Maryland (MD) CDL Practice Tests

Maryland (MD) CDL permit applicants can work through these five practice questions to review core exam concepts and prepare for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) knowledge test.

Maryland CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for an Maryland Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These align with the written knowledge exams required in Maryland and support the material covered in the official Maryland CDL manual.

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

For best results, combine CDL practice tests with the Maryland Commercial Driver License Manual and focus on the sections that match your intended license class and endorsements.

Preparing for the Maryland CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are established at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each state is responsible for administering CDL testing and licensing.

In Maryland, CDL information and testing requirements are published by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), part of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). The official CDL manual used for written and skills testing is:

• Maryland Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)

The Maryland CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

Maryland CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within Maryland (intrastate).
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials.

Valid Maryland Driver’s License

You must hold a valid Maryland non-commercial Class C (or higher) driver’s license before applying for a CDL.

Medical Certification

All Maryland CDL applicants must pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.

FMCSA medical certification requirements

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL topics, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements required for their intended type of driving.

Common CDL endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements apply to many Maryland CDL applicants. ELDT includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training completed through an FMCSA-registered provider.

ELDT is required for:

• First-time CDL applicants
• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Applicants adding Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Background Checks and Documentation

Certain endorsements, including Hazardous Materials, require a federal background check. Applicants must also provide documentation verifying identity, Maryland residency, and lawful U.S. presence.

Maryland CDL Application Process

CDL applicants in Maryland must complete knowledge testing, obtain a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), hold it for at least 14 days, complete any required Entry-Level Driver Training, and pass the CDL skills test before license issuance.

Maryland MVA CDL application and testing steps

Maryland CDL Fees

Maryland CDL fees are published by the Maryland MVA. Fees vary based on license duration and testing requirements.

• Commercial Learner Permit (CLP): $90.00 (valid 6 months)
• CDL License Issuance: Varies by duration, up to an 8-year credential

Additional Maryland CDL Fees:

• Skills Test Retake (per failed section): $20.00

Third-party CDL testing locations may set their own skills test fees. Additional costs may also apply for endorsement testing or background checks, such as fingerprinting for Hazardous Materials endorsements.

View the official Maryland MVA fee schedule