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Endorsements and Restrictions on Maryland CDLs

3 min read

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) in Maryland come with various endorsements and restrictions that determine the type of commercial vehicles a driver can operate and the conditions under which they can drive. Understanding these additions to your CDL is crucial for legal and safe operation across state and federal lines.

Maryland CDL Endorsements

Endorsements allow a CDL holder to drive specialized types of vehicles or transport specific cargo. Each endorsement requires passing additional knowledge or skills tests administered by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Common Endorsements

  • H – Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): Required to transport hazardous materials. Applicants must pass a TSA background check and a hazmat knowledge test.
  • N – Tank Vehicles: Required to operate vehicles designed to transport liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
  • P – Passenger Transport: For drivers operating vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
  • S – School Bus: An additional endorsement to the P endorsement. Includes a background check, fingerprinting, and a school bus skills test.
  • T – Double/Triple Trailers: Required for operating combination vehicles with two or three trailers.
  • X – Combination of Tank and Hazmat: Combines the N and H endorsements for those who haul hazardous liquids in tanks.

To apply, drivers must first hold a valid Maryland Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and meet all eligibility criteria.

Maryland CDL Restrictions

Restrictions limit a driver’s operational scope based on skills, health conditions, or the type of vehicle used for testing. These are noted as codes on the CDL.

Common Restrictions

  • L – Air Brakes Restriction: Imposed if the driver fails the air brakes portion of the skills test or tests on a vehicle without air brakes.
  • E – Manual Transmission Restriction: Given if the driver tests in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
  • K – Intrastate Only: Applies to drivers under 21 or those restricted to driving only within Maryland.
  • M – No Class A Passenger Vehicle: Applied when a driver with a passenger endorsement takes the skills test in a Class B passenger vehicle.
  • N – No Class A or B Passenger Vehicle: When a driver tests in a Class C passenger vehicle.
  • Z – No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV: Restricts operation of vehicles with full air brake systems.

Drivers may also receive a medical restriction if they fail to meet federal health standards. For more on this, see Maryland CDLs Medical Requirements and Exams.

Removal of Restrictions

To remove a restriction, a driver must retake the skills test using a vehicle that meets the requirements of the restriction being lifted. For example, to remove the “L” air brake restriction, the driver must test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Choosing the Right Testing and Service Locations

Not all MVA branches in Maryland offer CDL services. Visit the Choosing the Right Maryland MVA Branch for CDL Services to find an approved location.

To prepare for knowledge and endorsement tests, consult Preparing for the Maryland Knowledge Test and Top Practice Questions for Maryland Road Rules Test.

Properly understanding your CDL’s endorsements and restrictions helps ensure compliance with Maryland law and keeps you on the road with the appropriate qualifications.