A developmental process, independent of morphogenetic (shape) change, that is required for the abducens nerve to attain its fully functional state. The motor function of the abducens nerve is to contract the lateral rectus which results in abduction of the eye. [ GOC:cls http://openisbn.com/search.php?q=0838580343&isbn=1/ GOC:dph http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/go/references/0000021 GOC:jid GOC:dgh ]