Wisconsin To Implement New Driver’s License Testing Guidelines

This fall, a change from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will impact a wide variety of drivers who require any class of a commercial driver's license (CDL).

The change involves switching to a new testing system for all CDL holders, and everyone needs to be aware of the change and what it means for them moving forward.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced the change over two months before it will be implemented statewide.

New Commercial Driver's License Testing Guidelines Begin Fall Of 2024

According to WisDOT, its Division Of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will transition to the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators (AAMVA) Modernized Testing System (2022) beginning on Monday, November 4, 2024.

Wisconsin’s CDL examiners will follow the new guidelines for testing Vehicle Inspections (VI) and Basic Control Skills (BCS), as authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Wisconsin notes that the DMV uses third-party examiners in Wisconsin to conduct CDL instruction and perform testing for CDL licensure. Its examiners began training in June on the new Vehicle Inspections and Basic Control Skills that meet the Modernized Testing System requirements. They will not begin using the updated testing model until November 4.

What Changes With The New CDL Testing Guidelines?

WisDOT says that the updated testing model incorporates small changes to the VI portion of the test by eliminating the redundancy of questions about vehicle components.

The Vehicle Inspections portion will focus on safety-critical items while describing how to inspect them and why they are important.

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There are also changes to the Basic Control Skills portion of the test to allow the exam to be completed on a smaller course focusing on real-world driving maneuvers. It's important to note that the new model does not change the road test portion of the exam.

What Does This Mean For Commercial Driver's License Students In Wisconsin?

Commercial Driver's License students in Wisconsin are currently being offered training information that meets both standards. If a student passes only a portion (but not all) of the skills test before November 4, all prior tests will need to be retaken using the Modernized Testing System.

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Therefore, the Wisconsin DMV encourages CDL students to contact their testing agency before scheduling their test to know which test model to prepare for.

A current list of examiners can be found through the button above.

Lastly, the Wisconsin DMV’s version of the Wisconsin CDL Manual includes information for both testing models. Vehicle Inspection Checklists and the course specifications will be included in the Modernized Supplements. This manual is expected to be released soon.