New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) ................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Classes, Endorsements & Restrictions........................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Commercial Driver License and Commercial Learner Permit Requirements ................... 1-3
1.4 Commercial Driver License Tests ................................................................................... 1-9
1.5 Additional Requirements For Bus Drivers ....................................................................... 1-10
1.6 Driver Disqualifications .................................................................................................... 1-10
1.7 Other Commercial Privilege Rules .................................................................................. 1-13
1.8 International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement .......................... 1-14
2 Driving Safely ................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Vehicle Inspection ........................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Basic Control of Your Vehicle ......................................................................................... 2-11
2.3 Shifting Gears .................................................................................................................. 2-12
2.4 Seeing.............................................................................................................................. 2-14
2.5 Communicating ................................................................................................................ 2-16
2.6 Controlling Speed ............................................................................................................ 2-19
2.7 Managing Space .............................................................................................................. 2-22
2.8 Seeing Hazards ............................................................................................................... 2-25
2.9 Distracted Driving ............................................................................................................ 2-28
2.10 Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage ..................................................................................... 2-29
2.11 Driving at Night .............................................................................................................. 2-31
2.12 Driving in Fog ................................................................................................................ 2-33
2.13 Driving in Winter ............................................................................................................ 2-33
2.14 Driving in Very Hot Weather .......................................................................................... 2-35
2.15 Railroad-Highway Crossings ......................................................................................... 2-37
2.16 Mountain Driving ............................................................................................................ 2-39
2.17 Driving Emergencies ..................................................................................................... 2-41
2.18 Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) ................................................................................... 2-44
2.19 Skid Control and Recovery............................................................................................ 2-47
2.20 Crash Procedures .......................................................................................................... 2-48
2.21 Fires ............................................................................................................................... 2-49
2.22 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving ................................................................................. 2-51
2.23 Staying Alert and Fit to Drive......................................................................................... 2-53
2.24 Hazardous Materials Rules For All Commercial Drivers ............................................... 2-55
3 Transporting Cargo Safely.............................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Inspecting Cargo ............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Weight and Balance ........................................................................................................ 3-2
3.3 Securing Cargo ................................................................................................................ 3-3
3.4 Cargo Needing Special Attention .................................................................................... 3-4
4 Transporting Passengers Safely .................................................................... 4-1
4.1 When the Passenger Endorsement Is Required ............................................................ 4-1
4.2 Vehicle Inspection ........................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3 Loading and Trip Start ..................................................................................................... 4-2
4.4 On the Road .................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.5 After-Trip Vehicle Inspection ........................................................................................... 4-5
4.6 Prohibited Practices ......................................................................................................... 4-5
4.7 Use of Brake-Door Interlocks .......................................................................................... 4-6
New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17) Page i
, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
5 Air Brakes ........................................................................................................ 5-1
5.1 The Parts of an Air Brake System.................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Dual Air Brake .................................................................................................................. 5-7
5.3 Inspecting Air Brake Systems .......................................................................................... 5-8
5.4 Using Air Brakes ............................................................................................................... 5-10
6 Combination Vehicles..................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Driving Combination Vehicles Safely ............................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Combination Vehicle Air Brakes....................................................................................... 6-5
6.3 Antilock Brake Systems .................................................................................................... 6-8
6.4 Coupling and Uncoupling ................................................................................................. 6-9
6.5 Inspecting a Combination Vehicle....................................................................................6-13
7 Doubles and Triples ........................................................................................ 7-1
7.1 Pulling Double/Triple Trailers ........................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Coupling and Uncoupling ................................................................................................. 7-3
7.3 Inspecting Doubles and Triples ........................................................................................ 7-6
7.4 Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check ..................................................................................... 7-7
