How Many Questions Are on Maine's CDL General Knowledge Test?
50 questions. That count is fixed by 49 CFR Part 383, the same across every state — Maine administers the federal format at its BMV offices rather than writing its own.
One fee for the permit, another for the full exam
The federal government owns the question count and 80% threshold. Maine's own fee structure charges $35 for the commercial learner's permit application, and $70 for the full CDL exam covering both the knowledge and skills tests, plus $20 for each additional endorsement.
The knowledge test itself is given at a BMV office, not online or by mail.
Endorsement codes worth knowing
Maine's endorsement codes include P (passenger-carrying vehicles), S (school bus), N (tank vehicles), H (hazardous materials), and T (doubles/triples) — each requiring its own additional knowledge test.
Original documents or certified copies are required for every supporting document; a photocopy isn't accepted.
Studying for five knowledge tests, not just one
Between the general test and any endorsements you're chasing, it's easy to end up needing to pass three or four separate knowledge tests before you're ever cleared for the skills test.
Working through practice questions by endorsement, rather than all at once, keeps air brakes, hazmat, and doubles/triples from blurring together in your head.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on Maine's CDL General Knowledge test?
50 questions, the federally standard length used nationwide, not a Maine-specific number.
What does Maine charge for the CLP and the full CDL exam?
$35 for the commercial learner's permit application, and $70 for the full CDL exam, plus $20 per additional endorsement.
Are photocopies accepted for CDL application documents in Maine?
No — original documents or certified copies only.
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Start a free Maine cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-24