New York State Department of Labor Labor Statistics

Truck Driver

Heavy Truck or Tractor Trailer

Description:

Drivers of heavy trucks or tractor trailers may operate vehicles with a Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of over 26,000 pounds by obtaining the appropriate Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Licensing Requirements:

A Class D, E, or Non CDL C operator's license or a valid CDL from another state is required prior to receiving Class 'A', 'B', or 'C' Licenses. Motor vehicle drivers seeking a license to drive a heavy truck or tractor trailer in New York State must apply to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The initial license for heavy truck drivers issued is valid for variable periods of time and expires on the birth date of each driver. CDL license renewals are valid for a term of 8 years.

Age Requirements:

Applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which is necessary to operate heavy trucks or tractor-trailer combinations, must be at least 18 years of age. However, if under age 21, applicants can only drive a CMV for intrastate commerce (within New York State), cannot transport students in a school bus, and cannot transport hazardous materials. CDL applicants who will be driving heavy trucks or tractor trailers for Interstate Commerce must be at least 21 years of age.

Education Requirement:

Non-mandatory training is available from professional driving schools.

Experience Requirement:

No minimum work experience is required to obtain a license to drive heavy trucks or tractor trailers.

Fees:

• $10 -- Initial Application (Written test fee)
• $40 -- Skills Test (plus $5 for every 6-month period remaining until the driver's birth date)
• $10 -- Photo document(s)
• $130 -- Renewal (8 years)

Examination Description:

Written Test (multiple-choice format)
Vision Test (standard Snellen)
Skills Test (vehicle inspection, and on-road skills test)

Note: Domestic, Out-of-State licenses must be surrendered in keeping with federal law.

Examination Requirements:

Candidates to become a licensed driver of heavy trucks or tractor trailers in New York State must successfully pass both the Written and On-The-Road Skills Examinations. The minimum passing score on the Written Examination is 80 percent. Road Skills testing criteria are too complex to list here. Candidates who fail either the Written or On-The-Road Skills Examinations may reapply. In such cases, the candidate(s) must repeat the failed test(s). A $40 fee is again payable for each On-The-Road Skills Examination.

Licenses Issued and Active:

As of January 30, 2009, there were 578,480 Commercial Driver's Licenses issued and active.

Licensing Authority:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Motor Carrier Safety/CDL Policy
6 Empire State Plaza
Swan Street Building, Room 221
Albany, New York 12228
E-mail: nydmv@dmv.state.ny.us

Standard Occupational Classification:

53-3032 - Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
To learn more about this occupation go to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).

Additional Information:

New York State Driver's Manual, Commercial Driver's Manual, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Regulations of the New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Authorizing Statute - Article 19 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.