Free practice questions, official NY DMV fees (from $5), testing-office list, and state-specific rules — all cited to primary sources.
Last reviewed 2026-04-26 · cdltest.com Editorial Team
New York runs one of the most geographically stretched CDL networks in the country, from the container terminals of the Port of New York and New Jersey to the steel and grain corridors along the Thruway and the cross-border freight lanes feeding Quebec and Ontario. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles administers commercial licensing through a statewide road-test scheduler rather than a handful of dedicated commercial drive-test centers, and a few New York-specific rules sit on top of the federal CDL framework that out-of-state applicants routinely overlook.
The basic license pathway is familiar. You start with a valid New York driver license (Class D, E, or Non-CDL C), study the Commercial Driver's Manual (CDL-10), and pass the written knowledge test at a DMV office to receive a Commercial Learner Permit. You then wait the federally mandated 14 days before scheduling the road test, practice under a qualifying supervising driver, and pass the pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road skills exams to convert the CLP into a full CDL. What surprises first-time applicants is New York's fee layout. There is no consolidated CDL fee page on the DMV site. The $10 application fee covers the written-test sitting and lives on the Get-a-CDL page. Endorsement written tests are $5 each and live on the CDL Endorsements page. The road test is $40. License issuance and renewal are billed separately, starting at $164.50 for a standard CDL and bumping to $180.50 inside the twelve MCTD counties (the NYC five boroughs plus Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester). Third-party sites that quote a single "New York CDL cost" figure are almost always wrong.
The first piece of genuinely New York-specific paperwork is the Metal Coil endorsement. New York is one of the only states that requires a standalone M endorsement for drivers hauling metal coils weighing 5,000 lbs or more on state roads. The test is twenty written questions and $5, and most CDL schools outside the Buffalo and Albany steel corridors do not teach it. Drivers passing through New York with coil loads need to verify compliance or face an expensive roadside.
New York also issues all four federal medical self-certifications. You can certify as Non-Excepted Interstate, Non-Excepted Intrastate, Excepted Interstate, or Excepted Intrastate, depending on whether you cross state lines and whether your operation falls under exempted categories like school transportation, government employment, or farming. Your medical examiner transmits the certificate electronically through the FMCSA National Registry, so you do not need to hand paperwork to a DMV clerk.
Two rules trip up career-switchers. First, the School Bus endorsement requires a Passenger endorsement already on the license or applied for in the same sitting. You cannot add S to a long-haul Class A without also taking P. Second, 18, 19, and 20-year-olds qualify for a Class A CDL through New York's Young Adult Training Program, but the license carries a K (intrastate only) restriction until age 21, blocks HazMat and School Bus endorsements, and requires 300 hours of on-road supervised training. Crossing into Pennsylvania or New Jersey on a Young Adult CDL is not permitted.
The testing offices listed below are five geographically spread road-test sites confirmed for CDL classes via the New York State open-data DMV Road Test Sites dataset. CDL road tests are scheduled through the statewide scheduler at nyrtsscheduler.com rather than by calling individual sites. We review this page against the CDL-10 manual and the three CDL fee pages; the last review date is shown at the bottom next to the full source list.
Fees
Fee
Amount
Source
CDL permit application fee (covers all written knowledge and endorsement tests taken at the same sitting)
Paid at the DMV office when the commercial learner permit is issued. Additional written tests taken at a later sitting cost $5 each.
MCTD counties (NYC five boroughs plus Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester) add a $16 MCTD surcharge, raising the renewal to $180.50.
New York issues all four medical self-certification types (NI, NA, EI, EA)
Unlike states that issue only non-excepted categories, NY accepts all four federal medical self-certifications: Non-Excepted Interstate (NI), Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA), Excepted Interstate (EI), and Excepted Intrastate (EA). Excepted activities in NY include school transportation, government employment, and farm operations. Medical examiners transmit the certificate electronically to DMV via the FMCSA National Registry; drivers do not submit paperwork manually.
Metal Coil (M) endorsement — a New York-only CDL endorsement
New York requires a state-specific M (Metal Coil) endorsement for drivers hauling metal coils weighing 5,000 lbs or more on NY roads. The test is a 20-question written exam (16 correct answers to pass); the fee is $5. Most other states do not issue this endorsement, so out-of-state drivers transporting metal coils through NY should verify compliance.
School Bus (S) endorsement requires a prior or simultaneous Passenger (P) endorsement
Under NY Vehicle and Traffic Law, an applicant cannot hold an S endorsement without also holding P. The two must be taken together or P must already be on the license. NY also issues Restriction S1 (School Bus Only) and T1 (Transit Bus Only) for drivers who qualified on restricted equipment and are limited to those vehicle types within New York.
