Maine CDL Study Guide
Maine issues Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) through the Secretary of State's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). You will study the official Maine CDL Manual, pass written knowledge tests at a BMV office, hold a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for at least 14 days, then complete a road skills test. New drivers must also finish federally required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before they can take the skills test.
Key Maine numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Maine General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail a Maine CDL knowledge or skills test, contact the BMV CDL Exam Section at 207-624-9000 ext. 52122 to schedule a retake. Maine does not publish a fixed wait period for retakes, but additional examination fees may apply.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get a Maine CDL?
You must be 18 to drive a commercial vehicle within Maine and 21 to drive across state lines, haul hazardous materials, or operate certain passenger vehicles.
How long do I have to hold my Maine CLP?
You must hold a Maine Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test. The CLP itself expires after 180 days.
How many questions are on the Maine General Knowledge test?
The General Knowledge test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass.
Do I need ELDT before my Maine CDL skills test?
Yes. Since February 7, 2022, all first-time Class A or B applicants and first-time H, P, or S endorsement applicants must finish FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training.
What does a Maine CDL cost?
Plan on $70 for the written exam, $34 for the license itself if you are under 65, and $20 for each endorsement you add.
Where do I take the Maine CDL test?
You take the written tests at a Maine BMV office. The skills test is scheduled separately through the BMV CDL Exam Section at 207-624-9000 ext. 52122.
Free practice
Start a Maine General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Maine BMV Commercial Drivers License page Maine CDL Manual (PDF, Rev. 7-24) Maine BMV Driver License and Examination Fees Maine BMV Entry-Level Driver Training page