How to Get Your CDL License in New York: A Complete Guide

In New York, getting a CDL license is a major step toward a professional driving career. But navigating the CDL requirements in New York can feel complex with state rules, federal regulations, medical certifications, and training mandates. If you’re wondering how to get your CDL license in New York, what documents you need, how to pass the permit and road tests, and how to self-certify your driving type, you’re in the right place. This article will reveal the most up-to-date and official information from the New York State DMV and the FMCSA, giving you a step-by-step roadmap to achieve your CDL.

What are the requirements to get a CDL license in New York?

To successfully obtain a CDL in New York, you must satisfy several requirements across different categories: age, residency and legal presence, health, language, testing, and self-certification. Below is a detailed breakdown based on New York DMV’s official rules and federal FMCSA standards. 

Age requirements

Age requirements

In New York, you must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within the state (intrastate). To operate in interstate commerce (across state lines) or to carry passengers or hazardous materials (HazMat), you must be 21 or older.

For young adults (18–20) applying for a Class A CDL, New York has a special Young Adult Training Program. They must complete ELDT and accumulate 300 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving under a qualified Class A driver. 

Residency and legal presence requirements

To apply for a New York CDL, you must already hold a valid New York State driver’s license (Class D, E, or non-CDL Class C). 

You need to provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. (e.g., U.S. Passport, permanent resident card) when applying. You must also show proof of New York State residency using the documents accepted by DMV.

Medical and physical requirements

Medical and physical requirements

One of the most critical parts of obtaining and maintaining a CDL is the medical certification:

• If you choose a non-excepted driving type (which means either non-excepted interstate or non-excepted intrastate), New York requires you to submit a valid USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate to DMV. 
• The medical exam must be conducted by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry. 
• As of June 23, 2025, many states (including presumably, New York) are shifting to electronic transmission of medical exam results (NRII rule). After this date, your examiner will send your medical certificate directly to FMCSA, and FMCSA will forward it to your state DMV.
• Under 49 CFR § 391.43, medical examiners must follow certain FMCSA criteria for physical exams (vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, etc.).

Language requirements

According to New York DMV, the written CDL permit tests are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian. However, for some endorsements (e.g., Hazardous Materials), the test is offered in English only. 

Beyond testing, FMCSA requires that a CDL driver be able to read and speak English sufficiently to understand highway signs, converse with law enforcement, and complete reports.

Written and skills testing requirements

To get a CDL in New York, you need to pass both the knowledge (written) tests and the skills (road) test:

Written Tests (at DMV offices)

• General Knowledge (mandatory) 
• Additional tests depending on the class: Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles (for Class A), etc. 
• Endorsement tests if you want P (Passenger), H (HazMat), S (School Bus), T (Doubles/Triples), W (Tow), or X (Tank/HazMat) endorsements.

This test is crucial, so make sure to practice thoroughly before taking the real exam. Start by trying a free New York CDL practice test to build your confidence. 

Skills Test

After getting your CLP (Commercial Learner Permit), you must:

• Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before scheduling a road test. 
• Pass three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving test. 
• Use a vehicle appropriate for the class of CDL you’re testing for; restrictions (e.g., no-air-brake, no manual transmission) may apply, and the DMV may issue restriction codes (E, L, Z) depending on the test vehicle.

Self-certification requirements

Self‑certification is a federal requirement. When you apply for your CLP or CDL, you must declare the type of driving you expect to perform. New York requires this. The common categories:

• Non‑Excepted Interstate (NI): interstate driving, DOT medical card required
• Excepted Interstate (EI): interstate driving, but exempt from some DOT medical rules
• Non‑Excepted Intrastate (NA): in-state driving, medical card required
• Excepted Intrastate (EA):  in-state driving, exempted medical requirements

If you self-certify to Non‑Excepted (NI or NA), you must have a valid USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file. If you self-certify to an Excepted driving type (EI or EA), you may not need to provide a medical certificate.

How to get your CDL license in New York?

Now that you understand the requirements, here’s the step-by-step process for actually getting your CDL in New York.

