How To Get Your Maine CDL

Interested in Being a Truck Driver? – You Will Need a CDL

The past year has reminded everyone of the importance of truck drivers to our economy. Without these men and women stepping up to get everything from groceries to board games to vaccines transported around the country we would be in bad shape.

Have you ever thought about being a truck driver? This is a great time to enter the industry with great pay and benefits and lots of job openings to match your personal preferences. Yes? Maybe?

But first you will need to get your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).

Here is a quick guide on how to obtain a CDL in the State of Maine.

CDL Licenses and Endorsements

Before receiving a CDL, all Maine drivers must obtain their commercial permits and gain experience driving vehicles in the class of the desired license. Once the driver has passed his or her written tests, he or she can move ahead in the licensing process and take the driving skills tests. Drivers must apply for endorsements to drive certain types of vehicles or transport certain kinds of materials. All applications must be accompanied by the necessary application fees, as well.

There are three different Classes of CDL’s in Maine. The two that are most often utilized are:

Class A: Applies to “combination” vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) more than 26,000 pounds, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Class A CDL (plus any appropriate endorsements) can also operate all vehicles included in Classes B and C (regular vehicle)

Class B: Includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle is more than 26,000 pounds. The vehicle being pulled must not be more than 10,000 pounds. A driver with a Maine Class B CDL (plus appropriate endorsements) can also legally operate all vehicles in Class C.

In addition, there are different CDL Endorsements in Maine. The 4 most popular related to our industry are:

•  T – Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (requiring an additional knowledge test)

• N – Tanker Endorsement (requiring an additional knowledge test)

• H – Hazmat Endorsement (requiring an additional knowledge test)

• X – Tank Carrying Hazardous Material Endorsement (requiring an additional knowledge test)

Application Process

All potential drivers must apply to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to get a license to operate commercial motor vehicles in the state. The qualification process is pretty straightforward.

In order to obtain your CDL you will need to provide/complete the following

• Being at least 16 years of age, or 21 years of age to operate a bus or carry hazardous materials.

• Providing proof of valid presence in the U.S., if not already provided to the BMV.

• Providing proof of Maine residency.

• All Maine drivers must pass the CDL general knowledge test in order to receive any type of commercial license. Every endorsement requires that another CDL written test, and sometimes another skills test, be completed by the driver. These written exams must be taken at the licensing agency at the time designated by the BMV on the driver’s mailed notification. Topics concerning the inspection, operation and maintenance of CMVs will be included on the exams.

• All applicants in Maine should review the state-issued CDL handbook before signing up for the knowledge exams. This handy manual goes in-depth about all the topics that will be covered on both the general knowledge exam and the endorsement exams. A copy of the handbook can be printed offline or picked up at a BMV location.

• Passing this test will grant you a CLP (Learners Permit)

• Holding a CLP for at least 2 weeks before requesting a driving test

• Passing a vision screening.

• Providing the examiner with your appointment notice, CLP, the license of the person accompanying you which must be valid for the type of vehicle being operated (this person must remain at the test site until the examination is completed) and the registration of the vehicle being used.

• Pass the test. The three parts of the general CDL test include the:

  • Pre-trip vehicle inspection test.

  • Control skills test (maneuvers around obstacles, backing skills and more).

  • Road skills test (in traffic with examiner).

• Paying the necessary fees.

• Complete a CDL Medical (see below)

CDL Driving Schools

Many Maine drivers choose to enroll in a CDL school to learn important trucking skills under the supervision of experienced instructors and in a safe environment. While no specific form of CDL training is required by the BMV to apply for a commercial license, the BMV does encourage all drivers to seek out educational programs, along with a trusted CDL practice test, to help them learn everything they can about commercial vehicles before taking the state exams and receiving their licenses. A great school in the area is Northeast Technical Institute.

An additional benefit of attending one of these schools is they will also help you with the paperwork and application process to get you started. They can help schedule your driver’s test with the BMV.

CDL Medical Requirement

Commercial drivers seeking non-excepted licenses in Maine must get a CDL medical exam certificate completed by a qualified physician before they can be granted a commercial license, depending on the type of commerce in which they participate. To be valid, the exam must be completed by a DOT medical examiner who is registered with the National Registry of Medical Examiners and signs the form.

Exams completed within the last two years can be used for an application.

Interstate versus Intrastate CDL’s

 The intrastate CDL is required by commercial drivers in Maine who will be staying within the state’s borders and transporting local goods. All other drivers require the interstate CDL, allowing them to cross state lines and carry goods and passengers originating from anywhere.

 Good luck, and we look forward to welcoming you to the fraternity of truck drivers.