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ME CDL License Info - ME CDL Test Info
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THE MAINE CDL COURSE PACKAGE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PASS THE MAINE CDL WRITTEN AND SKILLS TESTS FOR ALL CLASSES OF MAINE CDL AND ALL AVAILABLE MAINE CDL ENDORSEMENTS.
- All Maine CDL holders must complete the self-certification form and provide the DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (a copy is acceptable).
- Drivers that certify to non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate driving must give the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles a copy of their Medical Examiner's Certificate, and must keep that certificate current. You may mail, fax, e-mail, or drop off the form to a motor vehicle branch office location.
- If discharged, the military employment was within the last 90 days
- For a period of at least 2 years, the veteran operated a commercial vehicle of the same class and type as the CDL license they are applying for
- For this 2 year period, the veteran has not had their license suspended, revoked, or cancelled
- The veteran does not hold a license in another jurisdiction (excludes a military license)
- The veteran has not had any convictions disqualifying them from the waiver, or has not exceeded 1 conviction for certain convictions (refer to the CDL Certification for Military Waiver of Skills Test form for list of convictions).
You will need to pass the Maine Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE Maine CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.
- Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
- Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
- Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air brakes vehicles..
- Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
- School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
- Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.
| CDL Class | Tests Required | Possible Endorsements and Required Tests | Class A (Combination vehicle endorsement required) |
General Knowledge Written Exam Combination Endorsement Written Exam Road Exam |
|
Class B | General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam |
|
Class C | General Knowledge Written Exam Road Exam Note: If upgrading to a Class C from a Class D, no road test is required UNLESS the endorsement requires one. |
|
|---|
| Exam | Time Allowed (Minutes) | # of Questions on Exam | # of Correct Answers Needed to Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 60 | 50 | 40 |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 25 | 20 |
| HazMat | 30 | 30 | 24 |
| Tank | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| Passenger | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| School Bus | 20 | 20 | 16 |
A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain minimum "standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from the Maine "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required if you drive certain kinds of commercial trucks or buses.
What is the COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY ACT OF 1986 (CMVSA/86) administered by the FMCSA?
It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Maine driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a Maine Commercial Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable trucks and buses. A CDL license can ONLY be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.
When do I need a Maine CDL instead of my regular Maine Drivers License?
A Maine CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .
1. A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
2. A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
3. A vehicle used to . . .(a.) carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver), or (b.) carry (15) or less people (including the driver) when carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
4. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.
What are the eligibility requirements to obtain a Maine CDL?
1. You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all commercial driving is done within Maine and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported and if you do not drive double or triple trailer rigs).
2. You must be physically capable (in accordance with the MCSR 49 CFR 391.41 Physical Qualifications for Drivers regulations) of obtaining a valid DOT medical examiner's card (before being issued a CDL permit or taking any CDL skills test).
3. You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a Maine CDL . . .
* If you possess a license from any state other than Maine.
* If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege from Maine or any other state.
* If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
* If you have a conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.
* other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to Maine are covered in detail within the Course.
How do I obtain a Maine CDL?
1. Show your Maine driver license.
2. You must take and pass all Maine examinations that apply to your license class and endorsement requirements.
3. Show proof of social security number.
4. Meet Maine driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the State.
5. Fill out an application including certifications.
6. Provide a DOT medical certificate and pass the required CDL knowledge and vision tests (BEFORE a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit will be issued).
7. Pay the Maine CDL fees.
8. Schedule, take, and pass your Maine CDL skills test.
A separate booklet is included in the Maine CDL Course package which covers information such as fees, locations, contacts, procedures and other items specific to Maine for the written and skills examinations for ALL classes of CDL and ALL available endorsements.
What is a CDL "Skills Test" and how do I take it?A "skills" test is the practical portion of the exam and includes . . .
1. A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check.
2. A basic control skills test.
3. A driving test.
The skills test is normally given at an approved third party testing site in your area. This can vary and the latest procedures are indicated in the Maine CDL Course.
So let's say I get a Maine CDL. Can I use it Out-of-State?
Yes! It is good throughout the entire United States.
Can my Maine CDL be suspended or revoked?
Yes, there are MANY reasons that your Maine CDL can be suspended or revoked. Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top the list. The Course details ALL of the rules regarding suspension or revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!
So let's say that my Maine CDL is revoked. Can't I just apply for a CDL in another State?
No!!! Those days are gone.
Are there any exemptions to being required to have Maine CDL?
Yes, a few . . .
1. Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.
2. Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
3. Farmers . . . in certain cases.
4. Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non business purposes.
What do the terms Class A, Class B, and Class C mean on my Maine CDL?
It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .
CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. A Class "A" license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles.
CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A Class "B" license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles.
CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR, that would normally not require a CDL; except when they are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation, or carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding. Applicable endorsements are required.
What are Endorsement Codes and when do I need them on my Maine CDL?
Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows . . .
(T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS.
(P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver); or those which carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
(N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
(H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
(X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (N) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).
I'm over 18 years old, but not 21 years old yet. Can I get a Maine CDL license?
Yes . . . with restrictions. You are limited to INTRAstate driving of commercial vehicles (you cannot drive a commercial truck or bus out of Maine). You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZ MAT placarding, cannot drive double or triple trailer rigs and cannot drive a School Bus with children on board until you turn 21 years of age.
| We could go on and on with FAQs but I hope this covers most of your GENERAL questions. Please be assured that the Course answers EVERYTHING that you need to know to obtain ANY or ALL of the available CDL licenses and endorsements in an easy to understand manner. The material is presented in three different ways to reinforce your retention. GOOD LUCK !! |
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