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Get a New York State CDL

To apply for a New York Commercial Driver License (CDL), you must have a NYS driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C) or a valid CDL from another state.

When you apply for an original NYS CDL (Class A, B, or C) you must certify that:

• you did not hold a driver license in any state or in the District of Columbia except NYS in the last 10 years or you must report every US state (or the District of Columbia) where you held a driver license in the last 10 years
• you meet the Federal medical examination requirements (see Medical Certification Requirements for more information)

What do I need to do to get a New York CDL?

• Get the NYS Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10) online or from a DMV office or call center. Study the sections of the manual that apply to the type of New York 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 (MV-500C).
• Apply for a commercial learner permit at a DMV office. You must pass the written test for the New York 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 New York 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. You must pay the fee before you can schedule your road test.
• Prepare for your road test and practice with a supervising driver. The supervising driver must have a driver license that is valid to drive the commercial motor vehicle that you use for practice.
• Schedule your road test using the Road Test Scheduling System. 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.

Will I get a temporary CDL after I pass my road test?

No. Effective May 23, 2014, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will no longer issue a 10-day temporary license document upon successful completion of a New York 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 be issued a receipt indicating they must wait 1 business day before visiting a Motor Vehicles office in order to obtain a New York Commercial Driver's License document.

What is the fee for a CDL?

The amount of the New York CDL fee that you pay depends on the expiration date and the class of your current driver license, and the date that you receive your New York CDL.

The local DMV office will issue a temporary New York CDL that is valid for 90 days. Your photo CDL will arrive by mail in three to four weeks.

What if I have a CDL from another state?

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 NYS CDL. You must also provide fingerprints for federal and NYS background checks for criminal violations.

New York CDL Written Knowledge Tests
You will need to pass the New York Knowledge Tests that are required for the class of license, restriction, and endorsements you wish to possess. A general knowledge test for the Class A or Class B and C license must be successfully completed by all CDL applicants. The information needed to pass these tests is contained in the FREE New York CDL Handbook. Please read and study this manual carefully.

• Class A - 70 Questions (50 GK + 20 Combination Vehicles) - Skills test required.
• Class B - 50 Questions - Skills test required.
• Class C - 50 Questions - Skills test required for bus, school bus and air brakes vehicles..
• Passenger Endorsement - 20 questions - Skills test required in bus.
• School Bus Endorsement - 25 questions - Skills test required in school bus.
• Doubles/Triples Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Tank Vehicle Endorsement - 20 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Hazardous Materials Endorsement - 30 questions - No additional skills tests.
• Air Brake Restriction Removal - 25 questions - Additional skills test in vehicle with Air Brakes.

• FREE NEW YORK CDL HANDBOOK - NY CDL MANUAL

• New York CDL Information
• Get a New York CDL
• New York CDL - "S" Endorsement for School Bus Drivers
• New York Explanation of License Classes, Endorsements and Restrictions
• New York CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement Information
• Application for New York CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement
• Request Form for New York Fingerprinting Services
• New York CDL Requirements for Commercial Drivers
• New York CDL - Federal Requirements for Applicants
• New York Driver License Class Descriptions
• New York Fingerprinting Locations
• New York CDL - Certification for Military Waiver of Skills Testing - Form
• New York DMV Road Test Sites by County
• New York CDL Medical Certification
• New York DMV Offices
• Renew a New York CDL
• New York Military CDL Skills Test Waiver Information