Truck Driving Schools in Wisconsin

Last Updated: May 9th, 2022

CDL Requirements in Wisconsin

What are the requirements to get a CDL in the state of Wisconsin?

To legally operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in the United States, drivers must possess a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a CDL, and the state of Wisconsin is no exception.

The first step to getting a CDL in Wisconsin is to obtain a regular driver’s license. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have held a regular driver’s license for at least one year. They must also pass a vision test and a written exam covering traffic laws and signs.

After obtaining a regular driver’s license, applicants can begin the process of obtaining a CDL. The first step is to take a knowledge test, which covers topics such as traffic laws, road signs, and vehicle weight limits. Applicants must also pass a skills test, which covers topics such as backing up and parallel parking.

The final step in the process is to obtain a medical certificate. This can be done by visiting a licensed physician, who will determine if the applicant is physically fit to operate a CMV.

Once all of these requirements have been met, applicants will be issued a CDL. With this license, they will be able to legally operate a CMV in the state of Wisconsin.

Types of CDLs in Wisconsin

There are three types of CDLs in Wisconsin: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A CDL is required to drive any vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as well as any trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.

Class B CDL is needed to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as well as any vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or less.

Class C CDL is required to drive any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or less, as well as any vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or less.

CDL Endorsements in Wisconsin

There are also several endorsements that can be added to a CDL, which will allow drivers to operate certain types of vehicles. These endorsements include:

• Passenger (P) endorsement, which allows drivers to transport passengers
• School Bus (S) endorsement, which allows drivers to transport school children
• Tanker (T) endorsement, which allows drivers to transport liquids in tanks
• Double/Triple Trailer (TT) endorsement, which allows drivers to tow multiple trailers at once

To get any of these endorsements, applicants must pass a written and skills test specific to that endorsement.

How to Select Truck Driving Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to some of the best CDL schools. Searching for an affordable, fast-track CDL school that will get you behind the wheel as quickly as possible? Have you been unsuccessful in your search for “CDL training in Wisconsin”? 

That being the case, you’ve come to the right place. To assist you to reach your long-term career goals, here are some pointers for choosing a CDL school. Choosing a truck driving school in Wisconsin is easy if you know what to look for. 

Choosing a Good Truck Driving School

When choosing a Wisconsin truck driving school, here’s what to look for:

• Student-to-Teacher Ratio

Class sizes for CDL training typically range from 16 to 19. For CDL training in Wisconsin, it’s important to look for an institution with a low student-teacher ratio.

• Expense of Training

For many students, the cost of a truck driving school is the most significant aspect. Schools that provide low-cost training, on the other hand, seldom stress the need for great quality. In order to maintain high enrollment levels, costs are maintained to a minimum. Achieving a decent price/quality ratio requires some investigation. Investigate the offerings and expenses of various colleges. 

Tuition expenses in Wisconsin may vary substantially. Loans and scholarships are included in the average tuition, which is $5,000. Even with these reductions, CDL training in Wisconsin varies between $2500 and $4500. This is fairly affordable compared to some states. However, compare your alternatives to see which one is the greatest value for your time and money.

• Typical Loan Amount 

The vast majority of those pursuing a CDL get at least part of their education expenses via the use of student loans. The average loan amount is about $6,000.

• Scholarships

There are a number of CDL training scholarships available in the state of Wisconsin. Scholarships from certain businesses may compel students to take a post-graduate position with the firm in return for the award. 

• Placement of Work

More than a few CDL schools in Wisconsin provide assistance in finding work. They’ve teamed up with companies in the area to help students find jobs when they graduate from the program.

• A Program’s Length

Truck driving is a skill that requires practice and patience. Depending on your desired degree of training, we may tailor the program’s length to your needs. Getting a Class 1 driver’s license, for example, normally takes 244 hours over six weeks of instruction. 

This curriculum requires a significant amount of time and effort on your part if you want to work as a truck driver. Consider a school that offers both theoretical and hands-on training.

• Choice of a Teacher

Along with the price and length, you’ll want to know how many professors are on-hand at each college. High-quality schools need their teachers to be proficient in a broad variety of areas. Consider the qualifications and experience of the instructors in the training program you’re contemplating. This will inform you whether they have anything of value to offer you.

• Graduated Students vs. Employed Students

A school’s graduation and employment rates are critical indicators of its overall excellence. Enrolling in a school with low graduation rates is a waste of time and money. You won’t get anything from attending this institution in the long term. 

Schools with high employment rates frequently have a strong emphasis on job placement as part of their curriculum. Because of this, it’s important that you find out for yourself. An important consideration is whether or not your college can help you get a job after graduation.

Truck Driver Salary in Minnesota

The average salary for CDL truck drivers in Wisconsin is around $63,000. Many drivers, however, earn substantially more than this, with the highest earners taking in almost $75,000 per year in wages and bonuses.

Conclusion

A career as a professional driver may be enjoyable if you find the appropriate job or the right way of life. In order to graduate from a reputable Wisconsin truck driving school, you must not only be ready to take your driver’s license exam, but you must also show employers that you are a qualified professional. As a result, not every driving school is the same. 

To get your career off to a good start, you need to enroll in a reputable Wisconsin truck driving school. Choosing a driving school might be challenging since there are so many options. Take into account the following tips while searching for a suitable driving school to ensure a happy career in the future.

List of Trucking Schools in Wisconsin