MAINE Commercial Driver License Manual - CDL Training Today

To have the restriction removed, an applicant must apply and qualify on the air brake knowledge test and must qualify on the skills test in an air brake equipped vehicle. The driver accompanying the permit holder must have a license and appropriate endorsements or the test will be refused. Endorsement There are six (6) endorsement knowledge tests available for the applicant wishing to operate specialized vehicles with specific loads. These endorsements have been coded to appear on the CDL document. These endorsements include: N “Z” endorsement There is one type of school bus operation which does not require the driver to possess a CDL. This school bus is designed to transport 15 passengers or fewer including the driver. The endorsement could be affixed to a noncommercial license. The applicant would submit to a school bus knowledge and skills test in a vehicle representative of this class with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less and would result in the awarding of endorsement “Z". SKILLS TESTING FOR CLASS “A”, CLASS “B”, OR PASSENGER/SCHOOL BUS VEHICLES For the operation of tank vehicles only. H For the operation of vehicles carrying hazardous material when required to be placarded by Federal DOT regulation only. X For the operation of tank vehicles carrying hazardous materials. This combines the endorsements “N” and “H” into one. T For the operation of double/triple trailers where allowed by law. (Triple trailers not allowed in Maine.) The N-H-X and T endorsements will be awarded to the CDL holder upon the successful completion of the knowledge examination only. The remaining endorsements require the complete test including skills testing. These include endorsements: P For the operation of passenger vehicles designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver. The skills test for this endorsement must be completed in a vehicle representative of the type the driver operates or expects to operate in Class A, B or Class C. S For the operation of school buses designed to transport over 15 passengers including the driver. Applicants desiring this endorsement should review the school bus portion of this manual for specific information. Successful qualification will also earn the endorsement P without an additional fee or further examination. These endorsements can only be added to a Commercial Driver's License. If an applicant does not have a CDL, the endorsements will not be awarded until a CDL is obtained. These tests are administered to check the drivers ability to maneuver the vehicle within a limited space to demonstrate the knowledge and ability needed to inspect the vehicles condition and drivability prior to on road driving and the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control over a predetermined road test route. The skills test is broken down into three parts: the off-road skills test, the pre-trip vehicle inspection, and on-road test. HOW DO I SCHEDULE A SKILLS TEST? In order to be scheduled for skills testing, you must mail the skill test request card to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Augusta. An appointment notice will be returned to you indicating the place, date and time you are to appear for examination. You must be punctual! If you are late for an appointment, there is a chance the skills test will not be completed and another appointment will need to be scheduled. There is a possibility that no portion of the test will be given due to the lack of available time. If you do not notify the CDL examination section of an appointment cancellation within 48 hours, a penalty fee of 30.00 will be assessed before another date is scheduled. Failure to appear for testing without cancellation will result in no further notification until you have contacted the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, CDL Examination Section, Augusta, Maine 04333 indicating that you are now ready for examination. You will then be rescheduled as soon as possible. Do not submit a new application. Examinations are not conducted on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME FOR TESTING? At the appointed time you must: 1. Present to the examiner the appointment notice properly completed and signed; 2. Present your instruction permit and/or valid out of state license for the class of vehicle being operated; 3. Present the license of the person accompanying you which must be valid for the type of vehicle being operated. The accompanying operator must remain at the test site until the examination is completed. (An out of state licensee holding a valid license within the class of application does not need to be accompanied by a licensed operator.) 4. Present the valid registration(s) of the vehicles(s) being used for the test. No photocopies are permitted unless the vehicle is a rental unit or permission to photocopy has been granted by the Secretary of State in writing. A rental agreement will not be allowed as a substitution for the valid registration. The vehicle must also display a valid inspection sticker and must meet the state's minimum requirement for inspection. 5. If the application was made for a change of class of license, the Maine license and any other valid licenses must be surrendered to the examiner. DEFINITIONS OF CLASSES Class A: any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating or registered weight of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. A Class A license is a commercial driver’s license. Holders of a Class A license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in Class B and Class C; Class B: any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or registered weight of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or gross weight A Class B license is a commercial driver’s license. Holders of a Class B license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in Class C; Class C: any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the definitions of Class A or Class B. A Class C license is a commercial driver’s license only if it carries an endorsement under Section 1253, subsection 3. Holders of a Class C license may, with any appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles in that class. No person except the applicant and the examiner will be permitted in the vehicle(s) during any part of the test. The applicant must supply a vehicle for the skills test in the class applied for. Vehicles that are placarded for hazardous materials may not be used for road testing purposes. NOTE: Highway use restrictions prohibit combination vehicles exceeding 74 feet in length or combination vehicles having a trailer which exceeds 53 feet in length to be used for testing purposes. Also, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations prohibit a truck tractor (bobtail) to be used for Class B testing purposes. The road test will be refused if the load on the vehicle is not secured to prevent it from shifting, leaking, or dropping or if it's carrying a cargo or part of a cargo consisting of: Explosives Flammable material or Dangerous Articles The tailgate should be closed and secured except where the load makes it impossible. Upon passing all phases of the skills test, the applicant must surrender the instruction permit in order to receive a Commercial Drivers License. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act passed by Congress requires that any commercial vehicle skills or road testing be conducted in a vehicle representative of the type which the applicant operates or expects to operate. Social Security Number Disclosure Statement This statement is made in accordance with the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, Section 7 (b). Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory and is required by 29-A MRSA Section (5) and (6) to apply for or renew a driver’s license or nondriver identification card. Your social security number will be used solely for identification purposes and will be kept confidential.

