Maryland Driver’s License Classes (A Complete Guide)

Confused about what driver’s license you need to get?

Should you go for Class A CDL or Class B CDL?

What about a Class C CDL or just a regular Class C?

In Maryland, the license classes are a bit confusing, especially since the non-commercial and commercial classes have the same letters. 

For example, there’s a Class A CDL and a Class A non-CDL, then a Class B CDL and Class B non-CDL, and so on and so forth. 

This is why, today, we’re going to set the record straight. 

We’re going to explain the differences between the classes. We’ll also show you how to get each license class. 

So welcome to your complete guide to the Maryland driver’s license classes. 

What are the Driver’s License Classes in Maryland?

As you saw, Maryland’s driver’s license classes fall into two categories: 

• Commercial
• Non-commercial 

Here is a list of the commercial classes:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

And here is a list of the non-commercial licenses:

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• Class M

Now, let’s get into the details of each one. 

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is for the operation of trucks and trailers with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. The vehicle or unit being towed should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more. 

Class B CDL

Class B CDL is given to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. But unlike the Class A CDL, the Class B CDL can only tow units with a GVWR of fewer than 10,000 pounds. 

Class C CDL

Class C CDL can operate CMVs with a GVWR of fewer than 26,001 pounds. The unit it tows should not exceed 10,000 pounds. 

Class C CDL is also used to operate trucks that transport hazardous materials or vehicles that carry 16 or more people (including the driver). 

Class A

Class A non-commercial licenses are very similar to Class A CDL — it operates trucks and trailers with a GCWR of 20,001 pounds or more and a towed vehicle/unit of 10,000 pounds or more. 

However, the difference is that it should not be used for commercial purposes. So for example, you get this license to drive your personal trailer. 

Class B

The same is true for the Class B non-commercial license. It can operate the same CMVs as a Class B CDL, but it should never be for commercial purposes. 

Class C

The Class C non-commercial license is the most popular one. These are given to private car owners whose vehicle has a GVWR of fewer than 26,001 pounds. If you want to drive your sedan or SUV, this is the license you need. 

Class M

Finally, Class M allows you to operate motorcycles. However, this is not a license in and of itself — it is more of an endorsement, meaning you need to add this to another license class, whether your regular Class C, a Class A CDL, etc.  

How to Get a Class C License in Maryland

Since the Class C non-commercial is the most basic license, let’s look at it first. 

Now, to get a class C license in Maryland, you need to go through a Rookie Driver Program that will help ease you into driving. The program consists of 3 stages: 

• A learner’s permit
• A provisional license
• A full driver’s license

Unlike many states where teens are the only ones required to go through the program, everyone in Maryland, no matter the age, has to go through all 3 stages. 

How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Maryland

The earliest age you can apply for a learner’s permit in Maryland is 15 years old and 9 months. 

Here are the steps to get your learner’s permit:

• Schedule an appointment with the MDOT MVA for your learner’s permit application. 

• Bring and submit these documents: 
  • Verification of Identity or School Attendance Form (if under 16 years old)
  • Proof of parental relationship or dependency (if under 18 years old)
  • Proof of age and identity
  • 2 proofs of Maryland residency
  • Social Security Number

• Fill out the learner’s permit application (you can find this form in the office). If you are under 18 years old, your parent/legal guardian has to co-sign the form.

• Pay the application fee of $50.

• Take and pass a vision test. 

• Take and pass the knowledge exam. 

• Receive your learner’s permit receipt. NOTE: you can already drive with this receipt.

• Wait for your official learner’s permit to be mailed to you. 

How to Get a Provisional License in Maryland

To get to the next stage — your provisional license — here’s what you need to do:

1. Be at least 16 years old and 6 months.

2. Hold your learner’s permit for a certain amount of time:
   1. If you are under 18 years old: 9 months
   2. If you are 18+ but younger than 25: 3 months
   3. If you are 25+ years old: 45 days

3. Complete a state-approved driver’s education course. 

4. Complete a practice driving log:
   1. If you are below 18 years old — 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
   2. If you are 25+ years old: 14 hours of supervised driving, including 3 hours at night

Click here and go to page 22 for your practice log chart. 

