Maryland CDL practice test, permit and skills test

Which Maryland CDL practice test do you need?

Everyone passes the CDL General Knowledge Test for the commercial learner’s permit. Then it depends on what you’ll drive:

• Class A: the Combination Vehicle Test
• Vehicles with air brakes: the Air Brakes Test
• Vehicles that need placards: the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Test. The MVA’s practice tests don’t include one, so study that section of the CDL Manual
• School buses, passenger vehicles, tankers, or doubles and triples: that endorsement’s test

The tests are on a computer in English and Spanish only. A computer-assisted audio test needs no appointment, while an oral test, in English only with an MVA agent, does.

How to get a CDL in Maryland

You must already hold a full Maryland driver’s license and be at least 18 to drive commercially within Maryland, or 21 to cross state lines, carry hazardous materials or carry passengers. The steps:

1. Choose the class that matches the vehicle you’ll drive.
2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry, if it’s your first Class A or B license, or your first passenger, school bus or hazardous materials endorsement.
3. Pass a physical with a medical examiner on the federal National Registry. Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate goes to the MVA directly.
4. Book a CDL permit appointment, bring your documents and pass the knowledge tests.
5. Hold the permit for the required time, then take the skills test in a vehicle that matches your class.

The skills test has a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control maneuvers with 10 minutes for each, and a road drive. After you pass, you get an interim license to carry, and the CDL comes by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Moving here with a CDL from another state, you transfer it within 30 days.