Step 1: Prepare necessary documents

Prepare necessary documents

Before going to a DMV office to apply, gather all required documentation:

• Driver’s license: Valid New York State driver’s license (Class D, E, or non-CDL C). 
• Identity documents: Birth certificate, passport, or other certified proof.
• Legal presence: Proof you are legally in the U.S. (passport, green card, etc.). 
• Residency proof: Documents showing you live in New York (utility bill, lease, etc.).
• Social Security Number: Usually required for the last 4 digits.
• Medical Certification: If you are non-exempt, you must get a USDOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified examiner. 
• Also, fill out the CDL application form: New York uses MV‑44, the Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non‑Driver ID.

Step 2: Get a CDL permit (CLP)

Get a CDL permit (CLP)

• Go to a New York DMV office to apply. Bring all the documents above. 
• Take the required written permit (“knowledge”) tests for your CDL class and any endorsements.
• Pay the permit fee: As of the latest New York DMV guidelines, the application fee is $10 for the permit test, plus $5 for any additional tests not passed at the same time.
• After passing, you’ll be issued a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). With this, you can begin practicing driving, but you must have a qualified CDL driver next to you.

Step 3: Complete Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Complete Entry‑Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Because of federal rules, New York requires ELDT for many new CDL applicants.

• If it’s your first Class A or B CDL, or you are adding a HazMat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement for the first time, ELDT is mandatory.
• ENROLL in a training provider that is registered on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR).
• The training includes:
  • Theory (knowledge) component
  • Behind-the-wheel (BTW) practical driving component
• Once completed, the provider will report your ELDT completion electronically to DMV via the FMCSA system. New York DMV will verify before you can take the skills test.

For young adults (ages 18–20) doing a Class A CDL under New York’s Young Adult Program, in addition to ELDT, they must complete 300 hours of supervised driving. 

Step 4: Practice driving & schedule skills test

Practice driving & schedule skills test

After obtaining your CLP, you must practice driving with a qualified CDL holder (as per DMV rules). Wait at least 14 days after getting your CLP before you can schedule your road (skills) test. Use the New York DMV Road Test Scheduling System to book your skills test. 

Prepare for all parts of the test:

• Pre-trip inspection 
• Basic control maneuvers 
• An on-road driving test 

Be aware of vehicle restrictions:

• If your test vehicle does not have a manual transmission, you may receive an “E” restriction on your license. 
• If it doesn’t have full air brakes, you may receive an “L” restriction. 
• For air-over-hydraulic brakes, the first test might give you a “Z” restriction.

Step 5: Pass the CDL Skills Test & get a CDL license

Pass the CDL Skills Test & get a CDL license

When you pass your skills (road) test, the DMV will give you a temporary CDL at the office.

Pay the CDL license fee. The cost depends on the class of license and the expiration date, and New York DMV staff will calculate it for you. Your official plastic CDL card will be mailed to you in about 3–4 weeks (per New York DMV). Make sure your medical certificate is on file with DMV (for non-excepted drivers).

FAQs

1. Can I get my CDL license in New York without going to school?

Yes. Theoretically, you can self-study and prepare for the written permit tests on your own using the New York Commercial Driver’s Manual. However, ELDT is mandatory if you are applying for your first Class A or B CDL, or if you’re adding certain endorsements. The “school” here doesn’t necessarily mean a traditional driving school. You must use a training provider listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The behind-the-wheel (BTW) portion of ELDT must be done with a legitimate training provider; you cannot skip this if the rule applies.

2. What are three tests for a CDL permit in New York?

To get a CDL permit or a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), you will generally need to pass:

• The General Knowledge Test: mandatory for all CDL classes.
• Air Brakes Test: only if you plan to drive a vehicle with air brakes.
• Combination Vehicles Test:  for Class A CDL (tractors + trailers) if applicable.

3. How much does it cost to get a CDL license in New York?

Getting a CDL in New York typically may cost around $4000–$5000 for state fees, including the permit, written tests, skills test, training schools, and license issuance. Keep in mind that ELDT training costs are separate and can vary depending on the provider. For a full, detailed breakdown of all fees and training costs, check out our guide: How much does it cost to get a CDL license in New York?

Conclusion

The steps on how to get your CDL license in New York can feel complicated at first, but the process becomes much easier once you understand the state and federal requirements. From meeting age and residency rules to completing ELDT training, passing the written permit exams, and demonstrating your skills on the road test, each step is designed to ensure you’re fully prepared for commercial driving.