Beginning January 10, 2024, to support Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative to address the school bus driver shortage, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is implementing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exemption of some pre-trip vehicle inspection requirements for some commercial driver road tests. The FMCSA exemption is currently set to expire on November 27, 2024.  

• The exemption waives the engine compartment component of the pre-trip vehicle inspection requirement for school bus road tests (also known as the “under-the-hood” component) for new CDL applicants or applicants who previously held, but no longer hold, a CDL and want the School Bus (S) and Passenger (P) endorsements. 
• Applicants who have a current CDL are not eligible for this exemption. 
• CDL applicants who want the exemption must take the “Limited School Bus” road test. The exemption requires the CDL Intrastate Only (K) restriction and the CDL School Bus Only (S1) restriction to be applied. 
• Applicants who choose to get the exemption must pass the “Limited School Bus” road test and visit a DMV office on or before November 27, 2024 to amend their license to a CDL. 
• CDL drivers who want a full CDL (without the “K” and “S1” restrictions) must apply for a permit, take a full CDL road test, and pay all required fees.   
• After the exemption expires, a CDL with the “S1” restriction cannot be renewed. To maintain a CDL, with or without the “S” and “P” endorsements, drivers must apply for a permit, take a full CDL road test, and pay all required fees.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) FMCSA regulations describe minimum qualification standards for drivers who operate (or expect to operate) commercial motor vehicles and establish requirements for state-issued commercial driver license documentation.

School Bus Only (S1) CDL Restriction

A new CDL restriction, School Bus Only (S1), has been created. It allows a CLP or CDL holder to operate a school bus only within New York State. This restriction is used when a CDL applicant passes the “Limited School Bus” test. The “K” restriction must also be applied, and the applicant can only drive a school bus.

Limited School Bus New Road Test Type

The “Limited School Bus” road test type has been created. This test type waives the engine compartment component of the pre-trip vehicle inspection requirement for road tests. Applicants who choose this test type and qualify will have the “S1” and the “K” restrictions applied to their CLP or CDL along with the “S” and “P” endorsements. 

If you choose the FMCSA exemption waiver for Limited School Bus test type, you must certify to Intrastate Commerce. You must also certify to DMV that you operate (or expect to operate) a commercial motor vehicle in Non-excepted Intrastate (NA) or Excepted Intrastate (EA) driving type. For more information about driving types and federal requirements, see Federal Requirements For Commercial Driver License (CDL) Applicants (PDF) (MV-44.5)

There are small differences between getting a School Bus Only CDL and a full CDL. Please see how to get your first CDL for more detailed information.

You must complete all the steps below before November 27, 2024 to get the School Bus Only (S1) restriction. 

Step 1: Have a New York State Driver License or a valid CDL from another state. 
Step 2: Apply for a CLP at a DMV office. 
Step 3: Schedule Entry Level Driver Training (if needed) 
If you apply for a CDL for the first time or add a Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement for the first time, you must complete ELDT before you take a CDL road test. You must complete Hazmat ELDT before you take 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. DMV will verify that you completed the required training before you can move forward with testing.
Step 4: Prepare for your road test and practice with a supervising driver.

Step 5: Schedule your “Limited School Bus" road test online or by calling the DMV Contact Center.
Step 6: Pass your “Limited School Bus” road test. 
Step 7: Amend your license in a DMV office to reflect “S1” and “K” restrictions.