Do You Need a Maine CDL? Does the vehicle or combination of vehicles have a manufacturer’s No weight rating (GVWR) or registered weight over 26,000 pounds? Introduction Section 1 Covers Commercial Driver License Tests Driver Disqualifications Other Safety Rules Yes Is the vehicle a combination vehicle towing a unit over 10,000 pounds GVWR or gross weight? There is a federal requirement that each state have minimum standards for the licensing of commercial drivers. This manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You may have to contact your state driver licensing authority for additional information. Does the single vehicle have a GVWR or registered weight over 26,000 pounds? Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or registered weight of 26,001 pounds or more. A trailer with a GVWR or gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or registered weight is 26,001 pounds or more. A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). Any size vehicle that is used in the transportation of any material that requires hazardous materials placards or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73. Figure 1.1 helps you determine if you need a CDL. Yes You need a Class B CDL. No Is the vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver)? No Yes You need a Class C CDL. No Does the vehicle require No hazardous material placards or transport a select agent or toxin? State’s may have additional definitions of CMVs. The Maine license classification definitions are outlined in the preface of this manual. To get a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skills tests. This manual will help you pass the tests. This manual is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry. You need a Class A CDL. No You must have a Maine CDL to operate: Yes Yes You need a Class C CDL. No You DO NOT need a CDL. NOTE: A bus may be Class A, B, or C depending on whether the GVWR is over 26,001 pounds or is a combination vehicle. Figure 1.1 1

1.1 – Commercial Driver License Tests 1.1.1 – Knowledge Tests turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, up and down grades, single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive. You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The CDL knowledge tests include: Figure 1.2 details which sections of this manual you should study for each particular class of license and for each endorsement. What Sections Should You Study? Basic Vehicle Control. You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done. 2 X X X 3 X X X 4 5* X 6 X X School Bus Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection. You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why. X Passenger If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. X Tank Vehicles 1.1.2 – Skills Tests X Double / Triple 1 ENDORSEMENT Hazardous Materials Class C Sections to Study Class B LICENSE TYPE Class A The general knowledge test, taken by all applicants. The passenger transport test, taken by all bus driver applicants. The air brakes test, which you must take if your vehicle has air brakes, including air over hydraulic brakes. The combination vehicles test, which is required if you want to drive combination vehicles. The hazardous materials test, required if you want to haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts that require placarding or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR 73. The tanker test, required if you want to haul a liquid or liquid gas in a permanently mounted cargo tank rated at 119 gallons or more or a portable tank rated at 1,000 gallons or more. The doubles/triples test, required if you want to pull double or triple trailers. The School Bus test, required if you want to drive a school bus. X X X X X X X X X X X X 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 X 11 X X X X X X 12 X X X X X X 13 X X X X X X *Study section 5 if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes. Figure 1.2 On-road Test. You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right 2