5. Do not have any convictions or violations. NOTE: if you do, then you will be delayed in getting your provisional license. 

6. Make a road test appointment with an MDOT MVA office. 

7. Bring and submit:
   1. Driver’s education certificate of completion
   2. Filled up practice skills log chart
   3. Learner’s permit
   4. An insured and registered vehicle (bring documents for proof)

• Take and pass the road test. 

• Get your provisional license receipt.

• Your official provisional license will be mailed to you. 

How to Get a Full Driver’s License in Maryland

The last stage is very easy. You simply need to:

1. Be at least 18 years old.

2. Hold your provisional license for at least 18 months. 

3. Do not have any convictions or driving violations for 18 months.

If you are eligible, the MDOT MVA will send you an attachment to place with your provisional license. This serves as a full driver’s license. 

You can get your official Class C license once it’s time to renew. 

For even more information, check out our article “How to Get A Driver’s License in Maryland”.

How to Get a Class A and B Licenses in Maryland

To get a Class A or B non-commercial license in the state, you first need to have a Class C license. 

If so, then here are the steps:

1. Get a learner’s permit for your license class

2. Hold the learner’s permit for at least 14 days

3. Schedule a skills test for your non-commercial class A or B

4. Take and pass the skills test

5. Get your Class A or B license receipt

6. Wait for your official license to arrive by mail 

Remember, with these non-commercial classes, you cannot operate for commercial purposes. 

How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in Maryland

Whether you’re getting a Class A, B, or C CDL, the process is very similar. In fact, the only difference will be the knowledge exam and road test. 

Just like a regular driver’s license, you will need to get a permit. So let’s get into the details. 

How to Get a CLP in Maryland

Here are the steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with the MDOT MVA office. 

2. Get a valid Medical Certificate from a physician. Submit it to the MDOT online portal (Drivers Services > Submit CDL Medical Certificate)  

3. Submit all these documents at the office:

1. Proof of age and identity
2. Proof of citizenship or legal presence
3. Proof of Maryland residency
4. Completed self-certification form DL-330

2. Take and pass a vision test.

3. Take and pass the CDL written test. 

4. Pay the application and the test fee of $90. 

5. Receive your CLP receipt.

6. Get your official CLP through the mail.

How to Get a CDL in Maryland

And here are the steps to get a CDL:

1. Hold your CLP for at least 14 days. 

2. Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program if:
   1. You are applying for a Class A or B CDL for the first time
   2. You are upgrading a Class B CDL to Class A CDL
   3. You are applying for an S, P, or H endorsement 

3. Make an appointment for your CDL road test online or call the MDOT MVA hotline at 1-410-768-7000. 
4. Bring the following documents during your road test: 
   1. Valid ID
   2. CLP

5. Take and pass the CDL road test. 

6. Surrender your CLP.

7. Wait for your CDL to be mailed to you within 7 days. 

Need more information? Then check out our article “Maryland CDL Requirements”.

How to Get a Class M Endorsement in Maryland

To get a Class M endorsement, you need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old. 

If you don’t have a driver’s license or are below 18 years old: 

1. Take a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course before applying. 

2. Go to the nearest MDOT MVA. 

3. Show the following documents: 
   1. Completion of Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course
   2. Proof of age and identity
   3. Social Security Number
   4. Proof of Maryland residence

4. Take and pass a vision test. 

5. Take and pass a knowledge test. 

6. Pay the application fee and receive your motorcycle endorsement. 

If you’re above 18 and already have a driver’s license: 

1. Complete a Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course before applying. 

2. Present your certificate at any MDOT MVA. You may not be required to take a knowledge test. 

3. Pay the fees.

4. Receive your motorcycle endorsement.

Conclusion 

And those were the Maryland driver’s license classes. 

At first glance, it can be very confusing. 

However, once you know what each license class stands for, it will be a lot easier now. 

So go ahead and pick the license class you need. From there, check out the steps on how to obtain it. 

Good luck!