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Get your New York CDL — government fees ($214.50), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
$214.50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,500
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain New York State Driver License
Must hold a valid NY driver license (Class D, E, or Non-CDL C).
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a DMV office, pay CLP fee, and pass CDL knowledge test(s) and endorsement tests.
Written tests available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian
Fee: $10Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving on public roads with a qualified CDL holder in the vehicle.
Pay Road Test Fee and Schedule Skills Test
Pay the $40 road test fee and schedule your CDL skills test.
Must reschedule at least 3 days in advance or lose fee
Fee: $40Pass CDL Skills Test
Pass all three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test. Must score at least 80%.
Pay CDL Fee and Receive License
Pay the CDL license fee to receive your commercial driver license.
$180.50 for MCTD residents
Fee: $164.50Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($10) + CDL ($164.50) + state skills test ($40)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length; NYC-area schools tend to be higher
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $40
DMV road test fee; must be paid before scheduling. $40 per attempt if failed.
Three-Part Exam
Third-party testing available through authorized providers
Third-party fee: $150–$500 (Varies by provider)
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of New York State
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$10
$5 additional fee for each test not taken at initial application
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$164.50
$180.50 for MCTD residents. Fee depends on license class and expiration date.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
HAZMAT endorsement requires retesting and new TSA background check at renewal. CDL fee varies based on class and expiration date.
Regulatory Board
Visit a NY DMV office, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision exam, and pay fees. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for valid out-of-state CDL holders.
Transfer Fee
$164.50
$180.50 for MCTD residents
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing New York residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only for valid CDL transfers
Veterans and service members with at least 2 years of military CMV experience may have the CDL skills test waived. Must have operated the same type of vehicles they expect to drive with their NY CDL.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with at least 2 years equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in New York.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in New York range from $3,000 to $7,500. Costs vary by school and program length; NYC-area schools tend to be higher
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to New York
New York CDLs are valid for 8 years. MCTD residents pay higher fees ($180.50 vs $164.50). Knowledge tests available in 4 languages. The CLP fee is only $10, one of the lowest in the nation. New York has a young adult (18-20) Class A CDL training program.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#45 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$51,570
25th percentile
Median
$60,520
+5% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$73,730
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
61,410 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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