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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on 2025 WI commercial driver's license manual

Free Wisconsin CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

In the great state of Wisconsin, the most important economic sectors are agriculture (including butter, milk, and cheese), manufacturing (including paper products and processed foods), and tourism, all of which have created a demand for commercial drivers. Major commercial routes include Interstates 43, 90, and 94; U.S. Route 41; and State Highway 29. On I-43 and I-94, traffic congestion near major cities is a frequent problem. Furthermore, winter driving conditions on Wisconsin’s roads can be difficult and treacherous; heavy snowfall and icy road surfaces can make some minor roads nearly impassible.

You have a number of requirements you must meet before you may obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which will allow you to legally drive commercially. Most importantly, you must become proficient at commercial driving to pass the official skills test. To practice commercial driving (under supervision), you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The requirements for a CLP you must meet include submitting to a physical examination and passing the official General Knowledge test on commercial driving theory.

You have likely been advised to study the official Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License Manual (Wisconsin CDL Handbook 2025). The manual does contain all the information on which you’ll be tested. However, many aspiring drivers have found it difficult to absorb and retain much of the information in the manual. If you’re having the same problem, we can help you with some additional study tools.

This free Wisconsin CDL permit practice test you’re about to take will evaluate your understanding of certain commercial driving topics. It’s based on the official CDL manual, just like the official knowledge test. And it’s up to date as of January, 2025. The 50 multiple-choice questions on this practice test will assess your understanding of such topics as driving maneuvers, cargo management, emergency preparedness, and pre-trip inspections. Unlike the official test, however, this practice test comes with an automated assistant that can give you various kinds of help, including hints to gently guide you to the correct answer and an explanation of the correct answer. Plus, there’s no time limit. Take all the time you need to learn the material. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, put the practice test aside momentarily while you try to look up the correct answer in the CDL manual. You’ll learn far more by researching the correct answer to the question than by guessing it.

Commercial Driver's License
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
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What to expect on the actual WI DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. What is the minimum number of tiedowns that a flatbed load must have?
  2. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, when should you select a low range?
  3. While you're driving, the two main things that you should look ahead for are
  4. What is the main reason to perform a vehicle inspection?
  5. Which of the following statements about oversized loads are true?
  6. Which of the following are important parts of the vehicle's steering system?
  7. For how long will you lose your CDL driving privileges if you are convicted of a second OWI (DUI) offense in either a CMV or your private vehicle?
  8. If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of a road, you must set out your warning devices within
  9. In which of the following situations should you NOT sound your horn?
  10. If you spot a hazard ahead, what should you do first?
  11. The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is
  12. What are two of the most common causes of tire fires?
  13. To stay alert while you're driving, you should do which of the following?
  14. Before you transport a sealed load, you should check
  15. If ________ or more of the leaves in any leaf spring are broken or missing, the vehicle will be put out of service.
  16. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  17. Alcohol affects the body in many different ways, but it first affects your
  18. What is the best way to check what is going on behind and to the sides of your vehicle?
  19. While you're driving, where should you be looking ahead of your vehicle?
  20. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  21. Which of the following will help a drunk sober up?
  22. When you're about to start down a steep downgrade, what should you do?
  23. Under Wisconsin's Implied Consent Law,
  24. If you are convicted of operating while intoxicated (OWI) while driving your personal vehicle, you will lose your CDL driving privileges for __________ if it was your first offense.
  25. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  26. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  27. On a long or steep downgrade, once you have reached your "safe" speed, brake until you are traveling
  28. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  29. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  30. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  31. If you are being tailgated, you should NOT
  32. What are the main differences between aggressive driving and road rage?
  33. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  34. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
  35. Letting the air out of hot tires
  36. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  37. If your brakes get wet, they may
  38. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  39. Which of the following might get stuck at a raised railroad crossing?
  40. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  41. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  42. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  43. When you drive a vehicle that has antilock brakes (ABS), how should you brake?
  44. To maintain alertness on your trips, you should
  45. Hazardous materials placards are
  46. Why should you cover your cargo?
  47. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  48. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  49. Total stopping distance equals
  50. Which of the following statements about escape ramps is FALSE?
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