Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How often must a Wisconsin CDL be renewed?

   Correct answer: Every 8 years

   A CDL must be renewed every 8 years, and that period cannot be extended.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — Additional Notes

2. 2. What is the minimum age to obtain a Commercial Learner Permit in Wisconsin?

   Correct answer: 18

   You must be at least 18 years old to get a Commercial Learner Permit.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)

3. 3. When seeking a commercial driving job, how much of your work history must you disclose to the employer?

   Correct answer: The past 10 years of driving jobs

   You must provide information on every driving job you have held over the past 10 years.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 1.4 — Other CDL Rules

4. 4. How long is a Wisconsin Commercial Learner Permit valid?

   Correct answer: 180 days

   A CLP is valid for 180 days and lists the vehicle types and endorsements you qualified for.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)

5. 5. For non-excepted commerce, within what period must a driver have passed a federal medical examination?

   Correct answer: The past 2 years

   The driver must have passed a federal medical exam within the previous two years.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — Commercial Driver License Medical Requirements

6. 6. How soon must you inform your employer when your license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or you are disqualified?

   Correct answer: Within 2 business days

   Notify your employer within two business days if you lose your driving privilege through suspension, revocation, cancellation or disqualification.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 1.4 — Other CDL Rules

7. 7. How is a Class B commercial vehicle defined?

   Correct answer: A heavy single vehicle rated over 26,000 pounds

   Class B is a heavy straight vehicle with a rating over 26,000 pounds.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — What Are the CMV Classifications?

8. 8. What fine can a driver face for a first offense of operating a commercial vehicle without a CDL?

   Correct answer: $200 to $600

   A first offense carries a fine of $200 to $600, or up to six months in jail, plus points.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Warnings and Penalties — Penalty for Operating Without a CDL

9. 9. How long must you hold a Commercial Learner Permit before you can take the skills test?

   Correct answer: 14 days

   You are required to have held the CLP for 14 days before you may take a skills test.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — Skills Testing

10. 10. If you change your address, how soon must you apply for a duplicate CDL showing the new address?

    Correct answer: Within 10 days

    A duplicate CDL showing your new address must be requested within 10 days of the move.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — Additional Notes

11. 11. A tank (tanker) endorsement is required when the tank has what capacity?

    Correct answer: An individual capacity over 119 gallons and aggregate of 1,000+ gallons

    You need the tank endorsement for a tank with an individual rated capacity over 119 gallons and an aggregate of 1,000 gallons or more.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 1.1.1 — Knowledge Tests

12. 12. A Class C vehicle is one at or under 26,000 pounds that meets which condition?

    Correct answer: Carries 16+ people or transports placarded hazmat

    Class C covers smaller vehicles built to carry 16 or more people including the driver, or that haul placarded hazmat.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Preliminary Information — What Are the CMV Classifications?