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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/20/2024
Contact: Motor Vehicle Administration
Office of Media Relations
John Lazarou, 410-768-7473
Ashley Millner, 410-424-3697
Glen Burnie, Md. (May 20, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) announced today that the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) knowledge test is now being offered in Spanish. Maryland joins more than 20 states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Texas, in offering this test in the Spanish language.
“This announcement demonstrates MDOT's continued focus on expanding customer service offerings to be more inclusive, accessible and convenient for Maryland's diverse population," said Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld.
In accordance with guidelines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the knowledge test will be administered in Spanish, without an interpreter. The skills test and pre-trip inspection will continue to be administered in English only as applicants must be able to understand and respond to verbal instructions by an examiner.
“We recognize that individuals may feel more comfortable reading in their native language, especially when those materials include technical information. Offering the CDL knowledge test in Spanish removes potential barriers to obtaining a CDL which supports the critical needs in moving goods throughout Maryland and our country and enhancing safety on our roadways," said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer.
Earlier this year, the MVA was approached by Maryland State Delegate Deni Taveras about the possibility of offering the CDL knowledge test in Spanish. The MVA began working with its vendor who confirmed the agency's software could offer the additional language and began the process to implement.
“In Prince George's County and across Maryland, we must address the income disparity where new Americans earn $17,000 less than the average U.S.-born citizen. This wage gap is evident not only in Prince George's County but also statewide. We need to bridge this divide," said Delegate Taveras. “Individuals with CDL licenses are more likely to be making a living wage for themselves and for their families. We also have a shortage of school bus drivers, and this industry is always in need of new drivers. Therefore, these licenses will address this transportation need as well."
The MVA is also committed to enhancing and streamlining services for all CDL applicants, including implementing a new, modernized skills test, increasing the availability of testing options and offering additional services online through a myMVA account. CDL products now have an 8-year expiration date, the same as non-commercial licenses. CDL holders can submit their medical certificate electronically, and eligible customers can renew online. Additionally, CDL holders with a valid Medical Certificate and REAL ID documents on file can now order a correction or duplicate copy of their license through their myMVA account or at a 24-hour self-service kiosk.
As of May 2024, there are more than 114,000 valid CDLs in Maryland, with new licenses issued each week. Individuals interested in obtaining a CDL can find additional information here.