CDL Truck Driver in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.
Jobs (WI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Wisconsin
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Wisconsin, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and pass a series of knowledge and skills tests. The licensing body is the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). New applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. While Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements for regular driver's licenses with some countries, commercial drivers transferring from another state must obtain a Wisconsin CDL within 30 days.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Wisconsin requirements
| Licensing body | Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($150) |
| Application fee | $74 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $30 for CLP, $74 for license. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and total $150 for the full exam. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants, those upgrading their CDL, or adding a hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsement. A background check is required for a hazardous materials endorsement. Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements for regular driver's licenses with France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, but commercial drivers are required to transfer their CDL within 30 days of moving between states by federal law. |
workspace_premium Wisconsin license tiers
Wisconsin offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk