If you are looking for a job involving commercial driving, learning how to get CDL in Maine unlocks many opportunities in that world. The CDL allows individuals to drive larger or more specially designed vehicles, which is basically required for certain careers in the trucking, passenger transportation world, and others. No matter how it’s to drive a tractor-trailer, bus, or another commercial vehicle, this guide will outline the requirements and step-by-step process involved. By being able to learn the rules, take the necessary tests, and meet Maine’s licensing criteria, you will be able to confidently earn your CDL and get onto the road in this in-demand field.
What are the Maine CDL requirements?
Before you start your application process to get a CDL for Maine, here are some essential things you need to know from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles BMV. These are set to ensure that all CDL holders prove to be qualified drivers who can handle their vehicles with much safety and responsibility on the road. Here goes:
1. Age requirements:
- Intrastate CDL (within Maine): You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Interstate CDL (crossing state lines): You must be 21 years old to qualify.
2. Valid Driver’s License: You must have a valid, non-commercial Maine driver’s license as a prerequisite in applying for a CDL
3. Proof of identity and residency: You must submit documents to prove your identity and residency in Maine. The following are accepted documents:
- Valid United States passport or birth certificate indicating citizenship status.
- Utility bill, lease agreement or such other documents reflecting the applicant’s residential status in Maine.
4. Medical examination
You will need to be physically examined (vision, hearing, heart issues,…) by a medical professional certified by the Department of Transportation. The physical helps you to be eligible for the necessary requirements to drive commercially. You’ll receive an Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) once done, which must be submitted to the BMV.
5. Clean driving record
An applicant should maintain a relatively clean driving record with major violations including but not limited to:
- A DUI or reckless driving conviction.
- Suspensions or revocation of your driving privileges.
6. Proficient in language: Federal regulations require that CDL applicants understand and speak English well enough to communicate with law enforcement, read road signs, and complete official forms.
7. Commercial Learner’s Permit: You must pass the written knowledge tests to obtain a CLP 14 days before scheduling to take the skills tests.
8. Training requirements: FMCSA requires that beginning in February 2022, all new CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driving Training before taking the skills test to ensure the safety on the operation of a commercial vehicle.
Having satisfied these requirements, you are ready to carry on with the necessary testing and training to obtain a CDL in Maine. Double check with Maine cdl requirements and come with all your documents and certifications to avoid any delays in the process.
How to get CDL in Maine?
To obtain a CDL in Maine, a driver will have to go through a number of tests and meet the requirements set by the state.
Take the CDL written knowledge tests
The written knowledge tests are based on your understanding of driving regulations, vehicle operations, and safety. The quantity of the knowledge tests you might have to take vary, depending on the license classification and endorsements you need.
General knowledge test
The general knowledge test is a major step toward getting your CDL in Maine. It tests your knowledge of the important concepts that any commercial driver should know to safely operate their vehicle on the road. This test covers a wide range of topics, from vehicle operation and safety to state and federal regulations.
The general knowledge test is given as a multiple-choice test, on paper or on the computer, at an authorized Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles testing center.
In Maine, the general knowledge test requires a minimum score of 80% to pass, meaning you must correctly answer at least 40 out of 50 questions. To study for this test, you should carefully read through the Maine CDL Manual and take online practice tests to further help you retain the information and be better prepared. When properly prepared, you will have no problem succeeding on this important exam.
Take the Maine CDL general knowledge practice test now!
Endorsement test (if applicable)
You will have to take extra endorsement tests in case you plan to drive specific categories of vehicles or carry certain types of cargo. These tests verify your knowledge and skills related to operating particular vehicles that may have unique needs or to handle cargo which requires special handling. The endorsements will ensure that the driver is adequately prepared to handle safe and responsible driving in special responsibilities.
Each endorsement encompasses a particular competency that has its special requirements. Endorsements are needed for some fields like hazmat transport, passenger, tanker, double/triple trailer towing, for example.
This table below illustrates the different types of endorsements and their requirements to help you identify your specific career goals.
| Endorsement test | Total Questions | Passing score | Practice test |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 | Maine CDL hazmat practice test |
| Passenger Transport | 20 | 16 | Maine CDL passenger transport practice test |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 | Maine CDL doubles/triples practice test |
| School Bus | 20 | 16 | Maine CDL school bus practice test |
| Tank Vehicle | 20 | 16 | Maine CDL tank vehicle test |
Air brakes test (if applicable)
You will need to take the air brakes test if you intend to drive a commercial vehicle that uses air brakes, like large trucks or buses. The air brakes test will cover the operation of air brake systems and how to properly use the air brakes safely and correctly. It is an important part of driving for those who drive vehicles with such a braking system.
Air brake systems involve 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 of the questions correctly to pass; this is your required 80% passing grade.
Carefully study the section on air brakes in the Maine CDL Manual to prepare for the test. Practice tests will also be useful for getting familiar with the question format and key concepts. Focus your study on understanding how air brakes work and how they should be used, and go in prepared to pass this critical test.
Take the Maine CDL air brakes practice test right now!
Combination vehicle test (if applicable)
You will need to take the combination vehicle test if you want to drive combination vehicles like a tractor-trailer, or a truck with one or more trailers. The combination vehicle test will help you become a safe driver of these big vehicles.
