All Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) branches and partner testing sites will implement a new, modernized commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test beginning Aug. 22.
In addition, MDOT MVA will host its third Bus Drivers’ Day at the MDOT MVA on Aug. 20, to help school districts statewide meet staffing requirements prior to the start of the school year.
The updated CDL skills test comes after Maryland was one of three states to participate in a pilot program through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) this past year. FMCSA has given MDOT MVA permission to expand the use of this new test statewide.
“Technology has evolved and improved since the last time the CDL test was reviewed,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s highway safety representative. “The new test evaluates an applicant’s knowledge based on updated vehicle features, and focuses on key skills needed to safety operate a commercial vehicle. The modernized test is another way the MDOT MVA is enhancing its services for CDL applicants while prioritizing safety.”
Applicants will need to pass the full CDL Skills Test – which includes the pre-trip inspection, basic control and a road test – to receive their CDL. Prospective applicants scheduled to take the test after Aug. 22 are encouraged to review and study the updated Commercial Driver License Field Test Manual to prepare for each portion of the knowledge and driver skills test. If an applicant needs additional time to review the new CDL Skills Test, appointments can be rescheduled for a later date. In the case of a failed test, the CDL candidate must wait seven days before retaking the CDL Skills Test. The test must be retaken at the same branch location.
One of the changes in the CDL test involves the pre-trip inspection component, which will be reduced to around 50 items or less – depending on the vehicle – compared to the current requirement of more than 100 items. The inspection focuses on knowledge and safety, and contains items a driver would typically experience on the job.
In the basic control component, CDL applicants will be tested on four maneuvers to demonstrate control:
- Forward Stop to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to judge the front of the vehicle.
- Straight-Line Backing to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to back the vehicle in a straight line.
- Forward Offset Tracking to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to maneuver the vehicle around other objects while moving forward.
- Reverse Offset Backing to demonstrate an applicant’s ability to offset reverse and park the vehicle.
Once a CDL applicant obtains a license, they have access to an array of online services that makes maintaining their CDL status quick and easy through a myMVA account. CDL products now have an eight-year expiration date, the same as non-commercial licenses (with the exception of hazmat endorsements). CDL holders can submit their medical certificate electronically, and eligible customers can renew online. Additionally, CDL holders with a valid Medical Certificate and REAL ID documents on file can now order a correction or duplicate copy of their license through their myMVA account or at a 24-hour self-service kiosk.
