Maine provides many opportunities for residents to work as a commercial driver. Applicants who get a Maine commercial driver’s license may drive large trucks, buses and similar commercial motor vehicles. An applicant must first pass a Maine CDL knowledge exam to get an instructional CDL permit from the Maine BMV. A permit allows applicants for a Maine CDL license to obtain training and drive on the roads with a licensed commercial driver. After obtaining training, an applicant then goes back to the BMV to take a hands-on skills and driving exam. The applicant finally gets a full Maine CDL license upon successful completion of the hands-on skills test and a medical examination.
Step 1:
Go to the local Maine BMV and get a copy of the Maine CDL manual. You may also access it online at Maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/MaineCommercialManual.pdf. This “Maine Commercial Driver License Manual” will give you the knowledge needed to pass the written (knowledge) portion of the Maine CDL test.
The material you have to study depends on the type of vehicle you wish to drive as a commercial driver. For example, some truckers haul hazardous materials. You must take the HAZMAT endorsement test to drive such a vehicle. Similarly, you would take the passenger-vehicle and school-bus portions to become a licensed Louisiana school bus driver.
Step 2:
Go to the local Maine BMV and pick up a CDL application. You will then mail it to the following address to schedule a written knowledge test:
Secretary of State
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
State House Station 29
Attn: CDL Examination Section
Augusta, Maine 04333
Show up at the assigned time and place to take your knowledge exam. You will receive a Maine CDL permit if you pass the test.
Step 3:
Explore options for Maine CDL training. Examples include truck-driving schools and bus-driving training programs from school districts or private employers. For example, Greyhound has a popular free CDL training program for its commercial drivers. If you want to be a truck driver and don’t have options for employer-sponsored training, you can find CDL truck driver training schools certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute. Visit Ptdi.org/schools/schools.aspx for a list of Northeast schools with programs certified by PTDI.
Step 4:
Complete your CDL training. This is very important because you will now have to take a hands-on skills and driving test. To schedule this test, you need to send a request card (get it from the local Maine BMV) to the address listed above. You will then receive appointment information.
Note that you must supply your own vehicle for testing. Speak to your employer or other training provider to make arrangements for the use of a commercial vehicle for testing.
Step 5:
Get your Maine CDL license. The BMV will issue a license after you pass your CDL skills test.
Notes:
1, You must pass a medical exam to get a commercial driver’s license. Ask the BMV about this process.
2. HAZMAT drivers must pass a background check. This is a federal requirement that applies to all states.
Sources:
Maine CDL Manual
Professional Truck Driver Institute Certified CDL Programs