8 Tank Vehicles .................................................................................................. 8-1
8.1 Inspecting Tank Vehicles ................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Driving Tank Vehicles ...................................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Safe Driving Rules ........................................................................................................... 8-3
9 Hazardous Materials ....................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 The Intent of the Regulations ........................................................................................... 9-3
9.2 Hazardous Materials Transportation – Who Does What ................................................. 9-3
9.3 Communication Rules ...................................................................................................... 9-4
9.4 Loading and Unloading .................................................................................................... 9-12
9.5 Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and Unloading ........................................................... 9-16
9.6 Hazardous Materials – Driving and Parking Rules .......................................................... 9-17
9.7 Hazardous Materials – Emergencies ...............................................................................9-20
9.8 Hazardous Materials Glossary ......................................................................................... 9-24
10 School Bus .................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1 Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors .................................................................................10-1
10.2 Loading and Unloading .................................................................................................. 10-3
10.3 Emergency Exit and Evacuation ....................................................................................10-7
10.4 Railroad-Highway Crossings ..........................................................................................10-9
10.5 Student Management .................................................................................................... 10-11
10.6 Antilock Braking Systems ............................................................................................... 10-12
10.7 Special Safety Considerations ....................................................................................... 10-13
Page ii New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17)
, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
11 Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test .................................................................. 11-1
11.1 Taking the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test ...................................................................... 11-1
11.2 Engine/Cab Inspection (All Vehicles) ............................................................................ 11-1
11.3 External Inspection (All Vehicles) .................................................................................. 11-4
11.4 School Bus Only ............................................................................................................ 11-8
11.5 Trailer ............................................................................................................................. 11-9
11.6 Coach/Transit Bus ......................................................................................................... 11-10
11.7 CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid ............................................................................. 11-12
12 Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test ................................................................. 12-1
12.1 Scoring........................................................................................................................... 12-1
12.2 Exercises ....................................................................................................................... 12-2
13 On-Road Driving Test .................................................................................... 13-1
13.1 Specific Driving Maneuvers ........................................................................................... 13-1
13.2 Your Overall Performance and General Driving Behavior ............................................ 13-5
ALL COMMERCIAL DRIVERS SHOULD READ AND KNOW
THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 1
New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17) Page iii
, Section 1 INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
This Section Covers
⚫ Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV)
⚫ Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Classes,
Endorsements & Restrictions
⚫ Commercial Driver License and Commercial Learner Permit Requirements
⚫ Commercial Driver License Tests
⚫ Additional Requirements For Bus Drivers
⚫ Driver Disqualifications
⚫ Other Commercial Privilege Rules
⚫ International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement
1.1 - Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV)
You must have a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) to operate
any of the following CMVs:
⚫ Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
⚫ A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating
(GCWR) is 26,001 pounds or more. GCWR is the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of each
vehicle in combination
⚫ A vehicle designed to transport 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver) or a vehicle
defined as a bus under Article 19-A, Section 509-a of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL).
⚫ Any size vehicle that requires hazardous materials placards or is carrying material listed as a select
agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland
Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement.
EXEMPTIONS
Drivers of the following vehicles that otherwise meet the definition of a CMV are exempt from the
CDL requirement:
⚫ A vehicle owned and controlled by a farmer that has a GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs and is
used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm products within 150 miles of the farm
⚫ A vehicle primarily designed for purposes other than the transportation of persons or property
(commonly referred to as Special Purpose Commercial) with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or less or,
if the GVWR is more than 26,000 lbs, not able to be operated at normal highway speeds
⚫ Fire and police vehicles engaged in emergency operations in New York State
⚫ Military vehicles or combination of vehicles operated by members of the armed forces
⚫ Personal vehicles (including rental vehicles up to 26,000 lbs GVWR) when operated strictly and
exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-commercial purposes.
1.2 - Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Classes,
Endorsements & Restrictions
CDL and CLP classes, endorsements and restrictions are based on the type of CMV driven. The type of
CMV is determined by the vehicle manufacturer's GVWR (for single vehicles) or GCWR (for combination
vehicles), construction or use. (Under the NYS VTL, CMV weight classifications are based on the greater
of the following weights: manufacturer's GVWR or GCWR, registration weight, or actual weight of the
vehicle(s) and load.) CLP/CDL classes, endorsements and restrictions, therefore, correspond to vehicle
weight, construction or use, as shown in Figure 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 on page 1-2.
