Whether transporting children to school or produce to a grocery store, sometimes certain type of work requires the use of a commercial vehicle. But how does someone go about obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in New York?
To obtain a CDL in New York, you are required to pass a test of skills and knowledge-based upon what type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) you are planning to drive. Under federal law, those drivers who are crossing state lines must be at least 21 years of age. As for those who are eligible to drive CMVs within state lines, it differs from state to state. As stated in the New York CDL manual, those individuals must also be at least 21 years of age, regardless of the type of CMV.
Steps for Acquiring Your CDL
To obtain your New York State CDL, you must:
- Have either a New York State driver’s license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C) or valid CDL from a different state;
- Apply for a commercial learner permit at the DMV;
- If your application is accepted, prepare for a road test by practicing with a driver who has his or her CDL; and
- Schedule a road test. (If you pass the road test, your local DMV will issue a temporary CDL, which is valid for 90 days. Your photo CDL will arrive in the mail within 3 to 4 weeks.)
CDL Classifications
According to New York state law, which follows federal guidelines, there are three classifications of CMVs:
- Class A – Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination of weight rating (GCWR) of at least 26,001 pounds so long as the GVWR of the vehicle or vehicles being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- Class B – Any single vehicle with a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds, or any vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds.
- Class C – Any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the requirements of Class A or Class B and is either designed to transport at least 16 individuals (including the driver), or is transporting hazardous material (as designated).
CDLs are regulated throughout the country under the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1999, which was later modified by the Patriot Act in 2005. The Patriot Act states that any out-of-state transfers of CDLs are subject to certain security measures should they be transporting any hazardous materials.
AutoTrafficTickets.com Helps Those in New York Who Are Dealing with Obtaining a New York CDL or Have Incurred a Violation
If you or a loved one has any questions regarding a New York State CDL or has been issued a CDL ticket for a violation, AutoTrafficTickets.com can help. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, fill out a contact form or call us at 855-349-8499 today!
Posted in: Commercial Driver's License