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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Wisconsin CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Wisconsin CDL Manual.
All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual WI general knowledge test!
To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1.
Which of these statements is correct?
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Loose cargo that falls off a vehicle can cause traffic problems.
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Loose cargo can hurt the driver during a quick stop.
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Others could be hurt or killed by cargo that falls off a vehicle.
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All of the above.
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2.
When inspecting the cargo, make sure it is:
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not overloaded.
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secured properly for the first 50 miles after beginning a trip.
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piled up.
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All of the above.
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3.
The best time to take a short break is:
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when you feel you can't go any further without one.
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at regular intervals.
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before you feel you need it.
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when you start to feel drowsy.
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4.
If are being followed closely, you should:
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flash your brake lights.
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change lanes quickly.
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increase your following distance.
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decrease your following distance.
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5.
Antifreeze:
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helps the engine only under hot conditions.
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doesn't help the engine in any way.
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helps the engine only when the temperature is below freezing.
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helps the engine under hot conditions as well as cold conditions.
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6.
The use of brakes on a steep downgrade is:
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a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
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much more effective than the engine braking effect.
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the main braking factor.
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dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs.
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7.
The Johnson bar is a valve that:
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is installed in the first tank the air compressor pumps air to.
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keeps air from going out if the air compressor develops a leak.
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works the trailer brakes.
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reduces the braking pressure to a safe level.
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8.
_______ is the distance your vehicle travels, in ideal conditions, from the time you see a hazard until your brain recognizes it.
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Perception distance
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Total stopping distance
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Reaction distance
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Braking distance
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9.
When stopping at the scene of an accident, you should NOT:
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set out reflective triangles.
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put on your 4-way emergency flashers.
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notify authorities.
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report any qualified person who is at the accident and helping the injured.
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10.
Which of the following may have reduced the clearances since the heights were posted at bridges and overpasses?
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The weight of a cargo
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Repaving of the road
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Traffic
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Rain
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you're between 15 and 18, you must comply with the Graduated Driver License program. You can obtain an instruction permit at 15 years old. Then, once you're at least 16 years old and have held the permit for at least six months, you can apply for a probationary driver license. To obtain a regular driver license (class D), you must be at least 19 years old.
If you're 18 years old or older, you must hold the permit for a minimum of seven days before applying for a probationary driver license.
You cannot schedule appointments for the DMV written test because they are conducted on a walk-in basis. Verify if your chosen Wisconsin DMV office provides permit tests before you go. Keep in mind that it usually takes around 45 minutes to finish, so make sure to arrive with enough time before the office's closing hours to complete the exam.
You'll need to bring specific documents to prove your eligibility:
- A completed Wisconsin Driver License Application. If you're under 18 years old, your application must be signed by the instructor of the driver education program you're enrolled in, and you must have the signature of a parent/guardian or sponsor.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status.
- Proof of your name and date of birth.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of Wisconsin residency if you're 18 or older.
- Proof of Social Security number.
- Proof of enrollment in school or a high school diploma (for applicants under 18).
The DMV written test in Wisconsin is offered in English, American Sign Language, Burmese, Chinese, Croatian, Hmong, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Somali, Spanish. Audio assist option is available upon request.
To prepare for the DMV written test, read the Wisconsin Driver's Handbook. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Test your knowledge with our practice tests or sign up for Premium, which offers extra resources to get ready for your exam.
If you operate with an instruction permit in Wisconsin, there are specific restrictions:
- You must be accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian/spouse who is at least 19 years old and has at least two years of driving experience, seated beside you. Alternatively, you may be accompanied by a person 21 years or older with written authorization from your parent/guardian (if you are a minor).
- If you are 16 or older, you can transport one other licensed driver who is at least 25 years of age and has at least two years of driving experience, in addition to your supervisor.
If you operate with a probationary license, the following restrictions apply during the first nine months:
- You can drive alone between 5 a.m. to midnight and transport siblings and one licensed adult with two years or more of driver experience.
- From midnight to 5 a.m., you can only drive alone for work or school activities, or you must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, an instructor/spouse who is 19 or older, or a person 21 or older.
If you're under 21 years old, it's prohibited to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.
A Wisconsin class D instruction permit is valid for 18 months, and it can be renewed online within 8 years (if you are 64 or younger). It is not required to retake the DMV test within 8 years of its expiration. Applicants under 18 years old must provide proof of enrollment or completion of a driver education course.
If you don't pass your DMV written test in Wisconsin, you can retake it the next day. You have five attempts in one year. After the fifth failure, you'll need to get special permission from DMV staff before trying again.