How to Get a CDL License in New York

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.

There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

This article has been viewed 217,958 times.

To get a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in New York State, you must have a valid driver's license from NYS or from another state. You must also be able to pass a periodic physical examination when required. [1] X Research source

Determining Your Driving Requirements

• You must be at least 21 years of age to operate a commercial vehicle outside New York State (interstate commerce) or for a Hazmat and School Bus endorsement.
• If you are a new resident of New York State with a valid CDL from another state, you must exchange your license. You do not need to take the tests you already passed in your former state except Hazardous Materials.
• While you can take the knowledge tests in any language, you must be able to speak and read English for the road test as you will be tested on your ability to read signs directed at commercial vehicles.
• If you do not have a DOT medical certificate, click here to find a qualified examiner near you. The fee is determined by the provider.
• While cannabis is allowed under the laws of New York State, commercial vehicles are regulated at the federal level where cannabis remains illegal regardless if it's for medical use.

• To drive combination vehicles with a combined weight of more than 26,000 pounds, and the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you will need Class A.
• To drive both single vehicles and combination vehicles with a GVWR or combined weight of more than 26,000 pounds, and for combination vehicles, the towed vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds or less, you will need Class B.
• To drive both single vehicles and combination vehicles with a GVWR or combined weight of 26,000 pounds or less with seating for more than 15 passengers or placarded for Hazardous Materials, you will need Class C.

If you want to drive a bus, you will need the passenger endorsement and pass the skills test in a bus. If you want to be hired as a school bus driver, you will need to obtain two endorsements (passenger and school bus) and pass the skills test in a school bus.

• Interstate commerce means you will drive a commercial motor vehicle in any state including New York or into a foreign country or transport cargo that began or will end its journey in another state or foreign country.
• Intrastate commerce means you will drive a commercial motor vehicle only in New York.

• Excepted commerce is generally limited to the transport of people and farm goods, such as farm machinery, supplies, and crops. Visit the DMV website here for a complete list.
• Non-Excepted commerce categories include all other driving purposes than the ones listed under the Excepted category. If you drive for both Excepted and Non-Excepted activities, you must select Non-Excepted.

• There are certain restrictions placed on commercial drivers. You will need to disclose certain medical conditions, including:
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • Eye disorders or diseases (but not glasses or contact lenses)
  • Heart disease or heart attack
  • Lung, kidney, liver, or muscular disease
  • Fainting, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
  • Sleep disorders (e.g., narcolepsy)
  • Stroke or paralysis
  • Missing limbs
  • Alcohol, narcotic, or habit-forming drug use
  Advertisement Part 2 of 3:

  Preparing to Get Your CDL

  

  • You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass all of the tests.
  • The DMV frequently changes test questions to ensure that people have read and understood the driver's manual. While practice tests can be helpful, the DMV may include new or reworded questions on the actual test that was not on the practice tests.

  

  • Beginning on May 21, 2014, all USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificates must be provided by an examiner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can find that registry here.
  • Check with your employer. Some employers may cover the fee associated with getting this certificate.

  

  • Bring your existing driver license and your Social Security Card for proof of identity. You must also bring 2 additional documents, such as utility bills or pay stubs, that display your full legal name.
  • Bring a total of $50 to pay fees. The application fee for the learner permit is $10. This fee allows you to take the written tests. The fee for the road test (skills test) is $40. You must pay this fee before you may schedule your road test. The DMV accepts cash, credit cards, and checks or money orders.
    • If you are transferring your license from out of state, you will need to bring a $10 application fee and a licensing fee. Licensing fees will vary depending on your age and commercial driving class.

    

    • The Passenger and/or School Bus endorsements include a special skills test which if passed will allow you to drive both buses and trucks. These tests can be taken to obtain your original CDL or after.
    • A Passenger endorsement is required to drive a bus, transport at least 16 passengers, or apply for a School Bus endorsement. You must pass the knowledge test for the endorsement and skills tests to avoid restrictions on your license.
    • A School Bus endorsement is required to drive a School Bus. You must be at least 21 years of age, have the Passenger endorsement, and pass the knowledge test for the endorsement and skills test to avoid restrictions on your license.

    

    • On 21 December 2022, a commercial learner's permit (CLP) is now valid for one year (previously, it was valid for only six months). If it expires, you can renew it only one-time and you will be given six months to obtain the CDL. If it expires after renewing, you will have to pass the tests all over again.

    

    • Upgrading to a Class A (if you will upgrade from Class B, the curriculum is a lot shorter because you already have knowledge of driving heavy vehicles. If you do not have Class B, you must complete the full curriculum)
      • ELDT is also required to remove an "O" restriction for those with a Class A license even if they obtained it before February 7, 2022. An "O" restriction means you took the skills test in a smaller truck and trailer combination so you cannot drive full-size tractor-trailers.
      • NOTE: If you only want a Hazardous Materials endorsement, you only need to complete the theory portion of ELDT before being allowed to take the knowledge test. You do not need to complete the next step.

      

      Complete the Behind The Wheel Training of ELDT. While there are no minimum hours of training required, you will learn how to control the commercial vehicle and enhance your driving skills to make you a safer and better driver. Click here for a list of approved driving schools that can give you the behind-the-wheel training portion. Unlike the theory portion, you must complete behind-the-wheel training in-person and cannot use a simulator. Once you successfully completed ELDT, your training provider will notify the DMV that you completed the required training so the DMV will allow you to take the skills test (you can schedule before completing ELDT, but if it is not completed on the day of your test, the DMV will cancel your test).