Free Maryland CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
Pass your Maryland CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try
Updated: August 2026
What You Need to Study
General Knowledge
The foundation of your CDL exam. Covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and federal regulations every commercial driver must understand.
Combination Vehicles
Essential for driving tractor-trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling procedures, rollover prevention, inspecting combination vehicles, and safely maneuvering with attached trailers.
Air Brakes
Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes. Covers how air brake systems work, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, and using them safely in all conditions.
Endorsement Tests
HazMat
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.
Tanker
Required for driving tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Covers safe loading, unloading, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
Doubles & Triples
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures for multi-trailer rigs.
Passenger
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Covers passenger safety, loading, emergency exits, and pre-trip inspection requirements.
Free Maryland CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
What should you do when merging?
- Merge at a much lower speed than the flow of traffic.
- Use your mirrors to make sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter safely.
- Merge without signaling.
Documents related to hazardous materials transportation must be stored ___.
- In the pouch of the driver door.
- Attached to the sun visor.
- In a box on the trailer.
Which of these statements about driving through a tunnel is correct?
- Keep windows open for fresh air.
- Turn off all lights inside the truck.
- There may be strong winds when exiting.
Among these vehicles, which is more likely to experience off-tracking during turns?
- Tractor with 45-feet trailer.
- 28-feet box truck
- 45-feet straight truck
Under what circumstances should you sound your horn?
- If it helps to avoid a crash.
- To let others know you are running late.
- To say hello to a friend on the sidewalk.
Identify the incorrect statement regarding alcohol consumption.
- A drinker can control how fast his or her body absorbs alcohol.
- Alcohol goes directly from the stomach to the blood stream.
- BAC is determined by how fast you drink; how much you drink and how much you eat.
If your vehicle is missing ____ or more leaves from any leaf spring, it won't be allowed to be used.
- 1/3
- 1/4
- 1/2
Select the correct statement regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
- Any truck carrying any amount of hazardous materials must have placards.
- Hazardous materials can be disposed of in regular trash bins if the containers are sealed.
- All hazardous materials present health and safety danger.
To figure out how much alcohol is in someone's blood (BAC), you need to know:
- Their height.
- The time of day they drink alcohol
- Their weight.
What is the right way to hold a steering wheel?
- With one hand on the top of the wheel and the other on your lap.
- With your knees, while using your hands to adjust the radio.
- With both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select one or more options so we can show you exactly which tests you need to take.
What You Need to Study
General Knowledge
16 sections · 800 questions
The foundation of your CDL exam. Covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and federal regulations every commercial driver must understand.
Combination Vehicles
9 sections · 180 questions
Essential for driving tractor-trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling procedures, rollover prevention, inspecting combination vehicles, and safely maneuvering with attached trailers.
Air Brakes
6 sections · 150 questions
Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes. Covers how air brake systems work, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, and using them safely in all conditions.
Endorsement Tests
Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.
HazMat
9 sections · 202 questions
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.
Tanker
6 sections · 133 questions
Required for driving tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Covers safe loading, unloading, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
Doubles & Triples
7 sections · 144 questions
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures for multi-trailer rigs.
Passenger
6 sections · 123 questions
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Covers passenger safety, loading, emergency exits, and pre-trip inspection requirements.
Your Path to a Commercial Driver's License
To get a CDL, you must first study for and pass the permit exam at the DMV. After you receive your permit, you can take commercial vehicle driving classes and complete the required training. The final step is passing the official driving exam to earn your CDL. Our practice tests help you prepare for the DMV permit exam with real-style questions, and we also provide extra study materials and helpful resources to guide you through the process.
To obtain a CDL in Maryland, you must pass the written permit tests that match your license class — General Knowledge for everyone, plus Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes where they apply — at the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles. Similar to a regular driver's license permit exam, these are timed, multiple-choice tests based on the official Maryland CDL handbook.
All of our practice material is built from the official Maryland CDL handbook and federal resources, and curated by professionals with over 10 years of experience in the commercial transportation industry. Studying with practice tests that mirror the real exam format is one of the most effective ways to pass on your first try.
On this page you'll find free practice tests for all three sections. All 2,500+ questions and the study tools are in the app with a subscription — download the CDL Help app.
Maryland CDL Knowledge Test: Format & Requirements
The CDL knowledge (written) test follows the same federal standards in Maryland as nationwide. Here's what to expect.
Questions by test
The 80% passing score is a federal standard (FMCSA, 49 CFR 383.135). Question counts follow the AAMVA model used by most states and can vary by state. Always confirm current details with your state's official CDL handbook.
Maryland CDL Fees & Licensing
permit fee covers issuance; renewal $64
State-charged fees as of June 2026. Amounts change — confirm current fees with the official agency.
CDL Requirements in Maryland
- Citizenship and immigration-status requirements apply and changed under 2026 federal rules — verify your eligibility directly with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) before applying (see Official Sources below).
- Must be at least 18 for intrastate (Maryland-only) driving, or 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials or passengers. Under-21 drivers get a “K” restriction and cannot hold a Passenger, School Bus or HazMat endorsement.
- Must already hold a valid, full Maryland driver’s license and bring proof of identity, age, Social Security number and Maryland residency.
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the skills test — and before the HazMat knowledge test specifically.
- Your DOT physical is sent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National Registry; most CDL holders never carry the paper card. The certificate is valid up to two years (renewed annually to keep a School Bus endorsement).
- Book a CDL permit appointment at an MVA branch and pass the knowledge tests for your class and endorsements — 80% per test, in English or Spanish, with a second failure of the same test costing a seven-day wait.
- Pay the $106 CDL learner’s permit fee (effective September 1, 2025); no test starts after 3:00 p.m. Monday–Friday or 10:00 a.m. Saturday, and only Passenger, School Bus and Tank Vehicle endorsements can go on the permit itself.
- Hold the CLP at least 14 days, then schedule the skills test online through myMVA — it is offered by appointment only, not at every MVA location.
- Pass three parts in order: a 45-minute pre-trip inspection, basic control skills (10 minutes per maneuver, 9 points is a failure), then the public road test (31 points is a failure) — in a vehicle you supply that cannot be placarded for hazmat.
- Fail the skills test and pay the $20 retest fee: one day’s wait after a first failure, at least seven days after a second, subject to appointment availability.
- After you pass, an interim document covers you until the CDL is mailed to your address on file within 7–10 business days. Maryland CDLs run up to 8 years (5 years with the HazMat endorsement).
- A HazMat endorsement is two separate transactions — an MVA application plus a $109.25 fingerprint-based background check at one of five offices (Bel Air, Glen Burnie, Frederick, Salisbury, Waldorf) — and you cannot take the HazMat knowledge test until TSA approves you, usually about 30 days later.
- Non-domiciled CLP and CDL issuance — new applications, transfers, renewals and duplicates alike — has been paused in Maryland since September 29, 2025 under federal direction, with no published resumption date.
Official Maryland CDL Handbook
The official Maryland Commercial Driver's License Manual covers every topic tested on the state's CDL knowledge exam — but it reads like a dense reference manual, not a structured study guide. A more effective way to prepare is with our General Knowledge practice tests. Our free Maryland CDL permit practice test mirrors the format and content of the official exam and is fully up to date as of February 2026. Each practice test features 20 questions covering essential topics such as vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, driving emergencies, hazardous conditions, and Maryland-specific commercial driving regulations. Unlike the official test, every practice question comes with a helpful hint and a detailed explanation of the correct answer — so you actually learn from every question you answer.
- Complete CDL regulations and Maryland-specific requirements
- Safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling
- All endorsement categories and testing requirements
CDL Practice Tests in Nearby States
Testing near Maryland? Practice for a neighboring state's CDL exam too.
Non-Domiciled CDL Information
Important information about non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in Maryland.
Federal regulations on non-domiciled CDLs are changing rapidly. The information below reflects the latest known state actions.
MDOT MVA states plainly that, effective Monday, September 29, 2025, and as directed by USDOT, it has paused issuance of all non-domiciled commercial driver products — new applications, transfers, updates, replacements, duplicates and renewals alike — until further notice. Maryland can otherwise issue non-domiciled CDLs under federal 49 CFR 383.23 to individuals domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction that does not itself issue CDLs.
Under the FMCSA final rule published February 13, 2026 (effective March 16, 2026), eligibility for non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs nationwide is now limited to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 status, and State Driver’s Licensing Agencies must verify applicant status through the federal SAVE database. Maryland has not published a resumption date for its own pause. CDL Help does not provide legal or immigration advice, and these requirements are changing quickly — confirm your specific situation directly with the Maryland MVA CDL Hotline (1-800-344-7309) and the official FMCSA resources linked below.[FMCSA Final Rule]
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide.
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide. Here is how it is enforced in Maryland.
Maryland does not currently administer a separate state-level English Language Proficiency (ELP) test for CDL applicants. However, all Maryland CDL holders are subject to federal ELP enforcement, which took effect on June 25, 2025. Under this enforcement, roadside inspectors conduct a two-step assessment: first, a conversational interview in English — no interpreters or translation tools are permitted — to evaluate whether the driver can communicate sufficiently in English; second, the driver must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret standard U.S. traffic signs. Drivers who fail either step of the assessment are placed out of service under CVSA guidelines. Maryland CDL applicants should be prepared to demonstrate English proficiency during any roadside inspection or compliance review.
Maryland CDL facts
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CDL learner’s permit (CLP) | $106MVA lists no separate knowledge-test feeeffective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| CDL renewal | $648-year licenceeffective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| Out-of-state CDL conversion (same class) | $648-year licenceeffective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| CDL skills retest | $20effective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| Fee schedule in force | Effective September 1, 2025effective September 1, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| CDL validity | Up to 8 yearsA CDL carrying the HazMat endorsement is issued for 5 years | mva.maryland.gov |
| Licensing agency | Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) | mva.maryland.gov |
| Minimum age | 18 for intrastate (Maryland-only) driving; 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials or passengers | mva.maryland.gov |
| Prior licence required | A valid, full Maryland driver’s license (not a provisional licence) | mva.maryland.gov |
| What to bring | Proof of identity, age, Social Security number and Maryland residency | mva.maryland.gov |
| Entry-Level Driver Training | Required before the skills test or HAZMAT knowledge test, from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider RegistryFirst-time Class A/B applicants, Class B→A upgrades, and first P, S or H endorsements | mva.maryland.gov |
| Non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs | Issuance paused until further noticeCovers issuance, transfers, updates, replacements, duplicates and renewalseffective September 29, 2025 | mva.maryland.gov |
| DOT medical certificate | Sent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National RegistryMost CDL holders do not need to carry the paper card | mva.maryland.gov |
| Medical certificate validity | Up to two yearsAn examiner may issue a shorter certificate for a monitored condition | mva.maryland.gov |
| Self-certification | Every CDL holder certifies their driving type — Non-Excepted / Excepted Interstate or Intrastate | mva.maryland.gov |
| If the medical certificate lapses | The CDL is downgraded; after more than a year you must retake all CDL knowledge and skills tests | mva.maryland.gov |
| Minimum CLP holding period | 14 daysThe skills-test page words the same rule as “at least two weeks” | mva.maryland.gov |
| If the CLP expires first | Reapply for a new permit, retake the knowledge tests and pay the fees again | mva.maryland.gov |
| Knowledge-test passing score | 80% per testThe General Knowledge test must be passed before any other knowledge test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Knowledge-test retake wait | Seven days after a second failure of the same test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Skills-test retake wait | One day after a first failure; at least seven days after a second or later failureSubject to appointment availability; retest and no-show fees are paid first | mva.maryland.gov |
| Test languages | Knowledge tests in English or Spanish; skills tests in English onlyLanguage interpreters may not assist with either test | mva.maryland.gov |
| When tests are given | Knowledge tests walk-in first, then by appointment; skills tests by appointment only. No test starts after 3:00 p.m. Mon–Fri or after 10:00 a.m. Saturday | mva.maryland.gov |
| Pre-trip inspection time limit | 45 minutes | mva.maryland.gov |
| Basic control skills time limit | 10 minutes per maneuver | mva.maryland.gov |
| Basic control skills scoring | Scored on points — 9 points is a failureHitting a curb or exceeding the time limit is an automatic failure | mva.maryland.gov |
| Public road test scoring | Scored on points — 31 points is a failureAn accident or running a red light or stop sign fails automatically | mva.maryland.gov |
| Skills-test order | Pass the pre-trip inspection to reach basic control skills, and basic control skills to reach the public road test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Skills-test booking | By appointment, scheduled online through a myMVA account | mva.maryland.gov |
| Test vehicle | You supply a safe representative vehicle matching the class and type you are testing forRegistration card and proof of insurance must be presented | mva.maryland.gov |
| Placarded vehicles | A vehicle placarded for hazardous materials cannot be used for the skills test | mva.maryland.gov |
| Accompanying driver | Must be 21 or older and have held a CDL of the same class or higher for at least three years | mva.maryland.gov |
| Out-of-state skills tests | Maryland accepts a skills test taken in another state (results arrive through AAMVA’s CSTIMS) but does not test other states’ permit holdersNot available to holders of a K (intrastate only) restriction | mva.maryland.gov |
| After you pass | An interim licence document, then the CDL by mail in 7–10 business days | mva.maryland.gov |
| After a disqualification | Under a year: reinstate without retesting. A year or more: retake all relevant knowledge and skills tests | mva.maryland.gov |
| Branch visits | Appointments are recommended for branch office visits and booked through myMVA | mva.maryland.gov |
| K restriction | Intrastate driving within Maryland only — applied to CDL holders under 21 | mva.maryland.gov |
How to get a CDL in Maryland
- Confirm you qualify: you must already hold a valid, full Maryland driver’s license, be at least 18 for Maryland-only (intrastate) driving or 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials or passengers, and bring proof of identity, age, Social Security number and Maryland residency. Source
- Get your DOT physical from an examiner on the FMCSA National Registry — the Medical Examiner’s Certificate is sent to the MVA electronically, so you do not mail or upload it. Source
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry — required before the skills test, and before the HAZMAT knowledge test. Source
- Book a CDL permit appointment at an MVA branch, bring your identification documents, and pass the knowledge tests for your vehicle class and the endorsements you want — 80% is the passing score on each test. Source
- Pay the $106 CDL learner’s permit fee. Note that no test starts after 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday or after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Source
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills (road) test. Source
- Schedule the skills test online through your myMVA account — skills tests are given by appointment only and are not offered at every MVA location. Source
- Bring a safe, representative test vehicle of the class and type you are applying for, with a valid registration card and proof of insurance. A vehicle placarded for hazardous materials cannot be used. Source
- Pass the three parts in order — the 45-minute pre-trip inspection, then basic control skills (10 minutes per maneuver, 9 points is a failure), then the public road test (31 points is a failure). Failing one part ends the test; a $20 CDL skills retest fee applies before you can rebook. Source
- After you pass, you carry an interim document; the CDL is mailed to the address on file with the MVA within 7–10 business days. Source
Official Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) links
- MDOT MVA: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- MDOT MVA: License & ID Fees
- MDOT MVA: Get or Renew a CDL
- Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual DL-151 (PDF)
- MDOT MVA: CDL Skills Test
- MDOT MVA: CDL Classifications, Endorsements & Restrictions
- MDOT MVA: CDL Medical Certification Requirements
- MDOT MVA: Appointments & Online Services
As of September 2, 2026, verified against Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA).
Maryland CDL questions
- How much does a Maryland CDL cost?
- The MVA fee table effective September 1, 2025 lists $106 for the CDL learner’s permit, $64 to renew an 8-year CDL or convert an out-of-state CDL of the same class, $20 for a CDL skills retest, $109.25 for the HazMat background check and $30 for a CDL carrying the HazMat endorsement (a 5-year licence). Training, the DOT physical and the TSA portion of the HazMat check are separate. Source
- How long must I hold a Maryland commercial learner’s permit?
- At least 14 days — the skills-test page words the same rule as “at least two weeks”. Only the Passenger (P), School Bus (S) and Tank Vehicle (N) endorsements can be put on a CLP; HazMat and Doubles/Triples are added after the skills test. If the permit expires before you pass the skills test you must reapply, retake the knowledge tests and pay the fees again. Source
- What score do I need on the Maryland CDL knowledge test, and can I take it in Spanish?
- Maryland’s CDL manual sets the passing score at 80% on each knowledge test, and the General Knowledge test must be passed before any other. Knowledge tests may be taken in English or Spanish; skills tests are given only in English and no interpreter may assist with either. Fail the same knowledge test twice and you wait at least seven days to retake it. Source
- What is on the Maryland CDL skills test?
- Three parts taken in order: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (45-minute limit), basic control skills (10 minutes per maneuver, 9 points is a failure) and a public road test (31 points is a failure). You must pass each part to move to the next, you supply a representative — never placarded — test vehicle, and a $20 CDL skills retest fee applies before you can rebook. Source
- Do I have to send my DOT medical card to the Maryland MVA?
- No. Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate is sent to the MVA directly from the FMCSA National Registry, and most CDL holders do not need to carry the paper card. Most certificates are valid up to two years — a School bus (S) endorsement needs a new one every year. Let it lapse and your CDL is downgraded; after more than a year you must retake every CDL knowledge and skills test. Source
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