Maine CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 16 to operate a CMV; 21 to operate a bus or carry hazardous materials

Maine states you must be at least 16 to operate a commercial motor vehicle and at least 21 to operate a bus or carry hazardous materials. Driving a CMV across state lines (interstate) still requires you to be 21 under federal law, so 16–20 drivers are limited to intrastate operation.

Correct answer: Holds the matching class/endorsements, has been licensed 2 years, is at least 20 (22 for a bus), and sits beside you

The accompanying driver must hold a license valid for the class and endorsements of the vehicle being operated, have held a valid license for two years, occupy the seat beside the driver, and be at least 20 years old — or at least 22 if the vehicle is a bus or school bus.

Correct answer: For a limited time period, or until you receive your Commercial Driver’s License

Maine’s manual states a learner’s permit is valid for a limited time period, or until the holder receives a Commercial Driver’s License. It only authorizes accompanied practice — it is unlawful to operate any vehicle not covered by your class of license, endorsements, or learner’s permit.

Correct answer: 20/40 acuity with your best eye and a field of vision of at least 110 degrees

The examiner screens for a minimum distance acuity of 20/40 with your best eye and a field of vision totaling at least 110 degrees. If you fall short, you are referred to an eye doctor; meeting the standard only with glasses or contacts adds a corrective-lenses restriction.

Correct answer: First obtain a Class A or B CDL, or add a P, S, or H endorsement

Effective February 7, 2022, FMCSA requires ELDT for new Class A or B CDL applicants, for upgrades, and for the passenger (P), school bus (S), and hazardous materials (H) endorsements. Studying this material is test prep — it does not by itself satisfy the ELDT requirement.

Correct answer: A vehicle rated 26,001 lbs or more, one designed to carry more than 15 people, or one requiring hazmat placards

Maine requires a CDL for any single vehicle or combination rated 26,001 lbs or more (with a towed unit over 10,000 lbs for Class A), any vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers including the driver, and any vehicle transporting placarded hazardous materials.

Correct answer: Class A

A Class A CDL with the appropriate endorsements allows operation in all other classes. A Class B allows all classes except Class A, and a Class C is limited to that class only and must carry a passenger-bus or hazardous-materials endorsement to be commercial.

Correct answer: More than 15 passengers, including the driver

The P endorsement covers passenger vehicles designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver. Its skills test must be completed in a vehicle representative of the type you operate or expect to operate.

Correct answer: It allows doubles/triples where allowed by law — but triple trailers are not allowed in Maine

The T endorsement is for double or triple trailers where allowed by law, but the manual specifically notes that triple trailers are not allowed in Maine.

Correct answer: N, H, X, and T — awarded on passing the knowledge exam only

The tank (N), hazardous materials (H), combined tank-hazmat (X), and doubles/triples (T) endorsements are awarded on the knowledge examination only. The passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements also require a skills test.

Correct answer: To keep cargo from sliding or moving during transport

Blocking is used in front of, behind, and/or beside cargo to keep it from sliding, and is shaped to fit snugly against the cargo. Bracing goes from the upper part of the cargo to the floor and/or walls to prevent movement.

Correct answer: A flapping cover can tear loose, uncovering the cargo and possibly blocking your view or someone else’s

Look at your cargo covers in the mirrors from time to time while driving. A flapping cover can tear loose, uncover the cargo, and possibly block your view or another driver’s view.

Correct answer: They have a high center of gravity and the load can shift, so you must be slow and careful on curves and turns

Dry bulk tanks require special care because they have a high center of gravity and the load can shift. Be extremely cautious — slow and careful — going around curves and making sharp turns.

Correct answer: A very unstable load with a high center of gravity — take particular caution on sharp curves such as ramps, and go slowly

Hanging meat can be a very unstable load with a high center of gravity. Particular caution is needed on sharp curves such as off-ramps and on-ramps — go slowly.

Correct answer: Use false bulkheads to keep the livestock bunched together

Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing unsafe handling. With less than a full load, use false bulkheads to keep the livestock bunched together.

Correct answer: They can lean on curves, shifting the center of gravity and making a rollover more likely

Even when bunched, special care is necessary because livestock can lean on curves. This shifts the center of gravity and makes a rollover more likely.

Correct answer: Special transit permits, and often special equipment such as "wide load" signs, flags, or flashing lights and sometimes escort vehicles

Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads require special transit permits. Driving is usually limited to certain times, and special equipment such as "wide load" signs, flashing lights, or flags — and sometimes a police escort or pilot vehicles — may be required.

Correct answer: Drivers cannot see hazards as quickly, so they have less time to respond

You are at greater risk at night because drivers cannot see hazards as quickly as in daylight and have less time to respond. Drivers caught by surprise are less able to avoid a crash.

Correct answer: Look to the right side of the road, at the right lane or edge marking

Do not look directly at bright lights when driving. Look to the right side of the road at a right lane or edge marking. Even two seconds of glare blindness is dangerous — a vehicle at 55 mph travels more than half a football field in that time.

Correct answer: About 250 feet with low beams and about 350–500 feet with high beams

With low beams you can see ahead about 250 feet, and with high beams about 350 to 500 feet. Adjust your speed so you can stop within the range of your headlights; otherwise you may see a hazard too late to stop.