Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

• Class A vehicles include tractor trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tank vehicles, and livestock carriers.
• All CDL A Classes are held at Hagerstown Community College. Course length at Hagerstown Community College is approximately 300 hours and various schedules are available.
• Learner’s Permit Requirements: requires knowledge test with airbrakes and a combinations endorsement.

For more information, please contact the program

1. Schedule CDL Learner's Permit
   1. To schedule a CDL Learner Permit test at the MVA: MVA: Online Document Guide (maryland.gov)
2. Obtain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card) The DOT is required and medical waiver/exemption if applicable in order to take the CDL Learner Permit test at the MVA. This can be done at your physician's office or any healthcare provider that has a National Registry Number.
3. Study! then take the CDL Learner Permit exam with appropriate endorsements.
   1. CDL A: Requires knowledge test with airbrakes and a combinations endorsement.
   2. CDL B: Requires knowledge test with airbrakes and the passenger and school bus endorsements.
   3. STUDY!  The Maryland CDL Manual:  Maryland CDL Manual 2021 | (MD CDL Handbook) (dmv-permit-test.com)
   4. Retake the exams of needed.
   5. Only pay the fee ($90) when you pass knowledge with airbrakes AND ALL endorsement tests.
4. Obtained Learner’s Permit? Contact sharon.maxwell@montgomerycollege.edu
   1. At this time, we will discuss funding options as well as program specifics. Save receipts from your DOT and learner's permit since some funding sources will refund these expenses.

1. Schedule CDL Learner's Permit.  To schedule a CDL Learner Permit test at the MVA: MVA: Online Document Guide (maryland.gov)
2. Obtain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card) The DOT is required and medical waiver/exemption if applicable in order to take the CDL Learner Permit test at the MVA. This can be done at your physician's office or any healthcare provider that has a National Registry Number.
3. Study! then take the CDL Learner Permit exam with appropriate endorsements.
   1. CDL A: Requires knowledge test with airbrakes and a combinations endorsement.
   2. CDL B: Requires knowledge test with airbrakes and the passenger and school bus endorsements.
   3. STUDY!  The Maryland CDL Manual:  Maryland CDL Manual 2021 | (MD CDL Handbook) (dmv-permit-test.com)
   4. Retake the exams of needed.
   5. Only pay the fee ($90) when you pass knowledge with airbrakes AND ALL endorsement tests.
4. Obtained Learner’s Permit? Contact sharon.maxwell@montgomerycollege.edu
   1. At this time, we will discuss funding options as well as program specifics. Save receipts from your DOT and learner's permit since some funding sources will refund these expenses.

1. You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all commercial driving is done within Maryland, if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported, and if you do not drive, double or triple trailer rigs).
2. You must be physically capable of obtaining a valid medical examiner's card (before taking any CDL skills test).
3. You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record.

Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a Maryland CDL:

• If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege from Maryland or any other state.
•  If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
•  If you have a conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.·
• Other technical rules and further restrictions that pertain only to Maryland are covered in detail within the Course.

Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows:

• (T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS.
• (P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver); or those which carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
• (N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
• (H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
• (X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (N) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).
• (S) School Bus.

1. Active Duty Military – with military licenses operating military vehicles
2. Firefighters – meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles
3. Farmers – in specific cases
4. Individuals – operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-business purposes.

Yes, CDL students need to earn a learner’s permit with specific endorsements.

•  CDL A: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combinations
•  CDL B: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Passenger, School Bus

MC offers a learner’s permit preparation class to help students. contact the program area to learn more.

 CDL A Classes are held at Hagerstown Community College.

 CDL B Classes are held at the Montgomery College Germantown Campus in Parking Lot 1. See MC maps for directions to the Germantown Campus, Gaithersburg, and Rockville Campus.

 In order to register for the CDL classes, you must contact the program office at 240-567-2589 or email: anthony.fiora@montgomerycollege.edu.

Yes! There is one opportunity at this time. Requires eligibility applications.

• EARN Grant –EARN Maryland is a state-funded, competitive workforce development grant program that is industry-led, regional in focus and a proven strategy for helping businesses cultivate the skilled workforce they depend on. It is flexible and innovative designed to ensure that Maryland employers have the talent they need to compete and grow in an ever-changing 21st century economy. 
  • For more information about the EARN Grant, please contact the program area.

Payment is due at the time of registration. Students who register without completing payment will be removed from the class without notice.

Questions on completing payment online? Contact Customer Service at 240-567-5188.

1.  Show your Maryland driver license.
2.  You must take and pass all Maryland examinations that apply to your license class and endorsement requirements.
3. Show proof of social security number.
4.  Meet Maryland driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the State.
5. Fill out an application including certifications.
6. Pass the required knowledge and vision tests (BEFORE a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit will be issued).
7. Pay the Maryland CDL fees.
8. Schedule, take, and pass your Maryland CDL skills test.

The skills test is the practical portion of the exam and includes:

1.  Vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check.
2. Driving test.
3. The skills test is normally given at an approved third-party testing site in your area (MD MVA). This can vary and the latest procedures are indicated in the Maryland CDL Course.

 Yes. With the following restrictions: 

• You cannot drive a commercial vehicle out of Maryland. 
• You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZ MAT placarding. 
• You cannot drive double or triple trailer rigs.