There are currently road test cancellations or DMV offices closed for in-person services. See our “Cancellations, Closings and Delays” page for more information.
A commercial driver license (CDL) is required to operate large or heavy vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to, dump trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and stretch limos. To take the CDL permit test and apply for a CDL license you must already have a New York State driver license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C). CDL classes are A (tractor-trailer), B (bus or single-unit truck), and C (truck, bus, or stretch limo). For more detailed information see New York State permit and license classes.
Step 1: Prepare for the Commercial Permit TestIf you have a non-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 applying for your New York State CDL. You must also provide fingerprints for federal and New York State background checks for criminal violations.
Get the New York State Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10) online or from a DMV call center. 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 a CDL.
Step 2: Find What You Need to ApplyComplete one of these guides to make sure you have the documents and proofs of identification you need BEFORE you apply.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (i.e., temporary visitors) your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or CDL document will have the legend “NON-DOMICILED” printed on the documents issued on it. The “TEMPORARY VISITOR” and the expiration date of your legal status documentation will continue to be displayed on the CLP and/or CDL document.
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.
Step 3: Take the Test and Get a CDL PermitCDL permit tests are only offered at DMV offices. You must pass the written test for the type of CDL that you need. There is an application fee of $10.00. This fee allows you to take all written tests (knowledge and endorsement) taken at the same time. There is an additional $5 fee for any other required test not taken and passed at the time of initial application. You can also pay the road test fee ($40.00) 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.
When you apply for an original New York State CDL permit (Class A or B), you must certify that
You must also prove your legal presence in the United States.
The written tests for commercial driver licenses (CDL Class A, Class B, and Class C) and endorsements are available in English or Spanish only. The test for the CDL endorsement for Hazardous Materials (HazMat) is available in English only.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Road TestYou must practice driving with a supervising driver who has a driver license that is valid to drive the commercial motor vehicle that you use for practice.
Based on feedback we have received from the motor carrier industry regarding the new federal CDL test model, we have learned that drivers are facing difficulties with certain sections of the test. In an effort to address some of the common difficulties encountered during the skills test, we are providing information that may be useful for drivers and instructors.
Sections 11-13 of the CDL Manual (PDF) (CDL-10) cover the skills test. Pay special attention to the Air Brake Check information on page 11-4. We strongly recommend that drivers and instructors focus on the steps outlined for the air brake check, and follow the steps as written. More information is provided in the full Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10).
In addition, federal regulations allow the pre-trip inspection section to be randomized each time a new test is initiated for an applicant. As a result, the pre-trip portion of the test could start at the front of the vehicle, in the middle, or if the test is for a Class A vehicle, with a trailer. On page 11-12 of the manual, you will find the CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid, which drivers are permitted to bring to the test as long as there are no notes or marked items on the document. Motor Vehicle License Examiners will also have a copy to provide to the applicant at the test site, if necessary.
Step 5: Schedule and Take Your Road TestUse the Road Test Scheduling System to schedule your driving test. Please note that you cannot schedule an appointment for a date that is within 14 days of when you were issued your learner permit.
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 air brakes and/or manual transmission.
If the vehicle used for your skills test has:
If you have a CDL with an L restriction and you test in a vehicle with air over hydraulic brakes, you will be upgraded from an L to a Z restriction.
Step 6: Get Your Road Test ResultsAfter you take your road test, you will be given a card with a website address. Your results will be posted to the website after 6 p.m. that night. If you passed the road test, you can go into a DMV office (a reservation may be required) in order to amend your license. The license fee 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.