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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
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: $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
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.
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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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
Maryland has 60% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Maryland has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
Maryland ranks #47 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Maryland.
Start Your CDL Training in Maryland
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Maryland
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Maryland verified against Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: