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NYNew York CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
New York Department of Motor Vehicles
Official CDL page
dmv.ny.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
dmv.ny.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
dmv.ny.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
English and other languages

Offered in: English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian. Rules are changing in 2026; confirm before you book.

Hazmat knowledge test in English only.

Source: dmv.ny.gov

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

Test languages

New York offers CDL written tests (Class A, B, C and endorsements) in English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian only; the Hazmat test is English only. The manual also requires enough English to read signs and talk with officials.

Source: dmv.ny.gov

Knowledge tests

All knowledge questions are multiple choice with 3 answer choices, and 80% passes each test. The General Knowledge test covers manual sections 1, 2, 3, 11, 12 and 13.

Source: dmv.ny.gov

Fees

The CDL permit application fee is $10 and covers all written tests taken the same day; other tests later cost $5 each. The road test fee is $40.

Source: dmv.ny.gov

Age

You can get a Class A, B or C CDL at 18, but under 21 you may drive only within New York and cannot drive a school bus with students or carry hazardous materials.

Source: dmv.ny.gov

Also important

You need a New York driver license before taking the CDL permit test, and permit tests are only at DMV offices. Road tests cannot be scheduled within 14 days of getting the permit; results post online after 6 p.m.

Source: dmv.ny.gov

Where this state's manual differs

  • 5.1.11 New York's manual says the low-air warning must come on before tank pressure falls below 60 psi (national text: 55 psi).
  • 5.2 New York's dual air brake section uses 60 psi for the warning light/buzzer and the shut-off value (national: 55 psi).
  • 11 (pre-trip) New York's pre-trip check says low-air devices should activate before 60 psi (national: 55 psi).
  • 1.5 New York lists the court fine for holding more than one license as $75–$300 (national text: up to $5,000).

State-only topics in the manual

  • Section 1 New York rules: residency, age and English-language requirements, knowledge-test format, limited school-bus/transit-bus licenses (S1/T1).

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.