mistakes. Rushing will only make the process longer because you’ll have to retake the test if you don’t pass.
Conclusion
We hope this helped you understand what it takes to get a CDL in Wisconsin. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. They will be able to help you with anything else you need to know.
If you found this blog post helpful, please consider sharing it with friends on social media.
