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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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $40.00
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)
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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
New York has 98% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
New York has below-average cdl truck drivers density — strong demand for new cdl truck drivers.
New York ranks #48 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
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
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in New York.
Start Your CDL Training in New York
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in New York
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in New York verified against New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: