Maine · BMV

How to get your CDL permit in Maine

In Maine you apply to the BMV with the Commercial Driver License Application and pass vision and knowledge exams to get your CLP. The permit is valid for up to one year.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official BMV sources

Start the free Maine permit classroom Official Maine CDL manual

Minimum age: 21 to cross state lines (in-state minimum: check with BMV)
Permit fee: Check with BMV
Permit valid for: Up to 1 year
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a driver's license and get a DOT physical from a medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry if you drive non-excepted.
2Fill out the Commercial Driver License Application (MVE-64T) and pick your self-certification category.
3Gather two forms of ID, proof of lawful presence and proof of Maine residency.
4Pay the $70 exam fee per class plus $20 per endorsement.
5Pass the vision exam and the knowledge tests for your class and endorsements to get your CLP.
6Practice with a qualified CDL holder beside you for at least 14 days.
7Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) if you're getting a Class A or B or a P, S or H endorsement.
8Book your skills test through the BMV CDL Examination Section at 207-624-9000 ext. 52122.

What to bring

Two forms of ID: one showing your date of birth and one with your signature
An embossed birth certificate if you are under 23
Proof of lawful presence
Proof of Maine residency
A photocopy of both sides of your out-of-state license, if you have one
For the skills test: appointment notice, permit, your supervisor's license, original registration and a valid inspection sticker

Medical card

You pick one of four self-certification categories on the MVE-64T application; in-state categories add a 'K' restriction. If you are non-excepted, you must provide a DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate and keep it current with the BMV.

Fees

CDL examination fee (Class A, B or C)	$70 per class
Each endorsement	$20
CDL, 5 years (under 65)$59 for a REAL ID CDL.	$34
CDL, 4 years (65 and older)$47 for a REAL ID CDL.	$27

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with BMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests such as Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples or HazMat, if you want them

Testing in Maine

An eye exam is required for the permit.
Interpreters are not allowed on CDL knowledge exams.
The skills test is a separate appointment booked through the CDL Examination Section.

Study for these tests in the Maine classroom

Good to know in Maine

You must be 21 to get Passenger or School Bus endorsements on your CLP.
Maine's manual says your supervisor must sit beside you, be at least 20 (22 for buses), and have held a license 2+ years.
Eligible service members may qualify for a military skills test waiver.
A REAL ID CDL is optional and costs more.

Non-domiciled applicants

The BMV has posted a notice that federal changes effective March 16, 2026 affect non-domiciled CDL holders and applicants. Contact the BMV for Maine's current procedures.

Confirm with BMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether there is a separate CLP issuance fee, and whether the $70 exam fee also covers the skills test.
Skills retest fees and how long you must wait to retest.
Whether the CLP can be renewed.
The minimum age to drive commercially within Maine only.
Which languages the knowledge tests are offered in.
What Social Security proof and how many residency proofs you need.
How to submit your medical card (in person, mail or email).

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Maine gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with BMV before you apply.