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) when the towed unit has a GVWR, registered weight, or actual gross weight over 10,000 pounds
- Actual weight
- Registered weight
- Carry hazardous materials that require placarding under federal law.
- They 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 CDL law requires:
- A classified licensing system.
- Issuance of only one license to each driver.
- Proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. Persons with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) are required to provide proof of legal status upon original (first time) issuance, renewal, transferring an out of state license or when adding or removing a class, endorsement or restriction.
- 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 in addition to providing proof of physical fitness in the form of a completed MV3030B or valid Federal Medical Certificate. Drivers are also required to complete the School Bus Endorsement Application MV3740. Original School Bus (S) Endorsement issuance requires a full school bus driving test.
- Hazardous materials (Hazmat) drivers who are renewing, transferring, or applying for the "H" endorsement for the first time require a background check, including fingerprinting. Drivers are also required to complete the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application MV3735, pass the "H" knowledge test, and provide proof of Citizenship or Legal Status in the U.S. at the time of testing.
- The law can be enforced through the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS), a computer network of all states.
- Enforcement of CDL disqualifications for alcohol and serious traffic violations such as a BAC of .04 in a commercial motor vehicle and speeding in excess (15 mph or more) in a commercial motor vehicle.
License classes
Class A
For the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), actual weight, or registered weight over 26,000 pounds provided the GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight of the towed vehicle(s) is more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B
For the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Any single vehicle with a GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight over 26,000 pounds, or such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight of 10,000 pounds or less.