Determine whether your current license makes you eligible for a New York CDL.
Commercial Driver’s Manual in New York In order to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) you must first pass a series of general knowledge and practical/driving exams. The driver’s manual is the book that provides the information you need to know in order to pass your tests and drive safely.
New York residents who already have one of the following types of NYS licenses: Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL Class C [1] are eligible to apply for a CDL.- Class D is an operator license for passenger cars and trucks with GVWR of 26,000 lbs or less. It covers vehicle tows when the other vehicle is 10,000 lbs or less. There is limited motorcycle coverage as well.
- Class E is a livery license; it covers the same vehicles as class D, plus for hire vehicles that carry 14 passengers or less.
- 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.[2] 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.[3]
- 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.[4]
- There are additional requirements for driving hazardous materials vehicles. Check with the New York DMV for specifics.
- You will not be eligible to apply for a CDL if you have any of the following on your driving record:
- leaving the scene of an accident
- violations involving alcohol and/or drugs
- felonies involving a motor vehicle