How to get a CDL in New York

Fees and rules

Issued by

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV)

Learner's permit (CLP) fee

$10 application fee (includes knowledge/endorsement tests taken at the same time; $5 for each later test)

Skills (road) test fee

$40 road test fee (paid before scheduling)

CDL license fee

Varies by class and expiration date of your current license

CLP is valid for

180 days, with one renewal for another 180 days

Test languages

English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian (HazMat test English only)

Medical card

Certify that you meet federal medical requirements; keep a current USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate on file with DMV

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Required before the CDL road test for first-time CDL and first-time H/P/S; Hazmat ELDT before the H knowledge test; provider on FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Official sources

“There is an application fee of $10.00.” dmv.ny.gov

“are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian only.” dmv.ny.gov

“You can also pay the road test fee ($40.00)” dmv.ny.gov

“The license fee depends on the expiration date and the class of your current driver license.” dmv.ny.gov

“CLPs will be valid for only 180 days with one renewal for an additional 180 days.” saratogacountyny.gov

“Pay the $40.00 fee to take the CDL road test (skills test).” saratogacountyny.gov

“must complete entry-level driver training before taking a CDL road test” dmv.ny.gov

“need to keep a current USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate on file with the DMV” dmv.ny.gov