Class A Young Adult Training Program for 18 to 20-year-olds (intrastate only)
NY allows qualified 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds to hold a Class A CDL under the Young Adult Training Program. Participants must complete federal ELDT plus at least 300 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel training and receive a K (intrastate only) restriction until age 21. HazMat and School Bus endorsements are not available under the young-adult program, and simulators may not substitute for on-road hours.
Military Skills Test Waiver (Form CDL-102) — written tests still required
Active-duty military, recently discharged veterans, and NY National Guard members in CMV roles who operated a CMV of the same type for at least two years immediately before discharge or application can waive the CDL road test using Form CDL-102. The waiver does not waive written knowledge tests, the $10 permit application fee, or the license-issuance fee. Class, endorsements, and restrictions on the resulting CDL mirror the military CMV operated.
Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) designation exempts qualifying farm operators from CDL requirements
NY's Covered Farm Vehicle designation (form CFV-1) exempts qualifying farm-operation drivers from needing a CDL when hauling agricultural commodities, livestock, machinery, or supplies to or from a farm or ranch, provided the vehicle is not for-hire and is not carrying hazardous materials. For CMV-class vehicles over 26,000 lbs, the CFV exemption is capped at 150 air miles from the farm and in-state operation only. NY's F (Farm Class A) and G (Farm Class B) endorsements are issued only on non-commercial licenses; a CDL holder must downgrade to add them.
15 questions from the FMCSA CDL Manual. Click to reveal each answer.
What is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip?
A. To satisfy your dispatcher that the vehicle has been checked in
B. Safety, for yourself and for other road users
C. To make the vehicle look clean before delivery
D. To qualify for a fuel-economy bonus
Correct: B. Safety, for yourself and for other road users
The manual states plainly that safety — both yours and that of other road users — is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle. A defect caught at inspection can prevent a breakdown or a crash on the road.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.1
Why does the manual recommend doing the seven-step pre-trip inspection the same way every time?
A. Federal law requires the exact sequence to be followed
B. The DMV examiner grades you on the order alone
C. You will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something
D. Different sequences wear out different vehicle parts
Correct: C. You will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something
The seven-step method works because consistency builds memory. The manual says to do the pre-trip the same way each time so you will learn all the steps and be less likely to forget something.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5
While driving, which of the following is NOT one of the manual’s recommended ways to watch for vehicle problems during a trip?
A. Watch your gauges for signs of trouble
B. Use your senses to check for problems — look, listen, smell, feel
C. Check critical items when you stop, such as tires, brakes, and lights
D. Rely on the engine-control-module logs to surface any problems after the trip
Correct: D. Rely on the engine-control-module logs to surface any problems after the trip
The manual’s during-trip checks are all active and in-the-moment: watch gauges, use your senses, and inspect critical items at stops. Waiting until after the trip to review ECM logs misses the point — the during-trip inspection exists precisely so you catch problems before they turn into crashes.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.1.2
When you must back a commercial vehicle, the manual says you should back toward the driver’s side. Why?
A. Backing toward the driver’s side is required by federal regulation
B. So you can see the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window
C. So the exhaust stack will blow away from pedestrians
D. So the trailer brakes receive more air pressure
Correct: B. So you can see the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window
Backing to the driver’s side lets you see the rear of your vehicle directly out the side window, which the manual presents as far safer than relying only on a blind-side mirror.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.2
According to the manual, when should you downshift before entering a curve?
A. While you are in the curve, at the apex
B. After the curve, as you accelerate out
C. Before entering the curve, after slowing to a safe speed
D. Only if the curve is posted below 25 mph
Correct: C. Before entering the curve, after slowing to a safe speed
The manual says to slow to a safe speed and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. Being in the right gear before the curve lets you apply some power through the turn, which keeps the vehicle more stable.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.3.1
Which three components add up to total stopping distance for a commercial vehicle with hydraulic brakes?
A. Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance
B. Following distance, reaction distance, and braking distance
C. Perception distance, braking distance, and skid distance
D. Reaction distance, braking distance, and off-tracking distance
Correct: A. Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance
The manual gives the formula Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance = Total Stopping Distance. At 55 mph those add up to roughly 419 feet under ideal conditions.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.6.1
You are driving a 40-foot vehicle at 35 mph. Under the manual’s following-distance rule, how much space should you keep between you and the vehicle ahead?
