The Port of Baltimore is known to be one of the deepest shipping channels on the East Coast; this fact, coupled with its ease of access to highways towards the Northeast and Midwest, make it one of the busiest ports in the nation. It moves more than 9 million tons of cargo each year, and much of that is either brought in or taken away by trucks. It is no surprise that Maryland can be a great state in which to be a commercial trucker. If you’re interested in becoming a commercial truck driver and joining this growing career, you’ll first need to get your commercial driver’s license, and optional endorsements, by taking a written knowledge exam. The first step toward passing this exam is studying the 2023 Maryland CDL Manual.
How to Prepare
To get ready for your Maryland CDL written test, grab a pen and paper, sit down, and take notes as you read through the entire manual. If you’re interested in taking your endorsement exams, pay special attention to endorsement sections of the manual, too. Endorsements can improve your job viability and can include air brakes, tanker, multi-trailer, combination vehicle, Hazmat transport, passenger transport, or even school bus driving. It will be important to focus, as there are hundreds of possible questions you may be asked, so keep your mind on task! Once you’ve read over the handbook, review your notes for any sections that still seem vague, then go back and reread whatever still needs some work. The questions on your test will be multiple-choice and will pull directly from the handbook, so the more you study, the more confidence you can have with your knowledge, and ace your test!
Final Steps
Before you head off to the MVA, read your CDL manual and notes one more time to make sure it’s all secure in your head. What you’ve been learning will not only help you pass the test and give you a new career prospect, but it will keep you, your cargo, and others on the road safe. Good luck on your Maryland CDL test!