What is a CDL?
A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain
"standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from the New
York "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required
if you drive certain kinds of commercial vehicles.
What is the COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE
SAFETY ACT OF 1986 (CMVSA/86)?
It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the
individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing
of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. New York driver licensing standards
comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a New York Commercial
Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable vehicles. A CDL license can ONLY
be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you
can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.
When do I need a New York CDL instead
of my regular New York Drivers License?
A New York CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .
1. A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more
than 26,000 lbs.
2. A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs.
when the GCWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
3. A vehicle used to . . .(a.) carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the
driver), or (b.) carry (15) or less people (including the driver) when carrying
children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
4. A vehicle carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.
What are the eligibility requirements
to obtain a New York CDL?
1. You must be 21 years old. (18 years for Class B or C only, if all driving is
done within New York and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are
transported.)
2. You must be physically capable of obtaining a valid medical examiner's card (before
taking any CDL skills test).
3. You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any
of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a New York CDL . . .
* If you possess a license from any state other than New York.
* If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial
driving privilege from New York or any other state.
* If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
* If you have a conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while
impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.
* other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to New York
are covered in detail within the Course.
How do I obtain a New York CDL?
1. Show your New York driver license.
2. You must take and pass all New York examinations that apply to your license
class and endorsement requirements.
3. Show proof of social security number.
4. Meet New York driver record eligibility requirements as determined by the
State.
5. Fill out an application including certifications.
6. Pass the required knowledge and vision tests (BEFORE a CDL Temporary
Instruction Permit will be issued).
7. Pay the New York CDL fees.
8. Schedule, take, and pass your New York CDL skills test.
THE COURSE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PASS THE WRITTEN AND SKILLS
EXAMS FOR ALL CLASSES OF LICENSE AND LICENSE ENDORSEMENTS AVAILABLE.
What
is a "Skills Test" and how do I take it?
A "skills" test is the practical portion of the exam and includes . .
.
1. A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety
check.
2. A basic control skills test.
3. A driving test.
The skills test is normally given at an approved third party testing site in
your area. This can vary and the latest procedures are indicated in the New York
CDL Course.
THE COURSE COVERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PASS THE WRITTEN AND SKILLS
EXAMS FOR ALL CLASSES OF LICENSE AND LICENSE ENDORSEMENTS AVAILABLE.
So lets say I get a New York CDL. Can I
use it Out-of-State?
Yes! It is good throughout the entire United States.
Can my New York CDL be suspended or
revoked?
Yes, there are MANY reasons that your New York CDL can be suspended or revoked.
Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top
the list. The Course details ALL of the rules regarding suspension or
revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated
and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!
So lets say that my New York CDL is
revoked. Can't I just apply for a CDL in another State?
No!!! Those days are gone.
Are there any exemptions to being
required to have New York CDL?
Yes, a few . . .
1. Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military
vehicles.
2. Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating
authorized emergency vehicles.
3. Farmers . . . in certain cases.
4. Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to
transport personal possessions or family members, for non business purposes.
What do the terms Class A, Class B, and
Class C mean on my New York CDL?
It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .
CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other
vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. A Class "A" license also
allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles.
CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or
more OR a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing
trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A Class "B"
license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles.
CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR; that are
designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15
or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school
and home regularly for compensation, or carry hazardous materials in amounts
requiring placarding.
What are Endorsement Codes and when do
I need them on my New York CDL?
Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as
follows . . .
(T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS.
(P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people
(including the driver); or those which carry 15 or less people (including the
driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for
compensation.
(N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in
bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or
more.
(H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring
placards.
(X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (T) vehicle that carries Hazardous
Materials (H).
I'm
over 18 years old, but not 21 years old yet. Can I get a New York CDL license?
Yes. With restrictions. You cannot drive a commercial vehicle out of New York.
You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZMAT placarding.
We could go on and on with FAQ's but I hope this covers most of your GENERAL questions. Please be assured that the Course answers EVERYTHING that you need to know to obtain ANY or ALL of the available CDL licenses and endorsements in an easy to understand manner. The material is presented in three different ways to reinforce your retention. GOOD LUCK !!