Notice
Important Changes
Entry-level Driver Training (ELDT)
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 before taking a CDL road test. Hazmat ELDT is required before taking the Hazardous Materials knowledge test. The training provider must be registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established federal regulations requiring the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to query the national Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH), to ensure that Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders or applicants do not have a drug or alcohol violation prohibiting them from operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
Stretch Limo Drivers
New York State commercial driver’s license standards require drivers of stretch limousines that carry nine or more passengers including the driver to hold, at a minimum, a CDL Class C license, with a Passenger (P) endorsement. A road test is required to obtain the minimum class license.
Applying for and Renewing
Your Commercial Driver License
Driving Safely
CDL Endorsements and Restrictions
Endorsements give drivers extra driving privileges. They allow CDL drivers to operate specific kinds of vehicles or transport materials that may be dangerous.
License restrictions explain a driver's limitations. These may limit where, when, and what types of vehicles CDL drivers can operate.
Information for Bus Drivers
About Article 19-A
CDL-holders who are also bus drivers are often subject to Article 19-A, which outlines rules and requirements for those driving buses for a motor carrier. While not all bus carriers and their drivers are subject to 19-A, some of the most common carriers that are regulated are those that have New York State Department of Transportation authority and those that transport school-aged children for academic purposes. If Article 19-A applies to you, you will find more information below.
CDL Programs
Expanding Access to Commercial Driver Licenses
Military Skills Test Waiver
If you are an active-duty military member or have been recently discharged and operated a Commercial Motor Vehicle as part of your work in the military (and meet other criteria) you may be exempt from taking and passing a road skills test when you apply for your Commercial Driver Licence.
Class A Young Adult Training Program
The Vehicle and Traffic Law and the transportation laws were amended to establish a commercial driver license (CDL) class A young adult training program to allow young drivers between the ages of 18 and 20 to obtain a class A CDL with completion of an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program and supervised driving time.
Mobile ID
Everything is on your phone. Now your ID is, too.
In addition to keeping your physical driver license, permit, or non-driver ID, New York residents can download New York Mobile ID (MiD). MiD offers a convenient, contactless, and highly secure way to prove your identity while protecting your personal information and privacy.