You must pass the written test for the CDL that you need. There is an application fee of $10.00. This fee allows you to take all written tests (knowledge and endorsement) required for permit and license issuance applied for which are taken at the same time. There will be an additional $5 fee for any other required tests not taken and passed at the time of initial application. There is a fee of $40.00 to take the CDL road test (skills test). You can pay the road test fee when the DMV office issues your commercial learner permit, or you can pay the fee online. You must pay the fee before you can schedule your road test.

When you apply for an original New York State CDL (Class A, B, or C), you must certify that

• You did not hold a driver license in any state other than New York in the last 10 years or you must report every US state (or the District of Columbia) where you held a driver license in the last 10 years.
• You meet the Federal medical examination requirements.
• You must also prove your legal presence in the United States.

The supervising driver must have a driver license that is valid to drive the commercial motor vehicle that you use for practice.

Due to consistent failures during portions of the skills test, we are inclined to point out valuable information for drivers.

Sections 11-13 of the CDL Manual (pdf) covers the skills test. Please pay special attention to the Air Brake Check information on page 11-4. We strongly recommend that drivers focus on the steps outlined for the air brake check, and follow the steps as written.

We are happy to assist you in scheduling your road test, as well as providing the vehicle for your test. Please note that you can’t schedule an appointment for a date that is less than 14 days of being issued a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP). If you do not pass the road test, you must pay a fee of $40.00 before you can schedule another road test. You can pay the fee online with your credit card, or pay the fee at a DMV office.

New CDL restrictions defined below by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may affect CLP holders when taking a Skills Test in a vehicle without full airbrakes and/or a manual transmission.

• E – No Manual Transmission Equipped Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
• L – No Airbrake Equipped CMV
• Z – No Full Airbrake Equipped CMV restrictions