ELDT Training in Wisconsin — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Wisconsin, from Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha and Racine, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the WI theory portion is done online for $20 and your Wisconsin record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Wisconsin

  1. Get your CLP from Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a WI licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Wisconsin; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the WI licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Wisconsin

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered WI providers listed below, for example in Milwaukee; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Wisconsin

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the WI CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Wisconsin licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Wisconsin DMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Wisconsin DMV site
  • A Wisconsin CLP is valid for 180 days, and you apply at any DMV service center with form MV3001 and the Tier of Operation certification MV3230.
  • CDL knowledge tests take at least one to one and a half hours, and ELDT must be completed before scheduling a road test.

These WI fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Wisconsin fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Wisconsin

WI has 67 registered training locations across 47 cities on the FMCSA registry: 63 registered for Class A, 52 for Class B, 30 for the passenger endorsement and 24 for school bus. 45 of the 67 (67%) publish a website, and the newest WI registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Milwaukee CDL schools, Green Bay CDL schools and Kenosha CDL schools, or open the full Wisconsin school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any WI school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Wisconsin

34 of the 67 registered Wisconsin locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so WI drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Wisconsin hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Wisconsin

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a WI driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Wisconsin ELDT questions

How long is a Wisconsin CLP valid?
180 days. You must hold it 14 days before the road test, so finish ELDT and behind-the-wheel training within that period.
Does Wisconsin DMV accept online ELDT theory?
Yes. Wisconsin verifies training through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so theory from a registered online provider is accepted.
What forms do I need for a Wisconsin CDL?
The Wisconsin Driver License Application (MV3001) and the Commercial Driver Certification: Tier of Operation (MV3230), plus proof of citizenship or legal status.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Wisconsin?
With one of the 67 Wisconsin locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Milwaukee, Green Bay and Kenosha; 63 are registered for Class A training and 52 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your WI CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Wisconsin and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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