Getting your CDL in Maine

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Maine, you need to meet specific requirements and complete a series of steps. The process involves gathering documentation, passing written and skills tests, and paying the necessary fees. Here’s a general overview:

1. Eligibility Requirements:
– You must be at least 18 years old to drive within Maine and 21 years old to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
– You should hold a valid Maine driver’s license.
– You must provide proof of your Social Security Number.

2. Documentation:
– Gather the required documentation, including proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security Number.
– You may also need to provide documents verifying your legal presence in the United States.

3. CDL Written Test:
– Study the Maine Commercial Driver License Manual thoroughly.
– Visit a local Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office to take the written CDL exam.
– The exam covers general knowledge, specific vehicle classes, air brakes (if applicable), and any additional endorsements you seek.

4. CDL Skills Test:
– Schedule an appointment at a BMV office or an authorized third-party testing location to take the CDL skills test.
– The skills test consists of three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
– You’ll need to provide the appropriate vehicle for each test, such as a commercial vehicle of the appropriate class.

5. Medical Examination:
– Obtain a medical examination from a certified medical examiner.
– The medical examiner will complete the Medical Examination Report (MER) and provide you with a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).

6. Fees:
– The fees for obtaining a CDL in Maine can vary. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee for a Class A, B, or C CDL was $35 for a six-year license and $9 for each endorsement.
– Additional fees may apply for duplicates, skills tests, and other services.

Please note that the fees and specific procedures may have changed since my last update. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or contact your local BMV office in Maine. They will provide you with the current requirements and fees for obtaining a CDL in Maine.

Entry-Level Driver Training

FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training Program sets the baseline for training requirements for entry-level drivers. This includes those applying to:

• Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
• Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
• Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

The Entry-Level Driver Training regulations are not retroactive; the entry-level driver training requirements do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an S, P, or H endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022.

Any individual who meets one of the exceptions for taking a skills test in 49 CFR Part 383 is also exempt from the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements.

The FMCSA Training Provider Registry retains a record of which CDL applicants have completed the new training and certification process outlined in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.

Learn more about FMCSA’s CDL Program.

Additional Resources From Maine DMV