1.2 – Driver Disqualifications 1.2.1 – General For at least 120 days for three serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV. You may not drive a commercial motor vehicle if you are disqualified for any reason. 1.2.2 – Alcohol, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Commission of a Felony 1.2.4 – Violation of Out-of-Service Orders It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .04% or more. If you operate a CMV, you shall be deemed to have given your consent to alcohol testing. You will lose your CDL for at least one year for a first offense for: Driving a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration is .04% or higher. Driving a CMV under the influence of alcohol. Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing. Driving a CMV while under the influence of a controlled substance. Leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV. Committing a felony involving the use of a CMV. You will lose your CDL for at least three years if the offense occurs while you are operating a CMV that is placarded for hazardous materials. You will lose your CDL: 1.2.5 – Railroad-highway Grade Crossing Violations You will lose your CDL: You will lose your CDL for life for a second offense. You will lose your CDL for life if you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances. You will be put out-of-service for 24 hours if you have any detectable amount of alcohol under .04%. 1.2.3 – Serious Traffic Violations Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the posted limit), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely, and traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents. You will lose your CDL: For at least 60 days if you have committed two serious traffic violations within a three-year period involving a CMV. For at least 90 days if you have committed your first violation of an out-of-service violation order. For at least one year if you have committed two out-of-service violation orders in a ten-year period. For at least three years if you have committed three or more out-of-service violation orders in a ten-year period. For at least 60 days for your first violation. For at least 120 days for your second violation within any three-year period. For at least one year for your third violation within any three-year period. These violations include violation of a federal, state or local law or regulation pertaining to one of the following six offenses at a railroad-highway grade crossing: For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to stop before reaching the crossing if the tracks are not clear. For drivers who are not required to always stop, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train. For drivers who are always required to stop, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing. For all drivers failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping. For all drivers failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing. For all drivers failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance. 3

1.2.6 – Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Check and Disqualifications If you require a hazardous materials endorsement you will be required to submit your fingerprints and be subject to a background check. You will be denied or you will lose your hazardous materials endorsement if you: Are not a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Renounce your United States citizenship. Are wanted or under indictment for certain felonies. Have a conviction in military or civilian court for certain felonies. Have been adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution. Are considered to pose a security threat as determined by the Transportation Security Administration. listed in 49 CFR 1572.103; who is adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution as specified in 49 CFR 1572.109; or who renounces his or her U. S. citizenship; Your employer may not let you drive a commercial motor vehicle if you have more than one license or if you’re CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may fine the employer up to 5,000 or put him/her in jail for breaking this rule. All states are connected to one computerized system to share information about CDL drivers. The states will check on drivers' accident records and be sure that drivers do not have more than one CDL. 1.3 – Other CDL Rules There are other federal and state rules that affect drivers operating CMVs in all states. Among them are: You cannot have more than one license. If you break this rule, a court may fine you up to 5,000 or put you in jail and keep your home state license and return any others. You must notify your employer within 30 days of conviction for any traffic violations (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving. You must notify your motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days if you are convicted in any other jurisdiction of any traffic violation (except parking). This is true no matter what type of vehicle you were driving. You must notify your employer if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving. You must give your employer information on all driving jobs you have held for the past 10 years. You must do this when you apply for a commercial driving job. No one can drive a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL. A court may fine you up to 5,000 o

upgraded CDL to be issued. A Class "A" CDL with appropriate endorsements allows the operation in all of the other classes. A Class "B" CDL with appropriate endorsements allows operation in all classes except Class "A". A Class "C" CDL is limited to operation in that class only and must include an endorsement for