Checked against official Maine sources on Oct 8, 2026
Maine CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Maine follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Maine source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Maine CDL facts
| What | What Maine says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Size rule for needing a CDL | The Maine CDL manual says you need a CDL for a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed vehicle is over 10,000 pounds. You also need one for a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, a vehicle built to carry more than 15 people including the driver, or any vehicle that carries placarded hazardous material. | Official page |
| CDL license fee | A commercial license for a driver under age 65 is a 5 year license for $34. For age 65 or older it is a 4 year license for $27. REAL ID versions cost $59 and $47. | Official page |
| CDL exam fee | The Class A, B and C commercial driver's license examination fee is $70. | Official page |
| Converting an out of state CDL | Converting a CDL from another state costs a $70 application fee plus the $34 licensing fee plus any endorsement fees. | Official page |
| How to apply for the CLP and knowledge test | Maine says to get the CDL application from a BMV office, most city or town offices, or online, and mail it with the fees to the CDL Examination Section in Augusta. The main office then mails you an appointment notice with the place, date and time of your knowledge test. | Official page |
| Permit after you pass | After you pass the eye and knowledge exams, you get the learner's permit and a skills test request card. | Official page |
| Skills test is a separate appointment | You mail the skills test request card to the BMV in Augusta. A separate appointment notice comes back by mail. The manual says the separate appointment covers the length of the exam and the federal 14 day waiting period. | Official page |
| Missed appointment fee | If you do not cancel a skills test appointment within 48 hours, a $70.00 penalty fee is charged before you can get another date. | Official page |
| Rules while driving on a learner's permit | You must carry the signed permit and have a licensed operator beside you. That person must hold the right class and endorsements, have held a valid license for two years, and be at least 20 years old (at least 22 for a bus or school bus). | Official page |
| Endorsement tests | Maine lists six endorsement knowledge tests: N (tank vehicles), H (hazardous materials), X (tank vehicles with hazardous materials), T (doubles and triples), P (passenger) and S (school bus). N, H, X and T are awarded after the knowledge exam only. P and S also need a skills test. Triple trailers are not allowed in Maine. | Official page |
| Vision standard | The minimum is 20/40 vision in the best eye and a field of vision of at least 110 degrees. If you do not meet it, you must bring a completed eye doctor referral form before a permit is issued. | Official page |
| Air brake restriction | You must pass the air brake knowledge test and take the skills test in an air brake equipped vehicle. If not, your CDL has a restriction that bars you from air brake vehicles. | Official page |
| Entry-level driver training | Entry-level driver training applies to a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade from Class B to Class A, and a first S, P or H endorsement. It does not apply to licenses or S, P, H endorsements issued before February 7, 2022. | Official page |
| Study manual timing | The BMV announced new CDL testing dates. A new Vehicle Inspection module is required for applicants taking the CDL skills test on or after November 1, 2026. Modernized CDL skills testing, including the updated Basic Control Skills exercises, takes full effect on September 1, 2027. The BMV links a new CDL Manual and a manual addendum, so check which one applies to your test date. | Official page |
| Free printed manual | You can order a free printed CDL manual by contacting the CDL exams department of the BMV. | Official page |
| Non-domiciled CDL notice | Maine posts a notice that FMCSA published a final rule on February 13, 2026 that changes non-domiciled CDL and CLP requirements. The rule took effect March 16, 2026. Maine tells term-limited non-domiciled holders and applicants to read the notice. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Maine CDL page before you go. Read the official Maine CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Maine manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.