Occupational License

Can I get an occupational license to drive?

ANSWER:

Maybe.

1st OWI: If this was your first drunk driving conviction, you may be able to obtain an occupational license immediately unless you have lost your license for some other reason within the preceding 365 days. Other factors may also affect your ability to obtain an occupational license.

2nd OWI, 3rd OWI, 4th OWI +: If this was your second or subsequent drunk driving conviction, there is a waiting period of a minimum of 60 days, however, about half of the people charged with a 2nd OWI and most 3rd or higher OWI offenses will result in a waiting period of at least one year because of a special rule that applies to the number of OWI's within a specific period of time. If you have two OWI's within a 5-year period of time, there is a mandatory one year wait for an occupational license. You also must have had a valid license before being arrested for drunk driving. You may not have had your license taken for any other reason within the preceding 365 days. There no longer is anything called an “occupational CDL”. Other factors may also affect your ability to obtain an occupational license.

The Department of Transportation will not issue an occupational license to you until you file proof of insurance with them. Normally, the proof is handled by obtaining an SR-22 from your insurance agent. (Note - Insurance carriers usually raise insurance rates when the SR-22 is obtained from them. Some insurance companies also lower your coverage).

Most insurance companies that file proof of financial responsibility will mail the certificate directly to WisDOT. Some companies will give the SR-22 to the customer and some companies will electronically file the information to WisDOT’s computer system. The electronically filed information is usually entered automatically on the customer’s driver record within one or two working days.

How To Obtain An Occupational License

An occupational license is obtained from the Department of Transportation. The DOT will require a completed SR-22 before issuing the occupational license.

Limits On Occupational License

You may not obtain an occupational license before the start date of your suspension. As well, an occupational license is limited. Occupational licenses restrict the driver by qualifying the purpose for which the driver may drive, the number of hours that may be driven, and in some instances, the times of day. Typically, the restrictions include work or homemaking purposes, limited to no more than 12 hours per day and no more than 60 hours per week, however, as noted, there no longer is an occupational commercial driver's license. The DOT maintains a schedule of the limitations.

Van Wagner & Wood Procedures

If Van Wagner & Wood represents you, and your driving privileges were administratively suspended, you will receive information about SR-22 insurance and how to obtain your occupational license.

Helpful Information:
Operating after revocation or suspension
Save your driver's license
Wisconsin drunk driving laws
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Information about reinstatement
Wisconsin DOT Proof of Insurance (financial responsibility)
Wisconsin DOT For drivers under the age of 18 in lieu of having a sponsor.