How to Get Your CDL in Maryland and Arizona

This article is useful for anyone who wants to get your CDL in Maryland and Arizona. If you want to learn about earning a CDL at other states, we have put together a comprehensive guide on how to get a commercial driver's license in every state of the country.

Maryland

The following are the requirements for obtaining a CDL in Maryland.

• You must be 18 years old to obtain a learner's permit for an intrastate CDL and 21 years of age for an interstate one.
• You must have a full Maryland driver's license.
• When applying, you must provide proof of age, identity, and Maryland residence.
• Drivers of heavy trucks, buses and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials must have a special CDL with proper endorsements. Vehicles 26,000+ pounds, buses designed to transport 16+ passengers including the driver, all school buses, mobile cranes, uncoupled tractors, and most tow trucks are included.
• You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
• Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license.
• You must present valid Med Cert documentation (DOT card, skills performance evaluation, waiver exemption, etc.) whether applying for a new license or renewing, duplicating or correcting a CDL.

In order to obtain your CDL, you must pass a knowledge test and a skills test.

Knowledge Test

The desired class of license and endorsements you seek will determine what CDL knowledge tests are required. You must obtain an 80% passing score on each required test. You must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) or a valid Intrastate State/Interstate Waiver.

• The General Knowledge Test is required by all applicants, and you must pass it to take additional knowledge tests.
• The Air Brake Knowledge Test is required if your vehicle is equipped with air brakes.
• The Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test is required if you want to drive combination vehicles.
• The Tanker Knowledge Test is required if you want to haul liquids in bulk.
• The Double/Triples Knowledge Test is required to pull double or triple trailers.
• The Passenger Knowledge Test is required by all bus drivers and school bus operators. In addition, school bus operatiors must pass the  School Bus Knowledge Test.
• The Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test is required if you wish to haul hazardous materials.

CDL Skills Test

This test consists of a pre-Trip Inspection to include an air brake test if vehicle is equipped with air brakes, a basic maneuvers test, and a public road test. You must pass each level before moving on to the next.

Arizona

The following vehicles require you to have a CDL:

• If you will drive a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) whose trailer has a GVWR of 10,001+ lbs. total weight with the truck of 26,001+ lbs, you will need a Class A CDL.
• If you will drive a vehicle with GVWR is 26,001+ lbs., you will need a Class B CDL. With this license, you can also tow a trailer with weight that does not exceed 10,000 lbs.
• If you will transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers (including the driver) in a vehicle with GVWR 26,000 lbs. or less, you will need a Class C CDL.

To obtain your CDL, You must answer a minimum of 80 percent of the questions on each knowledge test correctly and complete a road/skills test in the class of vehicle you intend to drive.

Knowledge Test

All applicants must pass a knowledge test required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements they wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class, a or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants.

Skills Test

After passing the appropriate knowledge tests, you must then take the skills test for the class and type of vehicle you intend to drive.  Included on this exam are a pre-trip inspection, a test of basic vehicle control, and a test in on-road driving.