Commercial Driver's License Requirements in Maryland

To operate commercial vehicles in Maryland, drivers must comply with the regulations set by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA). Under Maryland Code, Transportation Article § 16-807, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards. The process begins with securing a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and meeting specific medical and residency criteria mandated by both state and federal law. DispatchTool assists Maryland carriers by integrating state-specific compliance into its fleet management system, allowing dispatchers to track driver medical certificate expiration dates and CLP status alongside live load tracking. By centralizing driver documentation, fleet owners can avoid the $500 minimum fines associated with operating with an expired medical card in Maryland. Carriers looking to streamline compliance can create a DispatchTool account to manage their driver records and IFTA reporting in one dashboard.

Age and Residency Prerequisites

Maryland law requires CDL applicants to be at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce and 21 years old for interstate commerce or the transport of hazardous materials. Applicants must provide proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill or mortgage statement, and a valid Social Security card. Under FMCSA regulations, all applicants must also possess a valid U.S. DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). The MVA requires these documents to be presented in person at a full-service branch office before a Commercial Learner’s Permit is issued.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Requirements

Before taking the skills test, drivers must hold a Maryland CLP for at least 14 days. To obtain the CLP, applicants must pass a series of knowledge tests covering general industry standards and specific endorsements like Air Brakes or Tankers. The general knowledge test consists of 50 questions, and a score of 80% or higher is required to pass. The CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for an additional 180 days within a two-year period, provided the driver pays the applicable $30 permit fee.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

As of February 7, 2022, Maryland adheres to the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate. New applicants for Class A or B CDLs, or those seeking a School Bus (S), Passenger (P), or Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, must complete a program provided by a training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). This training includes both theory and behind-the-wheel instruction. The MVA will not allow an applicant to book a skills test until the training provider has electronically submitted the driver's completion record to the federal registry.

The CDL Skills Test Procedure

The Maryland CDL skills test is divided into three segments: the Pre-trip Inspection, Basic Control Skills, and the Road Test. The Pre-trip inspection requires the driver to identify and explain the condition of at least 50 different vehicle components, including the air brake system check. The Basic Control Skills test evaluates the driver's ability to perform maneuvers like straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking. If a driver fails any portion of the skills test, they must wait at least seven days before attempting the test again, and a $20 re-testing fee applies to each appointment.

Maryland CDL Classifications and Weights

Maryland issues three classes of CDLs based on vehicle weight and configuration. Class A is required for any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds. Class B is for single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or such vehicles towing a unit not in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class C is reserved for vehicles under 26,001 pounds that are either designed to transport 16+ passengers or carry hazardous materials. Choosing the wrong class can result in significant fines and vehicle impoundment under Maryland Transportation Article § 27-101.

Licensing Fees and Renewal Cycles

The cost of a Maryland CDL varies based on the duration and endorsements. A standard 8-year CDL renewal costs $50, which breaks down to roughly $6.25 per year. New licenses include a $45 fee for the skills test and a $50 fee for the license itself. Drivers with a Hazardous Materials endorsement must undergo a TSA background check, which costs approximately $86.50 and must be repeated every five years. Failure to renew the H-endorsement background check will result in the MVA downgrading the CDL to a non-commercial status or removing the endorsement.

Medical Self-Certification and Disqualifications

Maryland drivers must self-certify their type of commercial operation to the MVA. There are four categories: Non-excepted Interstate, Excepted Interstate, Non-excepted Intrastate, and Excepted Intrastate. Drivers in 'Non-excepted' categories must submit a copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the MVA every two years or whenever it expires. Maryland follows federal disqualification standards; a first conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in a commercial vehicle results in a one-year disqualification, while a second conviction leads to a lifetime ban.

Sources

Maryland DOT MVA (2024) — https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/cdl-information.aspx FMCSA ELDT Registry (2025) — https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ Maryland General Assembly - Transportation Statute (2024) — https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Statutes/StatuteText?article=gtr&section=16-807

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to get a CDL in Maryland?

The total cost for a new Maryland CDL is typically $125, which includes the $30 CLP fee, the $45 skills test fee, and the $50 license fee. Additional costs may apply for specific endorsements or background checks.

What is the passing score for the Maryland CDL knowledge test?

Applicants must achieve a score of at least 80% on each knowledge test. For the General Knowledge test, this means answering at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly.

Can I get a Maryland CDL if I am 18?

Yes, individuals aged 18 to 20 can obtain a Maryland CDL, but they are restricted to 'Intrastate' driving only, meaning they cannot drive a commercial vehicle outside the borders of Maryland.

How long is a Maryland CDL valid?

A Maryland CDL is generally issued for a period of 8 years. However, if you hold a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, you must pass a background check every 5 years to maintain that endorsement.

Do I need a CDL for a 26,000 lb truck in Maryland?

If the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is exactly 26,000 pounds or less, you do not need a CDL unless you are transporting hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers. The requirement triggers at 26,001 pounds.