Maryland CDL Requirements

Maryland CDL Classes and Age Requirements

Maryland offers three classes of commercial driver's licenses, each with specific age requirements that differ for intrastate and interstate commerce:

CDL Classes Available

• Class A CDL: Combination vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR with towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
• Class B CDL: Large trucks and buses over 26,000 lbs GVWR
• Class C CDL: Vehicles under 26,000 lbs carrying 16+ passengers or hazardous materials

Age Requirements

Operation Type	Minimum Age	Restrictions
Intrastate (Maryland only)	18 years	No HazMat, no doubles/triples
Interstate (across state lines)	21 years	No restrictions

Knowledge Test Requirements

Before obtaining your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), you must pass the required knowledge tests. The Maryland CDL knowledge test consists of 50 questions with a passing score of 80% (40 correct answers).

Test Topics Covered

• General Knowledge: Vehicle inspection, basic controls, safety procedures
• Air Brakes: Required if testing with air brake-equipped vehicles
• Combination Vehicles: Required for Class A CDL
• Passenger Transport: For passenger endorsement
• School Bus: For school bus endorsement
• Hazardous Materials: For HazMat endorsement

Study Materials

Use the official Maryland CDL Handbook to prepare for your knowledge tests. The handbook covers all topics tested and provides practice questions to help you succeed.

Skills Test (Road Test) Requirements

After obtaining your CLP and completing any required training, you must pass a three-part skills test to receive your full CDL:

Skills Test Components

1. Pre-Trip Inspection: Demonstrate ability to conduct a thorough vehicle safety inspection
2. Basic Vehicle Control: Show proficiency in low-speed maneuvers including:
   • Straight-line backing
   • Offset backing
   • Parallel parking
3. On-Road Driving: Drive safely in traffic while demonstrating proper:
   • Starting and stopping procedures
   • Turning and merging techniques
   • Speed and space management
   • Use of mirrors and signals

Testing Locations

Skills tests are administered at MDOT MVA-approved third-party testing sites throughout Maryland. You must schedule your skills test through MDOT MVA, even when using a third-party tester.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

As of February 7, 2022, Maryland enforces federal ELDT requirements for certain CDL applicants:

Who Must Complete ELDT

• First-time CDL applicants (never held a CDL)
• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Applicants seeking certain endorsements (HazMat, passenger, school bus)

ELDT Exemptions

• Drivers who previously held an out-of-state CDL
• Drivers whose CDL lapsed but was previously valid
• CLP holders who obtained their permit before February 7, 2022

Training Requirements

ELDT must be completed through an FMCSA-approved Training Provider Registry (TPR) provider and includes both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction.

Medical Certification Requirements

All Maryland CDL holders must maintain valid medical certification as required by federal FMCSA regulations:

Required Documentation

• DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876): Most common form
• Skills Performance Evaluation: For drivers with certain medical conditions
• Medical Waiver or Exemption: When applicable (not available for passenger/school bus drivers)

Medical Examiner Requirements

Your DOT physical must be performed by a medical examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

Self-Certification

You must self-certify with MDOT MVA regarding your type of commercial driving operation (interstate vs. intrastate, excepted vs. non-excepted).

CDL Endorsements

Maryland offers several endorsements to expand your commercial driving opportunities:

Available Endorsements

• H - Hazardous Materials: Requires TSA background check and ELDT
• P - Passenger: For vehicles carrying 16+ passengers
• S - School Bus: Required for school bus operation
• N - Tank Vehicles: For liquid cargo transport
• T - Double/Triple Trailers: For multiple trailer combinations

Endorsement Requirements

Most endorsements require:

• Minimum age of 21 years
• 3 years of driving experience
• Passing knowledge test scores
• Skills test in appropriate vehicle (for passenger/school bus)

Fees and Costs

Service	Fee
CDL Application	$0
CDL License	$72
Knowledge/Skills Testing	$50
Endorsements	Varies by type

Note: Fees are subject to change. Check the MDOT MVA fee schedule for current rates.

Out-of-State CDL Transfer

If you're moving to Maryland with an out-of-state CDL:

• Transfer Timeline: Must transfer within 30 days of establishing Maryland residency
• Valid License: Out-of-state CDL must be valid or expired less than 1 year
• Expired License: If expired 1+ years, you must retake knowledge and skills tests
• ELDT Exemption: Previous CDL holders are exempt from ELDT requirements

Testing Locations and Scheduling

Knowledge Tests

Schedule your CLP knowledge test through MDOT MVA's online services or visit an MVA branch office.

Skills Tests

All skills tests must be scheduled through MDOT MVA, even when conducted at approved third-party testing sites. Contact MDOT MVA to find testing locations near you.

Maryland-Specific Requirements

Intrastate Medical Requirements

Maryland requires Medical Examiner's Certificates for non-CDL drivers operating commercial vehicles weighing 10,001-26,000 lbs within the state.

Passenger/School Bus Restrictions

Passenger and school bus operators cannot use medical waivers for either interstate or intrastate operation in Maryland.

How to Apply for Your Maryland CDL

Step 1: Determine Your CDL Class and Endorsements

Identify which CDL class and endorsements you need based on the vehicles you plan to operate.

Step 2: Complete ELDT (if required)

Enroll with an FMCSA-approved training provider if you're a first-time CDL applicant or upgrading your license class.

Step 3: Obtain DOT Medical Certificate

Schedule and pass your DOT physical examination with a certified medical examiner.

Step 4: Study for Knowledge Tests

Use the Maryland CDL Handbook to prepare for your written examinations.

Step 5: Apply for CLP

Visit an MVA office or apply online to take your knowledge tests and receive your Commercial Learner's Permit.

Step 6: Practice and Schedule Skills Test

Practice your driving skills and schedule your three-part skills examination through MDOT MVA.

Step 7: Take Skills Test

Complete your pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and on-road driving test at an approved testing location.

Step 8: Receive Your CDL

Upon passing all tests and meeting requirements, MDOT MVA will issue your Maryland commercial driver's license.

For the most current information and to begin your application process, visit the official MDOT MVA website at mva.maryland.gov.