A. At least 2 seconds
B. At least 4 seconds
C. At least 5 seconds
D. At least 7 seconds
Correct: B. At least 4 seconds
The rule is one second per 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. A 40-foot vehicle needs at least 4 seconds. You would add 1 second for speeds above 40 mph, which does not apply here.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.7.1
At night, how does the manual say you should match your speed to your headlights?
A. Drive fast enough that your headlights stay on the brightest setting
B. Drive at whatever speed the traffic around you is driving
C. Adjust your speed so you can stop within the range your headlights illuminate
D. Drive at the posted speed limit regardless of how far your lights reach
Correct: C. Adjust your speed so you can stop within the range your headlights illuminate
The manual says you must adjust your speed to keep your stopping distance within your sight distance — in other words, slow enough to stop within the range of your headlights (about 250 feet on low beams, 350–500 feet on high).
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.11.4
How far ahead does the manual say good drivers of large commercial vehicles typically look?
A. 2 to 4 seconds ahead
B. 6 to 8 seconds ahead
C. 12 to 15 seconds ahead
D. 30 to 45 seconds ahead
Correct: C. 12 to 15 seconds ahead
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead — about one block at city speeds and about a quarter of a mile at highway speeds. Looking that far ahead lets you change speed or lanes smoothly instead of reacting suddenly.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.4.1
You don’t have enough room to stop before hitting an obstacle in your lane. What does the manual say about steering around it?
A. Stopping is always safer than steering, even when space is short
B. You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop
C. You should apply the brakes hard while turning to scrub off speed
D. You should lock the brakes fully and let the vehicle skid to a stop rather than turning
Correct: B. You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop
The manual explicitly says you can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop. Stopping is not always the safest response when space is short — but top-heavy vehicles and multi-trailer combinations may flip if turned too sharply.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.17.1
Your rear drive wheels begin a braking skid. What is the first action the manual tells you to take?
A. Press harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle faster
B. Stop braking, so the rear wheels can roll again and regain traction
C. Pull the parking brake to lock the rear wheels and stop the slide
D. Shift into neutral and coast until the skid ends
Correct: B. Stop braking, so the rear wheels can roll again and regain traction
The manual’s first step to correct a drive-wheel braking skid is to stop braking. Locked wheels have less traction than rolling wheels, so releasing the brakes lets the rear wheels roll and keeps them from sliding further sideways.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.19.2
Even when you did not load the cargo yourself, you are still responsible for all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Inspecting your cargo
B. Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight
C. Knowing the cargo is properly secured and does not block your view
D. Determining the final retail price of the cargo
Correct: D. Determining the final retail price of the cargo
The manual lists the driver’s cargo responsibilities as inspecting cargo, recognizing overloads and bad weight distribution, confirming secure loading with unobstructed view, and keeping access to emergency equipment clear. Retail pricing is not a driver duty.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 3.1
Under the federal rule repeated in the manual, what is the minimum number of tiedowns for a piece of flatbed cargo, no matter how small?
A. One tiedown
B. Two tiedowns
C. Three tiedowns
D. Four tiedowns
Correct: B. Two tiedowns
The manual requires at least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo, and specifies that no matter how small the piece of cargo is, it must have at least two tiedowns.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 3.3.2
Compared with the hydraulic brakes on a car, what extra factor adds to stopping distance when a vehicle has air brakes?
A. Perception distance is longer because the driver sits higher
B. Reaction distance is longer because of the heavier steering wheel
C. Brake lag — the time (about half a second) it takes for air to flow through the lines to the brakes
D. Air brakes shorten stopping distance, they do not add to it
Correct: C. Brake lag — the time (about half a second) it takes for air to flow through the lines to the brakes
With hydraulic brakes the brakes work instantly, but with air brakes it takes about a half second or more for the air to flow through the lines. This brake-lag distance is added to perception, reaction, and braking distance — at 55 mph it adds roughly 32 feet.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 5.4.4
You are offered a load whose shipping papers require the vehicle to display hazardous materials placards. You do not have a HazMat endorsement on your CDL. What does the manual say?
A. You may drive the load if you keep the placards off until you reach the highway
B. You may drive the load as long as another endorsed driver rides along
C. You may not drive a vehicle that requires placards unless your license has the hazardous materials endorsement
D. You may drive the load because the General Knowledge test already covers HazMat
Correct: C. You may not drive a vehicle that requires placards unless your license has the hazardous materials endorsement
The manual states that if a vehicle requires placards, you cannot drive it unless your license has the hazardous materials endorsement — doing so is a crime. All drivers should be able to recognize HazMat cargo, but driving a placarded vehicle requires the H endorsement.