Follow these steps to get your first time New York State commercial driver license (CDL). If you already have a CDL, you can renew [2] or replace [3] your CDL. You can also download the Steps to get a Commercial Driver License Resource Guide (PDF) [4] for reference.
Get the New York State Commercial Driver's Manual [5] (CDL-10) online or from a DMV call center. [6] Study the sections of the manual that apply to the type of CDL you need. The sections of the manual that you need to study are explained in the manual. The manual describes the classes, the restrictions, and the endorsements of CDLs. This information is also included on the Driver License Class Descriptions (PDF) [7] (MV-500C).
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 [8] for more information including who can participate, training requirements, FAQ’s and more. See the full text of the law [9].
You must pass the written test for the CDL that you need. There is an application fee of $10.00. This fee allows you to take all written tests (knowledge and endorsement) required for permit and license issuance applied for which are taken at the same time. There will be an additional $5 fee for any other required tests not taken and passed at the time of initial application. There is a fee of $40.00 to take the CDL road test (skills test). You can pay the road test fee when the DMV office issues your commercial learner permit, or you can pay the fee online [10]. You must pay the fee before you can schedule your road test.
The permit is valid for 1 year. If you do not pass your road test within 1 year, you will be required to apply for a new CLP. This may include retaking any required knowledge tests.
When you apply for an original New York State CDL (Class A, B, or C), you must certify that
You must also prove your legal presence in the United States.
IMPORTANT: DMV now offers three types of license/permit documents. Learn more about Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard documents [12].
If you have a Standard and want to change to a REAL ID or Enhanced, you must come into a DMV office. Complete this guide to make sure you have the proofs of identification you need before coming.
The DMV Document Guide [13] lists all acceptable legal presence and New York State residence proof documents. Please note: You must provide us the original documents (not photocopies), and documents submitted as proof of residence must have your current residence address on it (no P.O. Box permitted).
Per federal regulations, the DMV will check for any open suspensions or revocations you may have in any state. If you have an open suspension or revocation, we will reject your application.
You must apply for a CDL at a DMV Office [14].
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 [15]. Go to the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) FAQ [16] for more information about the ELDT requirement.
Effective January 10, 2024: The New York State DMV implemented the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exemption of some pre-trip vehicle inspection requirements for road tests for new CDL applicants or applicants who held, but no longer hold, a CDL and want the school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsements. The FMCSA exemption is currently set to expire November 27, 2024. CDL applicants who want the FMCSA exemption must take the "Limited School Bus" road test. Go to School Bus Only Restriction [17] for more information about the new exemption.
The supervising driver must have a driver license that is valid to drive the commercial motor vehicle that you use for practice.
Use the Road Test Scheduling System [19]. Please note that you cannot schedule an appointment for a date that is less than 14 days or more than 1 year after being issued a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). If you do not pass the road test, you must pay a fee of $40.00 before you can schedule another road test. You can pay the fee online with your credit card, or pay the fee at a DMV office.
The permit is valid for 1 year. If you do not pass your road test within 1 year, you will be required to apply for a new CLP. This may include retaking any required knowledge tests.
CDL restrictions defined below by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may affect CLP holders when taking a Skills Test in a vehicle without full airbrakes and/or a manual transmission.
If the vehicle used for your skills test has:
Note: Fully electric school buses cannot be used for skills testing.
No. Effective May 23, 2014, the New York State DMV cannot issue a 10-day temporary license document upon successful completion of a Commercial Driver License skills test, in order to comply with the Federal self-certification and medical certification requirements for commercial drivers.
Instead, commercial drivers will have log onto the website listed on the card provided to them at the end of the road test after 6PM that night to obtain the road test results.
Upon passing the road test, commercial drivers must also go into a DMV office (a reservation may be required) in order to amend their license.
It depends on the expiration date and the class of your current driver license, and the date that you receive your CDL.
The local DMV office will issue a temporary CDL that is valid for 60 days. Your photo CDL will arrive by mail in 3 to 4 weeks.
To get a New York State CDL, you must apply for your CDL at a DMV office and surrender your out-of-state CDL. If your out-of-state CDL has a hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the hazardous materials knowledge test when you apply for your New York State CDL. You must also provide fingerprints for federal and New York State background checks for criminal violations.
Links
[1] https://dmv.ny.gov/print/1611
[2] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1719
[3] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1472
[4] https://dmv.ny.gov/file/33136/download?token=NU5THMu_
[5] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/2067
[6] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1832
[7] https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv500c.pdf
[8] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1763631
[9] https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A6295
[10] https://transact3.dmv.ny.gov/skillstestpayment/
[11] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1405
[12] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/872541
[13] https://process.dmv.ny.gov/documentguide/dmv_reg/DisplayPages/pwizRegfirst.cfm
[14] https://dmv.ny.gov/offices/county-offices
[15] https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov
[16] https://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/entry-level-driver-training-faq
[17] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/1862361
[18] https://dmv.ny.gov/brochure/cdl10sec11-13.pdf
[19] https://nyrtsscheduler.com/
[20] https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/nys-driver-license-classes
[21] https://dmv.ny.gov/get-cdl
[22] https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-motorcycle-license
[23] https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/get-license-drive-taxi-or-livery-vehicle
[24] https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv44.pdf
[25] https://dmv.ny.gov/node/2063