Everything You Need to Know to Get a Commercial Driving License in NY
What is a CDL?
A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is a license that allows you to operate a commercial vehicle under certain conditions depending on the types of CDL you plan to get. With a CDL, you are able to operate specific large, heavy, or even hazardous vehicles in commerce. If you plan to get a CDL, you will need more than just your knowledge and technical skills. The process can be long, but we have it all covered and explained to you. Read on to learn how you can prepare yourself on your journey to getting a CDL!
Are You Eligible?
Before you move forward, check to see if you are eligible to get a CDL. The following is a list of general requirements you need to satisfy to be eligible for a CDL:
- At least 18 or older
- A resident of New York State
- Have a valid class D (Operator), E ( For Hire: Taxi, Livery, etc.), Non-CDL C, or CDL from another state (that you can trade in for a New York State CDL)
- A valid social security number
- Communicate in English
- Clean on driving records (i.e. NO violation involving drugs/alcohol use, NO felonies involving motor vehicles, NO getaway at scene of an accident)
- Qualify the Medical Certification requirements
What Type of CDL are You Looking for?
Now that you have determined your eligibility to apply for a CDL, you need to determine which type of CDL you want to get. There are 3 types of CDL: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each type of CDL offers additional endorsements (privileges or rights for the driver),That require you to operate different types of vehicles, and possess different skills. You may apply for a CDL at the age of 18, but be mindful that no interstate commerce, transportation of hazardous materials, or operation of a school bus will be allowed until you are 21 or above.
The requirements under CDL are calculated based on the vehicle’s gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The following is a brief description of each to help you understand their definition.
- GCWR = the total weight of the vehicle (accounting the additional vehicle weight + the weight of the vehicle itself)
- GVWR = the maximum total weight of your vehicle
Type 1: Class A
With a Class A CDL, you can operate any combination of vehicle holding a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicles is more than 10,000 pounds.
Possible vehicles you may drive include:
- Tractor-trailers
- Tank vehicles
- Livestock carriers
- Flat beds
- Truck and trailer combinations
With a Class A CDL, you can operate your vehicle under additional endorsements including:
- Hazardous Materials
- Metal Coil*
- Tank Vehicles*
- Passenger Transport*
- School Bus*
- Doubles/Triples
- Tow Truck *
- Tank/Hazmat
*Endorsements you will be limited to when you receive your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Type 2: Class B
With a Class B CDL, you can operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. You may also tow vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less (or more only if the GCWR is not more than 26,000 pounds).
Possible vehicles you may drive include:
- Large passenger buses
- Segmented busses
- Box trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Straight trucks
With a Class B CDL, you can operate your vehicle under additional endorsements including:
- Hazardous Materials
- Metal Coil
- Tank Vehicles
- Passenger Transport*
- School Bus
- Tow Truck
- Tank/Hazmat
*Endorsements you will be limited to when you receive your Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Type 2: Class C
With a Class C CDL, you can operate any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less that transports 15 or more passengers (including the driver) or any materials that are considered hazardous under the federal law. You may also tow vehicles with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less (or more given that GCWR is not more than 26,000 pounds).
Possible vehicles you may drive include:
- Passenger vans
- Small HazMat vehicles
- Single unit truck or bus
- Stretch Limo
With a Class C CDL, you can operate your vehicle under additional endorsements including:
- Hazardous Materials
- Metal Coil
- Tank Vehicles
- Passenger Transport
- School Bus
- Doubles/Triples
- Tow Truck
- Tank/Hazmat
Read each type of CDL carefully, and determine which CDL type you will want to get before. Make sure you know which CDL you want to get before you apply to get your CDL!
How to get your CDL?
Now that you have determined what type of CDL you want to get, you can apply for your CDL. We provided a brief overview of the process to get your CDL. Follow along as we guide you through each step.
Step 1: Apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit at a DMV Office
To obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you will need to study for the CDL knowledge test, gather your documents, and apply at a DMV office.
A. Study for the CDL Knowledge Test
You will be required to pass the CDL knowledge test to quiz your knowledge of the New York and Federal driving regulations and laws.
Additional information regarding the CDL knowledge test:
- There will be 50 questions on the test
- You will need at least 80% to pass the knowledge test
- The application fee is $10 (additional $5 to retake test)
- Use the New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual to study and prepare
B. Gather your Documents
To get your CLP, you will need additional documents to prove your identity. Use the DMV Document Guide provided by the New York DMV to help you determine the documents you will need.
C. Apply at a DMV Office
Now that you have prepared and studied for your CDL knowledge test, register for an appointment at your local DMV Office to apply for your CLP. It is required that you meet at the DMV Office to complete your CDL knowledge test and application.
Step 2: Prepare for your Road Test
Once you have passed your CDL knowledge test and completed your application, it will take a few weeks before you can receive your CLP. In the meantime, start practicing for the CDL road test by practicing with a supervising driver who has a valid driver license to drive the commercial motor vehicle that you will use to practice.
The CDL road test consists of three parts: a Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Controls, and the Road Skills.
- For the Pre-Trip Inspection section, you will be expected to inspect a vehicle and prove that it is safe to drive on public roads.
- For the Basic Controls section, you will be expected to perform controls including backing, docking, and parallel parking.
- For the Road Skills Test section, you will be expected to perform a series of controls including starting, stopping, braking, turning, using vehicle controls, bridge, underpassing clearance, maintaining proper lane positions, observing traffic signs/signals, etc.
To prepare for the road test, the New York DMV also recommends that you study Sections 11-13 of the CDL Manual (PDF) and know how to perform Air Brake Check (page 11-4) to prepare for the Pre-Trip Inspection section of the test. Your supervising driver should help you prepare for your road test as you learn how to handle and operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Step 3: Take your Road Test
Once you feel prepared to take your CDL Road Test, use the DMV Road Test Scheduling System to schedule your road test. You may schedule no less than 14 days of obtaining your CLP. Before you can schedule your test, make sure you have paid the $40 road test fee during your visit to get your CLP. If you have not done so, you can also pay the fee online.
Depending on the vehicle used for your road test, you may be given certain restrictions according to the CDL restrictions defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Check out the DMV website to learn about additional CDL restrictions depending on the vehicle used for your road test.
Once you have scheduled your appointment, on the day of your road test, make sure to arrive at your road test location at least 30 minutes early, have your documents ready, and be prepared for the road test.
Step 4: Get your CDL
After you have completed your road test, you will receive a card with a website you can visit to check your test result. Your road test result will be available that day after 6PM. Your last step will be to visit the DMV office with your road test results to get your license. The DMV will issue a temporary CDL (valid for 60 days) before your photo CDL arrives (by mail 3-4 weeks).
AND LASTLY: With a brief overview on how to get a CDL, we hope to provide you with a better knowledge on how to start your CDL journey. Make sure you are aware of your qualifications and what type of CDL you are planning to get. We hope you find this helpful as you prepare yourself to get your first New York CDL!
If you are interested to more about different jobs you can get with a CDL, feel free to check out our other blog at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ioEoK5RR02D_OMxhIYaX7eWZkyOS_zfahGA5OPA-OTU/edit