Maryland CDL Guide
To operate a commercial motor vehicle in Maryland, as in all other states, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required (CMV). Because there are so many different types of CMVs, Maryland has a variety of CDL classes and endorsements. Each class and endorsement has requirements and tests corresponding to the vehicle or cargo.
Why Is a CDL Required?
A CDL is required to operate any vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more (including towed trailers). A CDL must also operate a vehicle transporting hazardous materials or 16 or more passengers. Certain vehicles are not required to have a CDL. These are some examples:
- Lighted and siren-equipped emergency vehicles
- Military personnel drives military vehicles.
- vehicles with temporary living quarters for travel or camping (such as RVs), and
- Farm equipment and agricultural transports are exempt when operated by the farmer and their family within 150 miles of the farm.
CDL Classes In Maryland
Aside from a clean driving record, you should know that you can only hold one license at a time. A standard class driver's license is required to qualify for a CDL, but once you have your CDL, that's it. Whether you're hauling freight in a big rig or your kids in an SUV, your Maryland CDL is your license. You cannot apply for a Maryland CDL if you have a standard license from another state.
CDLs come in three classes:
Class A CDL
Class A only applies to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds. A Class A CDL holder (plus any necessary endorsements) can operate all Classes B and C vehicles.
Class B CDL
Class B vehicles are single or combination vehicles with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being towed cannot weigh more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Maryland Class B CDL (plus the necessary endorsements) can legally operate all Class C vehicles.
Class C CDL
Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definitions of Group A or Group B in this section but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver or is used in the transportation of hazardous materials for the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and requires the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR part 172, subpart F).
Requirements For CDL In Maryland
All commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants in Maryland must present valid Med Cert documentation (DOT card, skills performance evaluation, waiver exemption, etc.) whether they are applying for a new license or renewing, duplicating, or correcting an existing license. For the duration of their license, commercial drivers must also submit updated Med Cert documentation to the MVA. Furthermore, all commercial drivers must "self-certify" the type of commercial driving they will be doing (depending on the type of commerce and their medical qualifications). CDL holders must no longer submit a self-certification form when updating their medical certification. When a customer obtains a new CDL, transfers a CDL, renews a CDL, upgrades a license to a CDL, or changes their status from intrastate to interstate or vice versa, self-certification will be required. If a waiver or exemption is required, it must be submitted with the medical certification card.
To obtain your CDL, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old (must be 21 to drive out of Maryland)
- You must have a valid Maryland driver's license.
- You must be able to prove your age, identity, and Maryland residency if you do not have a Maryland driver's license.
To apply for your CDL, you must demonstrate that you are physically fit to operate a CMV. You must also:
- Be examined by a doctor certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Complete the Certificate of Medical Examiner.
- Self-certify that you are capable of operating a CMV safely in Maryland.
Testing Requirements For CDL
Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Before taking the CDL driving test, a CDL applicant must obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP). The applicant must be a Maryland resident, at least 18 years old, and pass both the vision and written knowledge tests. After receiving the CLP, the holder is permitted to operate a CMV under the direct supervision of a licensed commercial driver. The supervisor must be over 21 and have at least three years of CDL experience.
Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)
After obtaining the CLP, the applicant can take the CDL driving skills test. Drivers with prior military experience operating a CMV may be exempt from the driving skills test.
Disclosures
A CDL holder must submit a background check during the application process. A CDL holder must also report any future traffic convictions or license suspensions to the state and their employer.
CDL Renewal In Maryland
A renewal notice will be mailed to your last address of record with the MDOT MVA 60 days before your commercial driver's license expires. If you have moved, it will not be forwarded to a new address. Due to federal requirements, certain customers will be notified upon renewal to provide MDOT MVA with the required documents.
Remember that Maryland law requires you to notify the MDOT MVA of address changes within 30 days. To obtain an updated Maryland license, commercial drivers must apply in person for a change of address.
A commercial driver's license in Maryland can only be renewed at full-service MDOT MVA offices. Please bring your expired license, a valid U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card, valid intrastate or interstate waiver/exemption, and any other documentation required for renewal as specified in your renewal notice. In addition,
- A vision screening or a vision certification form must be completed.
- You must pass the HAZMAT test on renewing your Maryland commercial driver's license with a Hazardous Materials endorsement. The exam is written or automated and is only written in English. The tests are given on Monday. Sat., 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM and Fri., 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM. You must also have a TSA threat assessment of "O." The Patriot Act of the United States of America requires all commercial driver's license holders with a HAZMAT endorsement to undergo a criminal background check, including a fingerprint process if they have previously completed one.
- Only a National Registered Medical Examiner can issue a "MCSA-5876 - Medical Examiner Certificate." For more information, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov and obtain a CDL waiver/exemption if required to operate interstate or intrastate.
- A commercial driver's license fee and a surcharge are required for the commercial driver licensing information system.
Maryland CDL Cost
The following are the fees:
- CDL Renewal/Conversion (Includes CDLIS fee) $50.00
- CDL Conversion (Out of State to MD CDL same class. Includes CDLIS fee for a 5-year license) $65.00
- CDL Duplicate $20.00
- CDL Correction (w/o renewal) $20.00
- CDL Skills Retest $20.00
- CDL Learner’s Permit (Includes CDLIS & Skills Test fees) $90.00
- CDL HAZMAT Background Check (BRC) $88.75
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