Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
- Pupils (K-12) to or from public, private, vocational, technical or adult education school.
- 6
- Children (under 21years of age) with exceptional needs, to or from an education program approved by the Department of Public Instruction.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Dept of Transportation • Bureau of Driver Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,380 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (- Children (under 21years of age) with exceptional needs, to or from an education program approved by the Department of Public Instruction.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to WI Dept of Transportation~Bureau of Driver Services and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $57,380, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Wisconsin earn 0% below the national median of $57,440. Wisconsin ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$57,380Hourly estimate
$27.590% above national median
Difference: -$60
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#25 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $57,380 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
| Minnesota | $61,090 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
| Iowa | $55,080 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $59,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $55,140 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
WI Dept of Transportation • Bureau of Driver Services
Madison, WI, 53707-7983
Phone: 6082667049
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $103,290 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $74,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,260 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Wisconsin is $57,380. Salaries range from $40,650 (10th percentile) to $74,580 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Wisconsin earn 0% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $57,380.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 52,980 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Dept of Transportation / Bureau of Driver Services. Review agency details at http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/how-to-apply/get-lic-or-id.aspx.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.