New York CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info

Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?

If you live in New York and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have a New York Commercial Driver License (CDL).

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.

What Tests Do I Need To Take?

Don't know which endorsement you need? Just answer this question:

To operate a commercial vehicle in one of the following classifications, you must have a New York CDL Endorsement.

CLASS A - This classification applies only to "combination" vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds, provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.

CLASS B - This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds.

CLASS C - Vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B above fall under this classification.

About the CDL Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. All CDL applicants must take the general knowledge test. The table below will tell you what additional tests you must take, if any.

Test Name Take If...
Passenger Transport ...you want to drive a bus
Air Brakes ...your vehicle has air brakes
Combination Vehicles ...you want to drive combination vehicles
Hazardous Materials ...you want to haul hazardous material or waste in amounts which require placarding
Tankers ...you want to haul liquids in bulk
Doubles/Triples ...you want to pull double or triple trailers

After you pass the written test(s), you must p repare 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.

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. You must make an appointment and prepay the $40 fee to take the skills tests. If you do not pass the skills tests, you must pay a $40 fee to reschedule the test.

  1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
  2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
  3. On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

If you pass the road test, the license examiner will give you a temporary CDL that is valid for 10 days. You can pick up your CDL five to seven days after the day of your road test.

What Are The Other Requirements For A CDL?

You must be at least 18 years of age for a Class B or C license. You must be at least 21 years of age for a Class A license.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. The main physical requirements include good hearing, 20/40 vision with or without glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.

What Should I Bring To The Department Of Motor Vehicles?

Bring your current driver license, a Department of Transportation Physical Examination Form, and your social security card.

What Fees Will I Have To Pay?

Fees are as follows:

Application fee: $10

Skills tests: $40

The DMV cannot calculate your CDL fee until you apply for the CDL at the DMV office. The amount of the 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 CDL.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For federal requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyprogs/cdl.htm

For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.43.htm

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles: http://www.nysdmv.com

New York State Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.state.ny.us/

New York Metropolitan Transportation Council: http://www.nymtc.org/

New York State Thruway: http://www.thruway.state.ny.us/

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: http://www.panynj.com/

Start Now! Just $29.95

CDL Resources

CDL Guide
State DMVs
Truck Driver Schools
 How to get a CDL
Ohio CDL
Texas CDL

CDL Testing Center

"Your online CDL practice test questions are remarkable. To date, I’ve taken about nine practice exams and they are never quite the same." R.S., Lynchburg, VA

Free Practice Test

1. The __________ type fire extinguisher works on burning wood, paper, and cloth.

Registered User Login

Forgot your ID or password?

We guarantee that you will pass your written DMV exam your first time or we will provide you with a full refund for the cost of the course.


DMV Testing Center