Difference between revisions of "Get a CDL License in New York"

[[Category: Legal Documents for Driving]]

#Determine whether your current license makes you eligible for a New York CDL. New York residents who already have one of the following types of NYS licenses: Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL Class C <ref name="rf1">http://dmv.ny.gov/get-cdl</ref> are eligible to apply for a CDL.

#* If you don’t already have any of the above licenses, you will need to get a regular Class D or E  driver license from the New York DMV, or a CDL from another state, before you apply for a commercial license.<ref name="rf2">http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/apply-license.php</ref> Once you qualify for a CDL, you will need to surrender your regular driver license. You are only allowed to have one driver license of any kind at a time. Having more than one can result in fines or jail time.<ref name="rf3">http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/cdl-faqs.php</ref>

#* If you have a valid CDL from another state, you may apply for a New York CDL at a DMV office. You will need to surrender your current CDL to get a New York CDL. You will still need to provide fingerprints and pass a background check.<ref name="rf4">http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/cdl-medical-certification-requirements</ref>

#Know what class of vehicle you will be driving. Not all large vehicles require a CDL. RVs, military vehicles, emergency vehicles, and farm vehicles are usually exempt from CDL requirements. Class A, Class B, and Class C vehicles require you to have a CDL before you may drive them.<ref name="rf3" />

#* Class A vehicles have a gross combination weight rating of 26,0001 pounds, or a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000+ pounds.<ref name="rf5">http://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv500c.pdf</ref>

#Determine whether you will be driving Interstate or Intrastate commerce. In agreement with Federal regulations, New York DMV has two categories for CDLs: Interstate Commerce and Intrastate Commerce. These categories help determine which type of CDL you are eligible for. Failure to correctly state which type of commerce you intend to drive could mean you lose your license.<ref name="rf6">http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/interstate-or-intrastate-driving</ref>

#Determine whether you will be driving as Excepted or Non-Excepted. There are two statuses for CDL holders in New York: Excepted and Non-Excepted. Drivers who fall under the Excepted commerce category are exempt from needing a medical certification (see Step 4). Non-Excepted commerce drivers must provide a medical certification.<ref name="rf7">http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/excepted-or-non-excepted-driving</ref>

#Ensure you are eligible for required Medical Certification. Federal regulations require all CDL holders who operate under the Non-Excepted commerce category to have a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.<ref name="rf4" /> Talk with your physician to help you determine whether your health status is acceptable for a CDL.

#* There are certain restrictions placed on commercial drivers. You will need to disclose certain medical conditions, including:<ref name="rf8">https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/MedicalExaminationReportForm_091616_MCSA_5875.pdf</ref>

#Get a copy of the NYS Commercial Driver’s Manual (CDL-10). This manual will help you prepare for the written knowledge test. You must pass this written test to receive your CDL learner’s permit. You can find the manual online at the New York DMV website, dmv.ny.gov,<ref name="rf9">http://dmv.ny.gov/node/2067</ref> or you can get a copy from any New York DMV office.

#* You can also get a copy of the manual by calling a DMV Call Center. A list of DMV Call Center numbers is available on the New York DMV website.<ref name="rf10">http://dmv.ny.gov/contact-us/dmv-phone-numbers</ref>

#Study the CDL manual. You will only need to study the sections of the manual that apply to the type of CDL you’re applying for. You will take the written and skills test for the specific class and type of vehicle for which you want a CDL.<ref name="rf11">http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/new-york-state-commercial-drivers-manual</ref>

#* The New York DMV offers CDL practice tests online. These tests may help you prepare for the written test, and you may take them an unlimited number of times.<ref name="rf3" />

#Obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate. You must have a ''registered'' Medical Examiner certify your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general physical condition before you can apply for a CDL or learner permit.<ref name="rf12">http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Medical_Examination_Report_for_Commercial_Driver_Fitness_Determination_649-F%286045%29.pdf</ref> Your healthcare provider may be on this registry, but you should double-check before scheduling a physical examination to make sure that your provider has a National Registry number. The New York DMV will reject certificates that don’t have a National Registry number.

#* Beginning on May 21, 2014, all USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificates must be provided by an examiner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.<ref name="rf13">http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/federal-requirement-commercial-drivers-national-registry-certified-medical</ref> You can find that registry [https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam here].

#Collect the items you need to apply for a CDL learner permit. You must pass the written test for the CDL you need in order to get a learner permit. In addition, you’ll need to bring several items with you to the DMV as proof of your identity.<ref name="rf1" />

#* Because of high demand, you should make an online reservation before visiting DMV offices in the following locations: New York City, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Onondaga or Albany Counties.<ref name="rf1" />

#* If you have never held a commercial driver license before, the New York DMV strongly recommends that you find professional training before you apply for a CDL. To pass the required driving skills tests, you will need to have practice driving under various conditions. You will also need to know how to inspect commercial vehicles and attach and remove tractors and trailers.<ref name="rf14">http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/apply-cdl.php</ref>

#* The New York DMV recommends the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) for training. Its courses meet industry and federal standards. Many commercial employers require drivers to have taken PTDI training.<ref name="rf15">http://www.ptdi.org/</ref> You may find other CDL training by looking at industry websites such as Trucker’s Report.<ref name="rf16">http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truck-driving-schools-and-cdl-training/new-york/</ref>

#Know what to expect from the CDL road test. The road test includes many knowledge and skills areas. Make sure you are proficient in them before you take your road test. Retaking the road test costs $40 each time. You can expect to see the following on the CDL road test, but study your CDL manual to make sure you have covered all applicable areas.<ref name="rf11" />

#Schedule an appointment for the road test. Once you’re comfortable and confident with your road skills, you should schedule an appointment to take your road test. You can schedule the road test online at the New York DMV website.<ref name="rf17">https://roadtest.dmv.ny.gov/Default.asp</ref> You can also schedule a road test via phone by calling 1-518-402-2100. (This number operates 24/7.)

#Wait one business day after passing your road test before visiting the DMV office. After you pass the road test, you will receive a "Road Test Results" Receipt. However, as of May 23, 2014, this no longer gives you permission to drive. You must wait one day before visiting a DMV office with this receipt to pay for and receive your Commercial Driver License document.<ref name="rf1" />

#Keep your license up-to-date. The requirements for renewing your CDL are the same as for renewing a regular driver license ''except'' for the medical certification requirements. You must present your medical certificate each time you renew your license. You can’t renew a CDL online.<ref name="rf18">http://dmv.ny.gov/commercial-drivers/renew-cdl</ref>