Endorsements and classes

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​​For operation of a commercial motor vehicle (Classes A, B, or C), a driver may also obtain one or more endorsements. Each endorsement requires a special knowledge test​ when originally issued.

Use the interactive driver licensing guide for information on commercial driving requirements, get a checklist of requirements, and pre-fill any required application(s) before visiting a DMV Customer Service Center. You may also electronically submit your application(s) and schedule an appointment with the DMV, depending on your eligibility.

Wisconsin Endorsements are:

  • T=Double/triple trailers

    • Commercial Motor Vehicles with double or triple trailers

  • N=Tank vehicles

    • Any commercial vehicle that is designed to transport a liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the commercial motor vehicle of the chassis.

  • H=Hazardous Materials​

    • Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding or any quantity of a material listed as an agent or toxin.

    • Requires a background check, including fingerprinting​​​​, for all drivers renewing or transferring the "H" endorsement for the first time.

    • Requires completion of the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application​​ MV3735.

    • Beginning February 7, 2022, drivers adding the Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H) to their CDL are required to successfully complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)​ prior to being eligible for knowledge testing.

    • Requires successful completion of the "H" knowledge test.​

  • S=School​​ bus

    • All school buses, including those which are commercial motor vehicles.

    • Requires a knowledge and driving skills test when originally issued and upon every renewal.

  • P=Passenger vehicle

    • Vehicles designed to carry, or actually carrying, 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

    • Requires a driving skills test when originally issued.

  • F=Farm service (Restricted CDL)

    • ​​Restricted to farm service operation only with classes B/C.​​​

License classes

​Wisconsin has a classified licensing system. The classes are:

  • ​Class A

    • For 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 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.

  • Class C

    • For operation of a commercial motor vehicle. Any single vehicle with a GVWR, actual weight, or registered weight of 26,000 pounds or less, (or such vehicle towing a vehicle less than 10,000 pounds) transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding or designed to carry 16 or more persons including the driver.

  • ​Class D

    • For operation of automobiles; light trucks and mopeds.

    • The Class D license can also have a school bus endorsement if the vehicle is designed to carry less than 16 persons including the driver.

  • ​Class M

    • For operation of motorcycles.

​​For more information:​

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​​​Driver Eligibility Unit
Email Wisconsin DMV email service​​​

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