Considering a Career as a CDL-A Driver?

By Patti Lyman, MA, CWDP, CPRW, Employment and Training Consultant 

With a growing demand for qualified drivers, pursuing a career as a CDL-A driver offers not only job stability but also competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a clear path for advancement.

Prior to entering CDL training you must first obtain a commercial driver’s license learners instructional permit (CLP) and pass a medical exam to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card)

 You will be required to provide:

  • Proof of age

  • Lawful admission into the United States

  • Proof of Maryland residence

  • Valid full Maryland Non-Commercial Driver’s License (must be off provisional license).

  • Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card), or Intrastate/Interstate Waiver.

  • You must be 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (Interstate).

  • You must be 18 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle within Maryland (Intrastate)

  • ou must be 21 years of age to haul hazardous materials.

You must provide Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card); Intrastate/Interstate Waiver prior to taking required tests which includes passing the vision screening and any required CDL knowledge tests before a learner’s instructional permit will be issued. You will be required to provide the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) during any transactions at the MVA. New Medical Certification Requirements - A Guide for CDL Holders.

* New as of June 23, 2025: You no longer submit your DOT card directly to the MVA. It must be transmitted electronically from the FMCSA National Registry. The facility performing the DOT Exam will submit on your behalf.

When you apply for a Commercial Driver’s License you will also be asked to:

  • Certify that you do not have a driver’s license from more than one state or country

  • Surrender your current license

  • Certify that your driver’s license and driving privilege is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Disqualifications.

  • Provide information to the Motor Vehicle Administration of previous State licenses (to include Washington, D.C.) held in the previous 10 years including previous addresses and license numbers.

Knowledge Tests/Endorsements

Depending on the class of license and what endorsements you are requesting will determine what CDL knowledge tests are required. A passing score of 80% is required per test. You must provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Card) or a valid Intrastate State/Interstate Waiver. If you fail any knowledge test for the second time, you must wait a minimum of seven days before you can re-take that specific test again. The following endorsements will not be listed on your CLP until you have completed and pass your skills test - Double/Triples and Hazmat.

General Knowledge Test is required for all applicants. (Must be successfully passed to proceed to additional knowledge tests). DL-151 Manual.pdf

  • Air Brake Knowledge Test is required if your vehicle is equipped with air brakes

  • Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test is required if you want to drive combination vehicles (Trailer over 10,000 lbs. GVWR).

  • Tanker Knowledge Test is required if you want to haul liquids in bulk.

  • Double/Triples Knowledge Test is required to pull double or triple trailers.

Passenger Knowledge Test is required for all bus drivers to include school bus operators. (You must perform a skills test in a bus of the appropriate class/endorsement). (CDLB)

  • School Bus Knowledge Test is required for all school bus operators, as well as the Passenger Knowledge Test. (You must also perform skills test in a school bus of appropriate class)

  • Hazardous Materials Knowledge Test is required if you wish to haul hazardous materials.

  • You must pass the hazardous materials knowledge test and provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.

  • Individuals are required to schedule an appointment for the completion of the electronic Hazmat application and fingerprint/background record check process.

  • The Administration may not issue a hazardous material endorsement to a commercial driver’s license holder without the approval of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Federal Department of Homeland Security.

  • You are required to pay the appropriate fees. The Administration may not issue a Learner’s Instructional Permit with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

For additional information please visit: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Information.

CDL Training

Theory Training

  • Lectures, demonstrations, computer-based, online learning, etc.

  • May use a simulator.

  • No minimum number of hours; must score at least 80% on assessment.

  • Training topics include, Basic Operation, Safe Operating Procedures, Advanced Operating Practices, Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions, and Non-Driving Activities (e.g., Hours of Service)

Behind the Wheel Training (BTW)

  • Actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).

  • Takes place on a range or public road.

  • May not use simulator to meet requirements.

  • No minimum number of hours, training provider will determine driver’s proficiency. 

  • Basic vehicle control skills and mastery of basic maneuvers.

Additional information: FMCSA-TPR-Factsheet.pdf

For more information—and to find out if you qualify for training funds—sign up for an Elevate Information Session. For additional workshops, classes and events, visit our Events page.

Job SeekersJessica Mills