Commercial Driver License (CDL) information

This is an index page for Commercial Driver License applicants, license holders and employers​ to help you find useful information on the DMV website. Topics are arranged below by subject to help you quickly access the information you need.

How to get a customized list of the​ requirements you will need to get any class and/or endorsement

The interactive driver licensing guide is a helpful tool for those looking for information on commercial driving requirements. The guide will provide you with a checklist of requirements, and allow you to pre-fill any required application(s) before visiting a DMV Customer Service Center. Depending on your eligibility, you may also be able to use the guide to electronically submit your application(s) and schedule an appointment with the DMV for expedited service.

How to apply for a CDL class or endor​sement

If you want to get a CDL class (A, B or C) or a CDL endorsement (F, H, N, P, S and T) for the first time, see these two web​pages:

• How to Apply for a CDL - this page lists links to all CDL requirement information, including Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) guidelines
• Step-by-step guide on applying for a CDL - includes sections to study in the CDL manual for each class/endorsement

Basic CDL requirements and CDL classes:

• CDL overview​ - requirements and definition of CDL classes of operation: A, B, C
• CDL disqualifications - general CDL, Hazmat and school bus disqualifications
• Military test waiver programs - includes information on the skills test waiver program and the Even Exchange program
• Maintaining a CDL - information on change-of-address, loss of CDL privileges
• Driver licensing fees - fees are listed for adding any class(es) and/or endorsement(s) to a license
• CDL Examiners (3rd party) by county - skills examiner contact information and testing fees
• CDL 3rd party testing program​ - Information if you want to become a 3rd party tester
• FMCSA regulatory updates - including information about Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
• Medical requirements​ - information related to obtaining a medical certificate (Fed Med card)
  

Endorsements

• Commercial endorsements​ - defines all CDL endorsements: F (farm service), H (hazardous materials), N (tank vehicle), P (passenger bus), S (school bus) and T (double/triple trailers)
• Hazardous materials endorsement​​ - general info about the Hazmat endorsement (also called HME or H endorsement). Includes requirements specific to getting and maintaining an H endorsement and specific Hazm​at fingerprinting info. 
  
• School bus endorsement​ - all information regarding the school bus (S) endorsement
  
• Farm Service (F) endorsement - Wisconsin Farm Service CDL/BDS201

Tier of operation and CDL medical requirements

• How to apply for a CDL - this webpage has a section on tier of operation and medical requirements, including a link to help you find a Fed Med examiner in your area

Wisconsin CDL manuals

• Wisconsin Commercial​ Driver's Manual
• Manual del Conductor Comercial de Wisconsin (WI ​Commercial Driver's Manual en español)

Employer information

• ​Public Abstract Request System (PARS) - explains what PARS is and links to the online PARS service page
• PARS Frequently Asked Questions

​Online services for commercial drivers

• ​Commercial driver license guide - use this interactive tool to find out what you need to do to get your CDL​
• Upload your fed med card - Tier 1 drivers can key in and upload a copy of their Fed Med card; Tier 2, 3 and 4 drivers can use the application to check their tier level
• Sign up for eNotify​ - Go paperless. Subscribe to get your notifications by email.
• Check the status of your license​ - Use this tool to check status, expiration date, tier level, Fed Med info, physical and testing requirements/school bus driver
• How to obtain a duplicate license​