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There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information. 

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

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.
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Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)
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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

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. You can read the full text of the law on the New York State Senate website. 

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.

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. 

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.

Female truck driver wearing red vest and plaid shirt getting into red truck.

Do you have military experience? Military Skills Test Waiver

Active Duty or Recently Discharged

Drivers who operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle as part of their work as active duty military members (and meet other criteria) may be exempt from taking and passing a road skills test when they apply for their Commercial Driver Licence.
Female truck driver wearing red vest and plaid shirt getting into red truck.

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.