Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 7
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) with the proper endorsements.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles • Motor Carrier Safety/CDL Policy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,520 median (5% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#8 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to NYS Department of Motor Vehicles~Motor Carrier Safety/CDL Policy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $60,520, Truck Driver (CDL)s in New York earn 5% above the national median of $57,440. New York ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$60,520Hourly estimate
$29.105% above national median
Difference: +$3,080
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#8 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $60,520 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $56,360 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $60,630 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $58,700 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $64,720 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $58,540 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles • Motor Carrier Safety/CDL Policy
6 Empire State Plaza, Swan St. Bldg., Room 331, Albany, NY, 12228
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $172,500 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $93,610 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $93,200 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in New York?
New York lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in New York?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in New York.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in New York is $60,520. Salaries range from $46,020 (10th percentile) to $90,150 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in New York compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in New York earn 5% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $60,520.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in New York?
New York employs approximately 61,410 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Department of Motor Vehicles / Motor Carrier Safety/CDL Policy. Review agency details at https://www.dmv.ny.gov/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.