Program’s Outline

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, dump trucks, school and passenger buses.

To drive certain specialized types of vehicles such as buses or tank trucks or carry hazardous materials, you must also apply for the proper endorsements on your CDL.
Endorsements include Passenger (P), allowing you to carry passengers; Tank (T), allowing you to drive trucks containing liquid cargo; and H (Hazardous Materials), allowing you to drive trucks containing such hazardous materials as flammable liquids, explosives, or radioactive substances.
All applicants for a Commercial Driver License are required to have an Operator’s License, pass the vision requirements, and pass knowledge and skills tests. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If they are under 21, they will be restricted to intrastate operation only.

To obtain an endorsement, you will need to pass a specialized knowledge exam and possibly a specialized driving skills test.
To obtain a School Bus (S) endorsement, you must also undergo a thorough background check.

Course Duration:
This course can be completed in one month if the student has the CDL permit or two months if the student does not have the permit. 

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Must have a NYS regular driver license for at least two weeks
• Must have NYS CDL learning permit
• Must live in New York