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.
Effective May 14, 2022: The vehicle and traffic law and the transportation law was amended to establish a commercial driver's license (CDL) class A young adult training program. Please visit Commercial Driver’s License Class A Young Adult Training Program for more information including who can participate, training requirements, FAQs and more. See the full text of the law.
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
- Check driving privilege and Medical Certification status through MyDMV
- Check mailing status of your recently ordered CDL license or permit
- Renew your CDL
- Replace your CDL
Medical certification
Federal regulations require that every commercial driver certify to the type of commercial driving they perform.
- Medical certification requirements
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about medical certification
- CDL downgrades
Endorsements, restrictions and waivers
- Endorsement and restriction codes
- Hazardous material (hazmat) endorsement
- Hazmat (H) or hazmat/Tank (X) endorsement
- School bus driver (S) endorsement
- A3 restriction
- K restriction
- Medical variances and the new V restriction
- Military skills test waiver
Motor Carriers
- Carriers who employ bus drivers (Article 19A)
- International Registration Plan (IRP)
- One-stop Credentialing and Registration (OSCAR)
- Motor carrier safety enforcement (PRISM)
Resources
DMV
- Interstate or intrastate driving
- Excepted or non-excepted driving
- CDL, hazmat and tow truck manuals
- Carriers who employ bus drivers (Article 19A)
- Covered farm vehicles
- Escort driver certification
- Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard commercial license
- Learn How to Perform an Airbreak Check in a School Bus on YouTube
Outside of DMV