Maryland CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

You must be 18 to drive a CMV within Maryland (intrastate). You must be 21 to drive across state lines (interstate) or to haul hazardous materials.

Correct answer: You may not operate a CMV in interstate commerce

The "K" restriction limits you to intrastate commerce — driving only within Maryland. Drivers under 21 must carry it because federal law sets 21 as the minimum age for interstate operation.

Correct answer: $106

A Maryland CDL Learner’s Permit costs $106. If you fail a portion of the skills test, a separate $20 CDL skills retest fee applies before you can reschedule.

Correct answer: Hold a valid full (non-provisional) Maryland non-commercial driver’s license

You must already hold a valid full Maryland non-commercial driver’s license — off the provisional license — and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, pass the vision screening, and pass the required knowledge tests before the learner’s permit is issued.

Correct answer: From a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, before taking the skills test

Effective February 7, 2022, first-time Class A/B applicants (and those upgrading Class B to Class A, or adding an S, P, or H endorsement) must complete ELDT from a registered provider before testing. This app is test prep — it is not ELDT and does not by itself lead to a CDL.

Correct answer: A farm vehicle operated by a farmer within 150 miles of the farm to move farm products or supplies

Maryland excludes certain vehicles from the CDL requirement — a covered farm vehicle operated within 150 miles of the farm, an emergency/fire vehicle (fire apparatus may use an EVOC card), certain U.S. Department of Defense vehicles, and recreational vehicles. You still need the correct non-commercial license.

Correct answer: 80% or higher on each test

A passing score of 80% is required on each CDL knowledge test. You must pass the General Knowledge test first before you can move on to the other knowledge tests.

Correct answer: Wait a minimum of seven days before re-taking that specific test

After a second failure of any knowledge test, Maryland requires you to wait at least seven days before re-taking that specific test again.

Correct answer: You must pay a retest fee

If you fail any portion of the skills test, you must pay a retest fee before scheduling another appointment. The skills test segments — pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test — must be passed in order.

Correct answer: English and Spanish only

Maryland gives the CDL knowledge tests on a computer in English and Spanish only, and the Spanish test is administered without an interpreter. The skills test and pre-trip inspection are still given in English only, since you must understand the examiner’s spoken instructions.

Correct answer: Re-paving or packed snow may have reduced the clearance since the height was posted

Do not assume posted heights are correct — re-paving or packed snow may have reduced the clearance. Also remember an empty van sits higher than a loaded one, so fitting under a bridge loaded does not mean you will fit empty.

Correct answer: Turn wide as you complete the turn, keeping the rear of your vehicle close to the curb

Turn wide as you complete the turn and keep the rear of the vehicle close to the curb. Do not turn wide to the left as you start — a following driver may think you are turning left and try to pass you on the right.

Correct answer: Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance

Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance. It is the total minimum distance your vehicle travels from the moment you see a hazard until you can bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Correct answer: The distance your vehicle travels from when your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it

Perception distance is how far your vehicle travels, in ideal conditions, from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain recognizes it. It can be affected by mental and physical condition, visibility, and the hazard itself.

Correct answer: About 1¾ seconds

The average perception time for an alert driver is 1¾ seconds. At 55 mph that accounts for about 142 feet traveled before your brain even recognizes the hazard.

Correct answer: About 142 feet

At 55 mph, the 1¾-second average perception time accounts for about 142 feet traveled — the distance covered before your brain recognizes the hazard.

Correct answer: The distance you travel before you physically hit the brakes, after seeing a hazard

Reaction distance is how far you keep traveling, in ideal conditions, before you physically hit the brakes in response to a hazard already seen. The average driver has a reaction time of ¾ second to 1 second.

Correct answer: About 61 feet

The average driver has a reaction time of ¾ to 1 second. At 55 mph that accounts for about 61 feet traveled before the brakes are actually applied.

Correct answer: About 216 feet

Braking distance is how far the vehicle travels while you are braking. At 55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 216 feet.

Correct answer: About 419 feet

Adding perception (142 ft), reaction (61 ft), and braking (216 ft) distance at 55 mph gives a minimum total stopping distance of about 419 feet — greater than the length of a football field.