The combination vehicle test contains 20 multiple-choice questions. Questions will cover the unique characteristics of combination vehicles, coupling and uncoupling procedures, turning and backing techniques, and handling strange occurrences such as trailer swing. You must correctly answer at least 16 questions to pass, reaching the 80% passing score required.
Get ready for it by carefully studying the combination vehicle section of the Maine CDL Manual. You can also combine this with online practice tests to be ready with what will be asked on this critical test.
Take the Maine CDL combination vehicles practice test right now!
Take the CDL skills tests
Once you have passed all the written knowledge tests, the next step in getting a CDL in Maine is the CDL skills tests. These tests are given to determine whether you can safely operate a commercial vehicle under normal operating conditions and are qualified to drive a vehicle on the road. These tests have the three parts:
1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection
During the pre-trip inspection test, the examiner will be looking for a detailed and accurate inspection process; you are expected to explain what you are checking and why it is important for the safe operation. This will be to show that you can identify any safety issue that could prohibit taking the vehicle onto the road.
Learning from some online practice test beforehand is highly recommended:
Take the Maine CDL pre-trip inspection practice test here!
2. Basic vehicle control skills test
The basic vehicle control skills test will measure your ability to drive a commercial vehicle in close or confined space. You will be asked to perform a set of exercises such as backing in a straight line, tight turns, and parking within the available space. This part of the test requires great precision and attention to detail since it shows the ability to manage a commercial vehicle in difficult conditions.
3. On-road driving test
The last section of the CDL skills tests is the driving exam on the road. During this part, you will drive a commercial motor vehicle out on a public road while the examiner observes and evaluates your driving. It is a comprehensive assessment of your overall competencies in driving as well as operating a commercial vehicle in varying traffic settings.
Receive the physical Tennessee CDL license
After passing all the required written knowledge and skills tests, getting your actual physical CDL license is the final step to acquiring your CDL in Maine. It comprises completing all the forms, paying the issue fees, and receiving your commercial driver’s license.
The physical CDL license is the last confirmation that you have met all the requirements for driving a commercial vehicle in Maine. With the CDL now, you qualify for employment driving commercially, either locally, interstate, or in specialized transportation.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get a CDL in Maine?
You can expect from 8-12 weeks to complete your Maine CDL. It depends mainly on your schedule and type of training you want to pursue. If you decide to take the full-time CDL training course, then you would usually complete it within 4 to 8 weeks. Part-time programs may take longer depending on your availability. After passing both the written test and skills test, in a few weeks, you’ll have your CDL. Read the details at our post here!
2. How much does a CDL cost in Maine?
Total costs incurred in getting your CDL in Maine range from $4,000 to $8,000. This varies according to the type of training, testing and endorsements. Costs are broken down as follows:
- CDL training school: The average program cost is between $3,000 and $7,000, which ranges depending on the school and time length of study.
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Around $35 for the written knowledge exam.
- Skills test: Costs $50-$70, which varies according to the site.
- DOT physical exam: Charges can be between $75-$150.
- Issue of CDL license: $34 on the actual license, depending on the class.
- Endorsements (If any): Other charges for endorsements, for example, $86.50 for HazMat background checking or $10-$50 per test.
Access our post on How much does it cost to get a CDL in Maine to get your detailed budget estimate.
3. How to get a Class A CDL in Maine?
Requirements for Class A CDL in Maine to start driving combination vehicles, mainly tractor trailer, include:
- Eligibility residency and age requirement
- Complete written knowledge tests: General knowledge test, combination vehicle test, and air brakes test (if necessary).
- Get a CDL permit and practice with a licensed CDL holder.
- Passing CDL skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control, and on-road driving.
- Pay fees and then obtain Class A CDL.
4. How to get a Cass B CDL in Maine?
Class B CDL will allow you to drive single vehicles like buses or box trucks in Maine:
- Ensure that you fulfill the requirements, such as age and residency status.
- Pass a written knowledge test, including but not limited to general knowledge test and endorsement tests (i.e., passenger or school bus).
- Obtain a CDL permit; practice behind the wheel with a licensed CDL holder.
- Pass the CDL skills tests, which include the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and on-road driving.
- Pay the fees and receive your Class B CDL.
5. How to get a CDL permit in Maine?
To get a CDL permit in Maine, you must:
- Be able to fulfill basic requirements such as age, valid Maine driver’s license,…
- Present all essential documentation including but not limited to proof of identity, residence, and DOT medical certificate.
- Learn sections of the Maine CDL Manual, taking practice tests pertinent to the particular class of CDL you would like to obtain.
- Complete the required knowledge tests: general knowledge and then possible others such as air brakes, combination vehicles test.
- Pay the fee and obtain your CDL permit, which is valid for 6 months and allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.
Final thought
A CDL is a major accomplishment and a step toward a driver to one of the most rewarding jobs related to driving commercially in Maine. Though the process does take time, requires preparation, and involves financial investment, it ensures that drivers possess the knowledge and skills to operate commercial vehicles safely and responsibly. Regardless of which type of CDL you are seeking to work or desires to increase career options by obtaining endorsements, dedication and practice are absolutely essential to success. With strong demands for skilled drivers in Maine, you can unlock the door on how to get CDL in Maine to a lucrative future in the transportation industry.
