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Get your Maine CDL — government fees ($104), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Secretary of State)
(207) 624-9000 x52122
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$104
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
5 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Maine driver's license, two forms of identification, and a current Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT medical card).
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Test and Obtain CLP
Complete the CDL Application (Form MVE-64T), pass the general knowledge written test (80% required), and obtain your Commercial Learner's Permit.
CLP is valid for 18 months (12 months for bus/school bus)
Fee: $35Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Training costs vary by school and program
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 calendar days before taking the skills test.
Pass CDL Skills Test
Provide proof of vehicle insurance and registration, bring a passenger with a valid Maine CDL, and pass the CDL skills test in the same class of vehicle you are applying to operate.
Must test in same class vehicle as CDL being applied for
Fee: $35Obtain CDL
Pay the CDL license fee and receive your commercial driver's license at any Maine BMV office.
CDL license fee; valid for 5 years (4 years if age 65+)
Fee: $34Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($35) + CDL ($34) + state skills test ($35)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $35
State-administered CDL skills test fee
Three-Part Exam
Maine allows third-party CDL skills testing through approved examiners.
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Contact the Maine BMV CDL section at (207) 624-9000 x52122 to schedule a skills test.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Maine
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $10 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $10 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $10 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $20 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $10 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$35
Commercial Learner's Permit application fee
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
18 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Renewal Fee
$34
5-year renewal (under age 65); $28 for age 65+ (4-year renewal)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL valid for 5 years (4 years if age 65+). Must renew in person at any Maine BMV office. HAZMAT renewal requires TSA fingerprint clearance and knowledge test.
Regulatory Board
Visit any Maine BMV office with required documents. Surrender your out-of-state license. No testing required unless applying for HAZMAT endorsement.
Transfer Fee
$34
CDL license fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
A qualified veteran who is, or who has been regularly employed in a military position within the last 90 days, can obtain a CDL by completing a waiver certification form and taking the written skills test. School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements cannot be transferred under this program.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within 90 days) military with at least 2 years of equivalent vehicle operation experience and clean driving record
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Maine.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Maine range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Maine
Maine's CLP validity period of 18 months is longer than the typical 12 months in most states. CDL fees are lower for drivers 65 and older, with a shorter license period of 4 years instead of 5.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maine.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#40 of 51
Cost
#20 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$46,740
25th percentile
Median
$51,930
-10% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$60,400
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
10,180 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Maine.