New York CDL Information

New York CDL requirements

If you get a ticket in New York.

To apply for your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state of New York, you must not currently hold a CDL in any other state. If you do, you will be required to surrender your current license at the time you begin the application process. There are state requirements that are specific to New York that must be met as well as the federal regulations overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). All drivers seeking to apply for a CDL should be familiar with both. Federal regulations may vary slightly from year to year, but in general, to meet the requirements for applying for a commercial driver’s license, you must:

• be at least 18 years of age to drive within your state of residence and 21 years of age to drive outside of your state of residence or transport hazardous materials
• provide identification and Social Security verification according to your state’s requirements
• provide proof of state and U.S. residency
• submit a completed Medical Exam Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form
• pass a vision test
• apply for and carry your commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days
• pass a knowledge exam and road skills and driving exam within your state