Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)
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 previously 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 for more information about the new exemption.
Important information for stretch limo drivers
NYS commercial driver’s license standards require drivers of stretch limousines which carry nine (9) or more passengers including the driver to hold, at a minimum, a CDL Class C license, with a Passenger (P) endorsement.
NOTE: A road test is required to obtain the minimum class license.
See information about covered farm vehicles.
Get a CDL for the first time
A commercial driver license is required to operate large or heavy vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to, dump trucks, tractor trailers, buses, and stretch limos.
If you already have a CDL
You can
- Check driving privilege and Medical Certification status through MyDMV
- Check mailing status of your recently ordered CDL license or permit
- Renew your CDL
- Replace your CDL
Medical certification
Federal regulations require that every commercial driver certify to the type of commercial driving they perform.
- Medical certification requirements
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about medical certification
- CDL downgrades
Endorsements, restrictions and waivers
- Endorsement and restriction codes
- Hazardous material (hazmat) endorsement
- Hazmat (H) or hazmat/Tank (X) endorsement
- School bus driver (S) endorsement
- School Bus Only (S1) restriction
- A3 restriction
- K restriction
- Medical variances and the new V restriction
- Military skills test waiver
Motor Carriers
- Carriers who employ bus drivers (Article 19A)
- International Registration Plan (IRP)
- One-stop Credentialing and Registration (OSCAR)
- Motor carrier safety enforcement (PRISM)
Resources
DMV
- Interstate or intrastate driving
- Excepted or non-excepted driving
- CDL, hazmat and tow truck manuals
- Carriers who employ bus drivers (Article 19A)
- Covered farm vehicles
- Escort driver certification
- Enhanced, REAL ID and Standard commercial license
- Learn How to Perform an Air Brake Check in a School Bus on YouTube
Outside of DMV