How to Get Your CDL in Maryland: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about becoming a commercial driver in Maryland? Whether you're pursuing local routes or long-haul trucking, earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the first step toward a career with freedom, flexibility, and great income potential.

This guide will walk you through every step to get your CDL in Maryland — including permit requirements, training, and how to pass your skills test with confidence.

Step 1: Decide Which CDL Class You Need

Maryland offers 3 types of CDL licenses:

• Class A: Needed for operating combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed unit over 10,000 lbs.

• Class B: Needed for straight trucks, dump trucks, buses, or box trucks over 26,001 lbs.

• Class C: For passenger vans, hazmat, or other smaller commercial vehicles that don’t fall under Class A or B.

Step 2: Meet the Basic Requirements

To qualify for a CDL in Maryland, you must:
✅ Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving or hazmat)
✅ Hold a valid Maryland driver’s license
✅ Have proof of residency and U.S. citizenship or lawful status
✅ Pass a DOT medical exam (you’ll need a Medical Examiner’s Certificate)

Step 3: Get Your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before you can take the road test, you must first get your CLP by:

1. Passing a knowledge test (based on CDL class and endorsements)

2. Submitting a DOT Medical Card

3. Presenting ID documents and residency proof

4. Paying the required fees at your local MVA branch

📘 Pro Tip: Max Mitchell CDL Academy offers online ELDT theory training that prepares you for the written permit exam fast and effectively.

Step 4: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

As of 2022, FMCSA requires all new CDL applicants to complete a certified ELDT program before taking the skills test.

Our academy provides:

• ✅ 100% FMCSA-compliant theory (online)

• ✅ Hands-on Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training

• ✅ Weekend or weekday training options

• ✅ Test prep and truck use included

Step 5: Pass Your CDL Skills Test

Once you’ve completed ELDT and held your permit for at least 14 days, you’ll take the CDL Skills Test, which includes:

• Pre-Trip Inspection

• Basic Controls/Maneuvers

• Road Test on Public Streets

We provide test prep + use of our commercial truck, so you’re fully prepared and confident on test day.

Bonus: Add Endorsements (Optional)

Depending on your career goals, you may want to add endorsements to your CDL:

• Hazmat (H)

• Passenger (P)

• School Bus (S)

• Tanker (N)

• Double/Triple Trailers (T)

We offer theory prep for all endorsements — coming soon to Max Mitchell CDL Academy.

Start Training with Max Mitchell CDL Academy

Ready to get your CDL in Maryland the right way — without wasting time or money?

We offer:
✅ FMCSA-compliant ELDT courses
✅ Flexible weekend or weekday schedules
✅ Experienced instructors
✅ Affordable full packages with truck use included

🚚 Next Step: Enroll Today

Choose your path:
🔹 Class A CDL Training
🔹 Class B CDL Training
🔹 Test Prep + Truck Use

Final Tip: Don’t Wait

Every day you delay is another day you're not behind the wheel earning. Get certified, get licensed, and get moving.