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Get your Maryland CDL — government fees ($155), 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
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72% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$155
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Commercial Driver Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit an MVA office with required identification, proof of Maryland residence, and Medical Examiner's Certificate. Pass vision screening and CDL knowledge test(s) for desired class and endorsements. Pay the CLP fee.
CLP valid for 6 months; includes CDLIS and skills test fees
Fee: $90Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. MVA must verify training completion before allowing skills test.
Required for all first-time CDL applicants
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, schedule your CDL skills test. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. First attempt is included in CLP fee.
$20 no-show fee if you miss scheduled appointment without 24-hour notice
Fee: $0 first attempt; $20 retestReceive Your CDL
After passing the skills test, pay the CDL license fee and receive your CDL. All knowledge and skills test passing scores are valid for a maximum of 6 months.
5-year license (new application)
Fee: $65Commercial 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
Training Cost
CLP ($90) + CDL ($65) + state skills test ($0, included in CLP)
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: $0
First attempt included in CLP fee; $20 retest fee for subsequent attempts
Three-Part Exam
Maryland allows third-party CDL skills testing through certified providers
Third-party fee: $200–$500 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through MVA; available at MVA offices in Bel Air, Glen Burnie HQ, Frederick, Salisbury, and Waldorf
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 Maryland with a valid full (non-provisional) Maryland driver's license
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | — |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | — |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | — |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | — |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | — |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | — |
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
$90
Includes CDLIS and skills test fees; cannot be prorated
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$48
8-year renewal; CDL with HAZMAT endorsement now issued on 5-year term (as of Feb 2025)
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDL renewal for an 8-year term costs $48. CDLs with HAZMAT endorsement are now issued on a 5-year term (since February 2025) to align with the TSA Security Threat Assessment 5-year cycle. MVA allows renewal up to 12 months before expiration date.
Regulatory Board
Visit an MVA office with valid out-of-state CDL, proof of Maryland residence, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and required identification. CDL conversion fee includes same-class license and CDLIS fee. HAZMAT endorsement is not transferable and requires retesting and TSA background check.
Transfer Fee
$72
CDL conversion from out-of-state; 8-year license
Timeline
Upon establishing Maryland residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and TSA background check
Maryland participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience can waive the CDL skills test. Knowledge tests are still required.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
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 Maryland.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Maryland 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 Maryland
Maryland has different terms for new CDLs (5-year) and renewals (8-year). The CLP fee of $90 is one of the higher permit fees but notably includes the first skills test attempt. Maryland's HAZMAT background check at $109.25 is higher than the standard TSA $85.25 because it includes state and federal fingerprint processing fees. As of February 2025, CDLs with HAZMAT endorsements are issued on a 5-year term to align with TSA requirements.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#39 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
$48,250
25th percentile
Median
$57,180
At national averageExperienced
$64,830
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
23,910 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.
Source: CDL Information | Maryland MVA
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: CDL Information | Maryland MVA
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: CDL Information | Maryland MVA
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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