CDL Information
How to Apply Information
The U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001 requires all commercial driver license holders with a HAZMAT endorsement to undergo a criminal background check to include a fingerprint process.
To Get a Maryland CDL Learner's Permit, Please Bring:
Proof of age, identity, and Maryland residence. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation.
- You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test(s).
- You must be 18 to obtain a learner's permit for a CDL Intrastate, 21 years of age for Interstate. In addition you must also have a full Maryland driver's license (does not include a motorcycle license).
- You may be required to provide documented proof of your social security number.
- A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and a valid intrastate or interstate waiver/exemption if required. The Medical Examination Report for DOT physical card information is downloadable. The CDL Medical Waiver Information Packet for an intrastate or interstate waiver is also available.
- Out-of-state learner's permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license.
To Obtain Another Maryland CDL Learner's Permit, Please Bring:
If you already hold a learner’s permit and want another one, you must reapply as if it was your first learner’s permit and bring your proof of age, identity, Maryland residence and your expiring learner’s permit. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation.
- You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test(s).
- You may be required to provide documented proof of your social security number.
- A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and a valid intrastate or interstate waiver/exemption if required. The Medical Examination Report for DOT physical card information is downloadable. The CDL Medical Waiver Information Packet for an intrastate or interstate waive is also available.
- Out-of-state learner's permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license.
Maryland Commercial Driver's License Renewal, Please Bring:
Your expiring license, valid U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and a valid intrastate or interstate waiver exemption, if required and the renewal fee.
- You must pass a vision screening or submit a vision certification form.
- To keep your HAZMAT endorsement you must apply for a new HAZMAT Background Record Check (BRC) and pass the hazardous material (HAZMAT) knowledge test.
- You may be required to provide documented proof of your social security number.
- A commercial driver's license fee is also required.
Renewing Your CDL
Renewal Fees
Please note: There is a commercial driver's license fee, and there is an additional fee for the Commercial Driver Licensing Information System surcharge.
Renewal Information
Drivers of heavy trucks, buses and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials must have a special commercial driver's license (CDL) with proper endorsements. Vehicles over 26,000 lbs., buses designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, all school buses, mobile cranes, uncoupled tractors (i.e., bob tails), and most tow trucks are included.
- If you are applying for or renewing a CDL, you must have a valid medical examiner's certificate, DOT Card DL-171 and a CDL waiver/exemption if required for interstate or intrastate operations, and social security card, or other acceptable social security document. (Sources of Proof)
- A CDL can be obtained, corrected, or renewed only at full-service offices.
- To renew a CDL with a Hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the HAZMAT test. This test, which is written or automated, is given only in English. Tests are administered Mon. - Fri., 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM and every Sat. 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM.
- Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) must have a valid DOT card and a exemption/waiver (if required) in their possession when operating a CMV or obtaining a CDL license product at the MVA. To renew your CDL with a HAZMAT (H) or a Tanker/HAZMAT (X) endorsement(s), you must first apply for a new HAZMAT Background Record Check (BRC) and then pass the HAZMAT knowledge test. To initiate the background record check process, you must schedule an appointment. Click here to schedule an appointment then follow the directions provided to make an appointment at one of the following MVA offices: Glen Burnie, Bel Air, Salisbury, Waldorf or Frederick.
- Passenger and School bus operators are not authorized a waiver for Interstate or Intrastate operation.
For more information please call 1-800-344-7309.
Maryland Commercial Driver's License Endorsements: If you would like additional information on adding an endorsement onto your CDL license please click here.
CDL Skills Testing
The time limit for the Pre-Trip Inspection will be 45 minutes.
The time limit for the Skills Maneuver Test will be 10 minutes per maneuver.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Manual and accompanying Maryland Commercial Driver License (CDL) Manual Amendment Insert (DL-151A) provide instruction and general information that is needed to prepare for the CDL licensing test.
School Bus Endorsement Study Guide (section 10) provides information needed for school bus skills testing.
Note: You must schedule a Skills Test appointment to take a driving test. You may visit the MVA Branch office where you wish to take the test to schedule an appointment or you may contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-950-1MVA (1682) and request to be redirected to the office where you want to take your skills test.
Intrastate Non-CDL Drivers Information
Effective October 1, 2003, if you are a Maryland non-commercial driver operating a commercial motor vehicle in intrastate commerce (within the State of Maryland) and the vehicle weighs 10,001 and up to 26,000 pounds, you are now required to have a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession. If you are licensed prior to October 1, 2003, have a preexisting medical condition, and the onset was prior to 10/01/03, you will be exempt from this requirement for a 20-year period, provided your preexisting condition does not worsen. You are still required to maintain a DOT physical.
This new Maryland law, requires any noncommercial driver, operating a commercial motor vehicle that meets the conditions listed above, to obtain and to maintain a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card, DL-171 in order to remain qualified to operate a vehicle intrastate in Maryland.
If you do not have a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession, you will no longer be qualified to operate the vehicle in the State of Maryland.
Helpful Links
The Maryland Trucking Handbook
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(Available in both English and Spanish)