Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | October 5, 2025 | Truck Accident
In Charles County, Maryland, commercial drivers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) tailored to the type of vehicle and cargo they operate. Maryland issues three primary classes of CDL—Class A, Class B, and Class C—with specific vehicle weight and passenger criteria distinguishing each class. This blog discusses the types of CDLs available in Maryland and their relationship to truck accident claims.
What Is a Commercial Driver’s License?
A commercial driver’s license is a specialized driver’s license required to operate most commercial motor vehicles and other large, heavy, or placarded hazardous materials vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets standards for CDLs. Additionally, Maryland also has state-specific requirements for obtaining commercial driver’s licenses.
Strict safety standards and rigorous testing procedures for CDL holders help ensure drivers have the necessary physical fitness and driving skills to operate heavy trucks. The standards and tests are required because accidents involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large trucks often cause catastrophic injuries for accident victims.
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Maryland
Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are categorized into three distinct classes. Each class specifies the type of vehicle and/or loads a driver may operate with that specific class of CDL.
The three types of commercial driver’s licenses explained in the Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual are:
Maryland Class A License
A Class A CDL authorizes the license holder to operate a tractor/trailer or a combination of vehicles with a GCWR of more than 26,000 pounds if the vehicle’s GVWR is more than 10,000 pounds. Common types of Class A vehicles include tanker trucks, flatbeds, tractor-trailers, and livestock carriers.
Maryland Class B License
A Class B CDL authorizes the license holder to operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. Vehicles towed cannot exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR. Common types of Class B vehicles include school buses, box trucks, city buses, and dump trucks.
Maryland Class C License
A Class C CDL authorizes the license holder to operate a single vehicle weighing less than 26,001 pounds or any vehicle towing a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR, a vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is used to transport hazardous materials.
Common types of Class C vehicles include smaller trucks that do not meet the weight requirements for a Class A or B license and hazardous materials transport vehicles.
Endorsements for Maryland Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Certain vehicles or cargo require additional endorsements.
Common CDL endorsements include:
- S Endorsement – School buses
- P Endorsement – Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people
- H Endorsement – Transporting hazardous materials requiring a placard
- T Endorsement – Operating double or triple trailers
- N Endorsement – Tank vehicles rated at 1,000 gallons or more
- X Endorsement – Operating a tank truck that transports hazardous materials
Some endorsements require drivers to pass additional tests. The types of tests drivers must pass depend on the endorsement they want to add to their CDL.
Basic Qualifications for Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) discusses the basic requirements for obtaining a CDL in Maryland.
Those qualifications include:
- Have a valid Maryland driver’s license
- Drivers must be 18 years old for an intrastate learner’s permit and 21 years old for an interstate learner’s permit
- Provide proof of identity and Social Security number
- Pass a vision screening test
- Submit a Medical Examiner’s Certificate with a waiver/exemption if required
- Pass the FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training program if applying for a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading a CDL, or obtaining specific endorsements
- Pass a criminal background check, if applicable
- Pass the required knowledge and skills tests
It is essential to note that ELDT programs must be offered by a school listed on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. The driving skills test must be scheduled through the Maryland MVA.
Are Commercial Truck Drivers Responsible for Damages Caused by Truck Accidents in Maryland?
Truck accidents often occur due to various factors, including driver negligence. Even with the best training and years of experience, a truck driver may still make mistakes that lead to truck crashes. If a truck driver’s negligence causes an accident, the truck driver may be liable for both economic and non-economic damages.
However, other parties could also be liable. The trucking company could be liable under vicarious liability for negligence committed by its employee. The company may also be liable if its negligent actions contributed to the cause of the truck accident, such as failing to maintain the truck and trailer.
Contact the Charles County Truck Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Trucking accident claims are complex cases often involving multiple parties and substantial damages. For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Waldorf Office
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7