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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Secretary of State)
207-624-9000 x52122
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
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Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
Maine has 16% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Maine has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Maine ranks #16 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
Start Your CDL Training in Maine
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Maine
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Maine verified against Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Secretary of State), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: