Maryland CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Maryland CDL test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — 80% — to pass. The MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) administers CDL testing at full-service MVA offices and approved third-party sites throughout Maryland.

Maryland's two-tier system: DUI at 0.08%+ and DWI at 0.07% apply to personal vehicle driving. CDL holders in a commercial motor vehicle face the stricter federal 0.04% threshold. Either a DUI or DWI conviction in any vehicle triggers FMCSA CDL disqualification: 1 year for a first offense, lifetime for a second. The 12 points from a DUI conviction also triggers immediate Maryland license revocation.

Yes. Maryland's Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) and Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (US 1) prohibit certain hazardous material loads including some explosives and other high-risk materials. CDL HazMat drivers must verify their load's placard classification against current Maryland DOT tunnel restrictions before routing through Baltimore. Prohibited HazMat loads must use alternate routes such as the I-695 Beltway or Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

A Maryland CDL is valid for 8 years for drivers ages 21–64. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current. HazMat endorsements require TSA security clearance renewal every 5 years. Maryland CDL holders must self-certify their medical status category annually at the MVA.

Maryland CDL skills tests are conducted at MVA-approved third-party testing sites. You must provide the appropriate commercial vehicle for the class being tested. The test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (backing maneuvers), and an on-road driving test. Contact the Maryland MVA at mva.maryland.gov for a list of approved CDL skills testing locations.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Maryland DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Maryland DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Maryland CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Maryland, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.