Do you need a CDL to drive an RV in Maryland?

In this article, we will answer the following question: Do you need a CDL to drive an RV in Maryland? We will explain what a CDL and Non-CDL type of licence is. We will also help you understand better the concept of a commercial driving licence. 

Do you need a CDL to drive an RV in Maryland?

To drive an RV in Maryland, you will need a Non-CDL type of licence. This means that a Class B license is required for vehicles over 26,000 lb.  A non-commercial driver’s license (Non-CDL) is the most common class of license most drivers hold. 

A standard, non-commercial driver’s license generally allows you:

  • Drive 2-axle vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less.
  • Drive a 3-axle vehicle that weighs 6,000 pounds or less.
  • Drive a car (RV, motorhome) up to 40 feet long.
  • Drive a 3-wheel motorcycle (in many states).
  • Drive a vanpool designed to carry no more than 15 people.
  • Drive a moped/scooter under 50cc (in many states).

A standard Class C driver’s license will also allow you to tow:

  • a single vehicle or trailer weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
  • A trailer or fifth wheel under 10,000 pounds.
  • Standard license holders cannot tow more than 1 vehicle.

Vehicles under 4,000 pounds cannot tow vehicles that weigh 6,000 pounds or more.

This is typically the first type of driver’s license you will need to obtain before you can add endorsements or upgrade to commercial driver licenses (CDLs), motorcycle licenses, and larger classes of non-commercial vehicles.

How to apply for a Non- CDL in Maryland?

To obtain either a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or Non-CDL in Maryland, you must meet a number of prerequisites, offer documents, and go through a series of stage tests.

First, check the requirements and offer documentation required to obtain a commercial driver’s license at your nearest Maryland driver’s license office. To obtain an in-state commercial driver’s license, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, while interstate commercial drivers must be 21 years of age or older. 

Supply of regular driver’s license, full Social Security number, and proof of age, identity, and Maryland residency and pass on routine viewing and knowledge proof of receiving commercial driving instruction (learner’s) permitting.

Find the nearest truck driving school and book your first truck driving lesson. Take your learner’s permit to your commercial vehicle training as it allows you to carry out commercial driving training in the presence of the CDL holder who has held for two or more years, a regular driver’s license for at least five years and has a Relevant license classification for the commercial vehicle you want to drive (A, B, or C). Y

our instruction permit is valid for six months, but you cannot drive a hazardous materials classified commercial vehicle regardless of who is with you.

Next, study commercial driving theory along with learning the practical elements of truck driving. While the CDL test is weighted primarily towards being physically able to drive a commercial vehicle, there is also a pre-trip inspection that tests your knowledge of truck maintenance and basic mechanical functions.

Arrange for your CDL to test once you have completed your truck driving training. Find out if your school is authorized to take CDL testing, or arrange testing with a local CDL testing centre.

Finally, carry out the CDL test. Complete the pre-trip inspection of the commercial vehicle, answering all the questions posed by the inspector and demonstrating your knowledge of the basic functions and features of your vehicle. Your pre-trip inspection takes no more than 45 minutes. 

Progress made up to the basic vehicle control skills test, in which it is required to carry out a series of simple manoeuvres. Manoeuvres take a maximum of 10 minutes each to complete. Take the CDL test by performing the road testing stage – here you will drive in normal conditions, everyday traffic accompanied by an advisor, who will test your skills in routine driving situations

What exactly is a CDL Licence?

The CDL license, called ‘commercial driver’s license‘, allows operating certain types of vehicles, such as cargo transport vans, various types of trucks and buses, among others.

Types of CDL Licenses:

There are several types of CDL licenses, classified according to the type of vehicle in class:

  • A
  • B
  • C

Each rating depends on the gross vehicle weight (GVWR), among other factors. The different classes of CDL licenses determine which vehicles can be driven, but also the endorsements that must be obtained.

In addition, each type of license requires a series of tests, such as:

  • Knowledge tests
  • Brake test
  • Skills assessment
  • Road test
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Exams according to the endorsements to be obtained, Etc.

CDL A license

The Class A commercial driver’s license is good for operating vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed vehicle weighing more than 10,000 lbs.

Examples of Vehicles:

  • Tractor-trailers (tractor-trailers)
  • Truck and trailer combinations
  • Double and triple trailers
  • Trailer buses (tractor-trailer buses)
  • Tanker vehicles
  • Livestock carriers
  • Flatbeds

CDL Class B

This type of business license allows you to drive vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or heavier and/or vehicle towing another weighing up to 10,000 lbs.

Examples of Vehicles:

  • Straight trucks
  • Large buses: Urban buses (City buses), tourist buses (Tourist buses) and school buses (School buses)
  • Segmented buses
  • Box trucks: Delivery drivers, Couriers and Furniture delivery
  • Dump trucks with small trailers

CDL Class C

The CDL Class C license is required in the following cases:

When the vehicle you want to drive does not meet the criteria for Class A and Class B CDL licenses.

  • For the transport of at least 16 passengers (including the driver).
  • For Hazardous Material Transportation (HAZMAT) as established by federal guidelines.

Examples of Vehicles:

  • Small HAZMAT vehicles (Small HAZMAT vehicles)
  • Passenger vans
  • Combined vehicles not described in class A or B, such as a small truck with a trailer.

Can vehicles of one license class be driven with another type of CDL license?

It is possible to drive some vehicles with a CDL license of another class if you have the corresponding endorsements.

With a Class A license, it is possible to drive some Class B and Class C vehicles, as long as you have the correct endorsements. Similarly, with a Class B license, you can operate some Class C vehicles if they have the corresponding endorsements.

What are CDL license endorsements?

Endorsements are special authorizations, which enable the driver to operate certain types of vehicles, as well as transport certain goods and a certain number of passengers.

The endorsement is issued once the applicant has passed the required written and skills exam.

Class A, B, or C CDL endorsements:

  • Hazardous materials – For those who transport hazardous materials.
  • Tank vehicles – To drive the tanker trucks.
  • Passengers –  To operate passenger vehicles (more than 15 people, including the driver).
  • School bus-  To transport preschool, elementary, or high school students from home to school, school to home, or to and from school events. 
  • Double/triple trailers – To handle vehicles with a double or triple trailer. Triple trailers are not allowed on all state highways!
  • Tank and hazardous materials vehicles – For those who qualify for the Hazardous materials and tank endorsements.

Can you use a CDL from another state?

If you already have a CDL license but issued outside the state of Florida, it is possible to use it. Commercial driver’s licenses are accepted from other states in the US or Canada.

However, an out-of-state applicant with a hazardous materials endorsement must reapply for the same, including testing, background checks, and paying fees.

FAQ on Do you need a CDL to drive an RV in Maryland?

How big of an RV can I drive without a CDL?

You can drive an RV of 6500 lbs or less without a CDL. However, this will vary across states, as in some places (Illinois, Arizona, Alaska, Nebraska, Mississippi for example) you don’t require a CDL for an RV no matter its size!

What driving Licence do I need to drive an RV in the USA?

In the USA, you will need either a CDL or Non-CDL type of licence depending on the state you registered your RV in, also on its weight, length and height.

What vehicles can be driven with a type C license?

The following vehicle can be driven with a type C License: Conventional taxis, executive, light or mixed vans up to 3,500 kg, up to 8 passengers; passenger transport vehicles with no more than 25 seats and vehicles included in type B.

References

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!