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 and knowledge test.
- 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 driver's license (does not include a motorcycle license).
- You will be required to disclose your social security number.
- A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or a valid intrastate or interstate waiver. 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.
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 and knowledge test.
- You will be required to disclose your social security number.
- A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or a valid intrastate or interstate waiver. 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.
Maryland Commercial Driver's License Renewal, Please Bring:
Your expiring license, valid U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card or a valid intrastate or interstate waiver and the renewal fee.
- You must pass a vision test or submit a vision certification form.
- A hazardous material (HAZMAT) test is required to keep your HAZMAT endorsement.
- You will be required to disclose your social security number.
- A commercial driver’s license fee is also required.
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, Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT) physical certification card in your possession or a CDL waiver for interstate or intrastate operations, and social security card.
- A CDL can be obtained, corrected, or renewed only at full-service offces.
- To renew a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the HAZMAT test. This test, which is written or computer assisted, is given only in English. Tests are administered Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and every Sat. 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) must have a DOT card or proper waiver (if issued) in their possession when operating a CMV. - School bus operators are not authorized a waiver for interstate or intrastate operation.
For more information please call 1-800-344-7309.
Effective November 1, 2003 the time limit allowed to conduct the skills test will change for all CDL and Non-Commercial Class A & B Applicants.
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. These changes have been implemented by the MVA based on the successful results of a 3-month pilot period. 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. Maryland CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Guide (DL-152) provides information needed to prepare for the Pre-Trip Inspection. School Bus Endorsement Study Guide (section 10) provides information needed for school bus skills testing.
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 between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, you are now required to hold 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 non-commercial 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 in order to remain qualified to operate a vehicle intrastate in Maryland. If you do not hold a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession by October 1, 2003, you will no longer be qualified to operate the vehicle in the state of Maryland.
The Maryland Trucking Handbook
IFTA Information Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(Available in both English and Spanish) US Department of Transportation | 
