Transit Bus Only Restriction (“Under-the-Hood” Waiver)

To address the bus driver shortage, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) implemented the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exemption of some pre-trip vehicle inspection requirements for some commercial driver road tests. Beginning July 16, 2025, this exemption expanded to include Limited Transit Bus road tests. The exemption is effective for the period of July 16, 2025 through July 16, 2027.

• The exemption waives the engine compartment component of the pre-trip vehicle inspection requirement for Limited Transit 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 Passenger (P) endorsement. 
• Applicants who have a current CDL are not eligible for this exemption. 
• CDL applicants who want the FMCSA exemption must take the “Limited Transit Bus” road test. The exemption requires the CDL Intrastate Only (K) restriction and the CDL Transit Bus Only (T1) restriction to be applied. 
• Applicants who choose to utilize the exemption must pass the “Limited Transit Bus” road test and visit a DMV office on or before July 16, 2027 to amend their license to a CDL. 
• CDL drivers who want a full CDL (without the “K” and “T1” 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 “T1” restriction cannot be renewed. To maintain a CDL, with or without the “P” endorsement, 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.

Transit Bus Only (T1) CDL Restriction

A new CDL restriction, Transit Bus Only (T1), has been created. It allows a CLP or CDL holder to operate a public transit bus only within New York State. This restriction is used when a CDL applicant passes the “Limited Transit Bus” test. The “K” restriction must also be applied, and the applicant can only drive a public transit bus.

Limited Transit Bus New Road Test Type

The “Limited Transit 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 “T1” and the “K” restrictions applied to their CLP or CDL along with the “P” endorsement. 

If you choose the FMCSA exemption waiver for Limited Transit 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 Transit 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 July 16, 2027 to get the Transit Bus Only (T1) restriction. 

Step 1: Have a valid non-commercial driver license from New York State or 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 suitable supervising driver.

IMPORTANT: To schedule your road test, and again before taking your road test, you will be informed of the FMCSA Transit Bus Only Exemption requirements. You must acknowledge that you understand these restrictions.

Step 5: Schedule your “Limited Transit Bus" road test online or by calling the DMV Contact Center.
Step 6: Pass your “Limited Transit Bus” road test. 
Step 7: Amend your license in a DMV office to reflect “T1” and “K” restrictions.