Starting May 14, 2022, a driver who is 18, 19, or 20 years old (“Young Adult”) who already has a valid New York State Driver’s License will be able to qualify for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by completing the CDL A Young Adult Training Program.
Important details for this program include:
Participants in the CDL A Young Adult Training Program must complete the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program that is federally mandated for all new CDL drivers, even if they obtained their Class A CDL in another state prior to 2/7/2022. You can find information about ELDT requirements, including how to find a training provider, at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ [3]. See DMV’s ELDT FAQ page [4] for additional information.
In addition to successfully completing Class A ELDT, Young Adults applying for a Class A CDL license must complete at least 300 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training under the immediate supervision and control of an experienced driver before obtaining their license (see the FAQ section for the definition of an experienced driver [5]). Behind-the-Wheel training must be conducted on-road and may be supplemented with range driving. The Young Adult driver must have control of the power unit. Simulators cannot be used to meet Behind-the-Wheel requirements.
• Vehicle inspection (Pre-Trip, Enroute, Post Trip)
• Backing (Straight Line Backing, Alley Dock Backing, Off-Set Backing)
• Parking
• Coupling/Uncoupling
• Vehicle Controls
• Shifting
• Extreme Driving Conditions
• Safe Driver Behavior
• Any other operations/maneuvers your experienced driver deems necessary for you to operate a Class A Commercial Vehicle (e.g., operating with cargo).
You can find these and other Behind-the-Wheel training activities in Appendix A to Part 380 [6] of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
New Young Adult drivers can use the New York State Commercial Drivers Manual [7] to prepare for their CDL skills test. Supervising experienced drivers can use the manual to help ensure all aspects of CDL operation are covered in a Young Adult driver’s 300 hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training.
1. Who can qualify for this program?
A driver who is 18, 19, or 20 years old (“Young Adult”) who already has a valid New York State Driver’s License can qualify for this program.
2. How can a Young Adult get a Class A License?
Young Adults must meet all requirements to get a CDL license (see “Get A CDL [8]”) Plus they must get at least 300 hours of supervised driving in a Class A vehicle by an experienced driver. (See “Who can supervise my driving?” below)
3. Who can supervise my driving? You must have your driving under the supervision of an experienced driver with a Class A License. This experienced driver must meet ALL of the following criteria:
4. Must my supervised driving be under a single driver, or can the supervision be under more than one driver?
You can get your supervised driving from one driver or multiple drivers. You need to keep track of who provides you the training.
5. Must I get this supervision from a driving school?
No. The supervised driving (all or part of the 300 hours) can be provided by a driving school but does not have to be from a driving school.
6. Where will this new CDL license allow a young adult to drive?
These drivers will be able to drive a Class A Vehicle in New York State only. They cannot drive interstate. The K restriction can be removed when the driver turns 21 years of age. If the driver would like the K restriction removed when they turn 21, then they must visit their local DMV office.
7. Can my ELDT training time be counted towards the 300 hours of supervised driving time?
Yes, the part of ELDT that includes range or on the road practice can be counted towards the 300 hours, as long as the ELDT Behind-the-Wheel training is provided by an experienced driver.
8. What do I have to present to DMV to prove that I have successfully completed this training course?
You must complete and present the MV-44CDL [9] (PDF) to the Motor Vehicle Representative at the DMV office after completion of the road test. Proof of ELDT completion will be electronically transmitted to DMV from FMCSA.
9. What documentation is the DMV going to require/accept for this proof?
You must complete and present the MV-44CDL [9] (PDF) to the Motor Vehicle Representative at the DMV office after completion of the road test.
See the full text of the law [10] (opens a PDF).