Motor vehicles differ greatly in size and complexity. A motor home/recreational vehicle provides temporary living quarters for recreational use and is exempt for requiring a commercial driver’s license in Maryland.
Please note: Motor homes/recreational vehicles can be different weight classes. Your license must reflect either the appropriate weight class for the vehicle you are operating or must have the appropriate motor home/recreational vehicle restriction code noted on your license.
Knowledge and skills testing are required to demonstrate your ability to safely operate these large vehicles on our highways. You must obtain a noncommercial class A or B learners permit and pass the appropriate pre-trip, skills and public road tests in your RV or other appropriate noncommercial vehicle.
Again, you must have the appropriate non-commercial class license to operate a motor home/recreational vehicle. Please refer to the CDL Driver's Manual for study materials to assist you in obtaining the appropriate license.
If you currently hold one of these classes of licenses you are not required to obtain the motor home/recreational vehicle restriction for the same class.
A Class “A” non-commercial license driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive combinations of Class F (tractor) and Class G trailer (over 10,000 lbs.) vehicles (GCWR 26,001 lbs.) and any vehicle that a non-commercial Class B driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except:
- Commercial Motor Vehicles; and
- Motorcycles.
A Class “B” non-commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any single vehicle GVWR 26,001 pounds or more. Allows pulling a trailer under 10,000 lbs. (GVWR). Any vehicle that a non-commercial Class C driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except:
- Commercial Motor Vehicles; and
- Motorcycles.
A Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, except:
- Commercial Motor Vehicles; and
- Motorcycles.
The CDL Driver's Manual will provide information necessary to pass the required knowledge test.
Once an individual has obtained their Learner’s Instructional Permit they must maintain it for a minimum of two weeks before scheduling an appointment for their skill test at a full service MVA office. The skill test consist of:
- Pre-trip Inspection of the vehicle
- Skills Maneuver Course
- Public Road Test
You must schedule an appointment to take the driving skills test. You can schedule your appointment by clicking on the myMVA eServices, by visiting the MVA branch office where you wish to take the test, or by calling the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000. Hearing impaired customers, please call 1-800-492-4545 and request that you be directed to the MVA branch office where you wish to take your skills test.
CDL and noncommerical skills test for vehicles in class A & B are not given at the MVA's Baltimore City, Beltsville, Essex, Westminster or White Marsh offices.
The three parts of the CDL Skills test begin with the Vehicle Inspection, which will focus on the safety critical items for the operation of the vehicle. During this inspection, applicants must show and demonstrate adequate knowledge to determine the vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle inspection used to evaluate basic knowledge does not cover all the federal inspection guidelines. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Please refer to the CDL Driver's Manual for study material for all parts of the test.
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) uses its test course as a controlled environment for administering the skill maneuvers, which demonstrates an individual’s ability to demonstrate basic skills in controlling a commercial vehicle and judging its position in relation to other objects. It tests for the basic skills needed for safe control and operation of the vehicle. The types of judgment and skills required for these basic control skills are also required in many different driving situations with a large motor vehicle.
On Road Driving Test:
Applicants are required to drive through a test route that has a variety of traffic situations. At all times during the test, applicants must drive in a safe and responsible manner, and will be scored on specific driving maneuvers as well as on general driving behaviors.
Additional Information:
- Individuals must provide the appropriate vehicle.
- If the vehicle is not equipped with air brakes a restriction “L” (vehicle without air brakes) will appear on your Learner’s Instructional Permit and Drivers License.
- If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes you must complete the air brake portion of the test.
- If you wish to upgrade to a commercial license at a later date you are required to obtain the appropriate learner's permit for that class license.
