Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

Effective February 7, 2022: If you are applying for a CDL for the first time or adding a Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement for the first time, you must complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) prior to taking a CDL road test. Hazmat ELDT is required prior to taking the Hazardous Materials knowledge test. The training provider must be registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Go to the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) FAQ for more information about the ELDT requirement.

Important updates on federal medical certification waivers can be found at Medical Certification Requirements.

Important information for stretch limo drivers

NYS commercial driver’s license standards require drivers of stretch limousines which carry nine (9) or more passengers including the driver to hold, at a minimum, a CDL Class C license, with a Passenger (P) endorsement.

NOTE: A road test is required to obtain the minimum class license.

See information about covered farm vehicles.

Get a CDL for the first time

A commercial driver license is required to operate large or heavy vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to, dump trucks, tractor trailers, buses, and stretch limos.

If you already have a CDL

You can

Medical certification

Federal regulations require that every commercial driver certify to the type of commercial driving they perform.

Department of Motor Vehicles