To legally operate combination vehicles in Maryland, where the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR, you must obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This process involves completing Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-approved provider, passing the General Knowledge Test, obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and holding it for at least 14 days, and then scheduling your behind-the-wheel skills exam. You must also pass the Maryland CDL Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test. This test ensures you understand coupling procedures, trailer inspections, air brake safety, and how to prevent rollovers, skids, and jackknives.
There are 20 questions on the Maryland Combination Vehicles Knowledge Test in Maryland. You must answer at least 16 correctly (80%) to pass. If you fail, you must wait at least one business day before retesting, and a retest fee may apply. Why go into a testing situation like this, wondering if you are prepared? Instead, use our series of expert-created practice tests to make sure you are.
Our Free Maryland CDL Combination Practice Tests replicate the official exam’s structure and are based on the state’s CDL Manual, which serves as the primary source for the test material. Our practice tests provide instant feedback for each response, versus other methods that hold all comments and assessment until the end of the session. This learn-as-you-go method has been shown to speed the learning process and increase retention. Furthermore, we have several tests in this combination vehicle series, so check out another one here: https://driving-tests.org/maryland/md-cdl-combination-test/.
If your vehicle uses air brakes (and the vast majority of combination vehicles do!), you must pass the Air Brakes Knowledge Test (and a skills test in an air-brake vehicle) to avoid an “L” restriction on your CDL that would prohibit operating air-brake-equipped CMVs. We have practice tests to help you with that as well: https://driving-tests.org/maryland/md-cdl-air-brake-practice-test/.
Maryland’s major roadways, including I-95, I-70, I-68, I-83, I-495, and U.S. 40 and 50, connect Baltimore and Washington, D.C. with the rest of the country. The Port of Baltimore, for example, is one of the largest U.S. ports, and nearby distribution hubs like Amazon rely on Class A-certified drivers. Major Maryland industries hiring CDL drivers include logistics and freight, agriculture (poultry and dairy), biotechnology, and federal contracting. With our practice tests, you can also boost your marketability (and earnings potential) with endorsements like N (Tanker Vehicles), H (Hazardous Materials), T (Double/Triple Trailers), and X (Combined Tank & Hazmat). Try one of our endorsement practice tests here: https://driving-tests.org/maryland/md-cdl-hazmat-practice-test/.
With so much opportunity awaiting you, start your Class A journey today!