New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17) Page 1-1
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) ................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)
Classes, Endorsements & Restrictions........................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Commercial Driver License and Commercial Learner Permit Requirements ................... 1-3
1.4 Commercial Driver License Tests ................................................................................... 1-9
1.5 Additional Requirements For Bus Drivers ....................................................................... 1-10
1.6 Driver Disqualifications .................................................................................................... 1-10
1.7 Other Commercial Privilege Rules .................................................................................. 1-13
1.8 International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement .......................... 1-14
2 Driving Safely ................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Vehicle Inspection ........................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Basic Control of Your Vehicle ......................................................................................... 2-11
2.3 Shifting Gears .................................................................................................................. 2-12
2.4 Seeing.............................................................................................................................. 2-14
2.5 Communicating ................................................................................................................ 2-16
2.6 Controlling Speed ............................................................................................................ 2-19
2.7 Managing Space .............................................................................................................. 2-22
2.8 Seeing Hazards ............................................................................................................... 2-25
2.9 Distracted Driving ............................................................................................................ 2-28
2.10 Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage ..................................................................................... 2-29
2.11 Driving at Night .............................................................................................................. 2-31
2.12 Driving in Fog ................................................................................................................ 2-33
2.13 Driving in Winter ............................................................................................................ 2-33
2.14 Driving in Very Hot Weather .......................................................................................... 2-35
2.15 Railroad-Highway Crossings ......................................................................................... 2-37
2.16 Mountain Driving ............................................................................................................ 2-39
2.17 Driving Emergencies ..................................................................................................... 2-41
2.18 Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) ................................................................................... 2-44
2.19 Skid Control and Recovery............................................................................................ 2-47
2.20 Crash Procedures .......................................................................................................... 2-48
2.21 Fires ............................................................................................................................... 2-49
2.22 Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving ................................................................................. 2-51
2.23 Staying Alert and Fit to Drive......................................................................................... 2-53
2.24 Hazardous Materials Rules For All Commercial Drivers ............................................... 2-55
3 Transporting Cargo Safely.............................................................................. 3-1
3.1 Inspecting Cargo ............................................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Weight and Balance ........................................................................................................ 3-2
3.3 Securing Cargo ................................................................................................................ 3-3
3.4 Cargo Needing Special Attention .................................................................................... 3-4
4 Transporting Passengers Safely .................................................................... 4-1
4.1 When the Passenger Endorsement Is Required ............................................................ 4-1
4.2 Vehicle Inspection ........................................................................................................... 4-1
4.3 Loading and Trip Start ..................................................................................................... 4-2
4.4 On the Road .................................................................................................................... 4-4
4.5 After-Trip Vehicle Inspection ........................................................................................... 4-5
4.6 Prohibited Practices ......................................................................................................... 4-5
4.7 Use of Brake-Door Interlocks .......................................................................................... 4-6
New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17) Page i
, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
5 Air Brakes ........................................................................................................ 5-1
5.1 The Parts of an Air Brake System.................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Dual Air Brake .................................................................................................................. 5-7
5.3 Inspecting Air Brake Systems .......................................................................................... 5-8
5.4 Using Air Brakes ............................................................................................................... 5-10
6 Combination Vehicles..................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Driving Combination Vehicles Safely ............................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Combination Vehicle Air Brakes....................................................................................... 6-5
6.3 Antilock Brake Systems .................................................................................................... 6-8
6.4 Coupling and Uncoupling ................................................................................................. 6-9
6.5 Inspecting a Combination Vehicle....................................................................................6-13
7 Doubles and Triples ........................................................................................ 7-1
7.1 Pulling Double/Triple Trailers ........................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Coupling and Uncoupling ................................................................................................. 7-3
7.3 Inspecting Doubles and Triples ........................................................................................ 7-6
7.4 Doubles/Triples Air Brake Check ..................................................................................... 7-7
8 Tank Vehicles .................................................................................................. 8-1
8.1 Inspecting Tank Vehicles ................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Driving Tank Vehicles ...................................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Safe Driving Rules ........................................................................................................... 8-3
9 Hazardous Materials ....................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 The Intent of the Regulations ........................................................................................... 9-3
9.2 Hazardous Materials Transportation – Who Does What ................................................. 9-3
9.3 Communication Rules ...................................................................................................... 9-4
9.4 Loading and Unloading .................................................................................................... 9-12
9.5 Bulk Packaging Marking, Loading and Unloading ........................................................... 9-16
9.6 Hazardous Materials – Driving and Parking Rules .......................................................... 9-17
9.7 Hazardous Materials – Emergencies ...............................................................................9-20
9.8 Hazardous Materials Glossary ......................................................................................... 9-24
10 School Bus .................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1 Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors .................................................................................10-1
10.2 Loading and Unloading .................................................................................................. 10-3
10.3 Emergency Exit and Evacuation ....................................................................................10-7
10.4 Railroad-Highway Crossings ..........................................................................................10-9
10.5 Student Management .................................................................................................... 10-11
10.6 Antilock Braking Systems ............................................................................................... 10-12
10.7 Special Safety Considerations ....................................................................................... 10-13
Page ii New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17)
, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
11 Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test .................................................................. 11-1
11.1 Taking the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Test ...................................................................... 11-1
11.2 Engine/Cab Inspection (All Vehicles) ............................................................................ 11-1
11.3 External Inspection (All Vehicles) .................................................................................. 11-4
11.4 School Bus Only ............................................................................................................ 11-8
11.5 Trailer ............................................................................................................................. 11-9
11.6 Coach/Transit Bus ......................................................................................................... 11-10
11.7 CDL Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid ............................................................................. 11-12
12 Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test ................................................................. 12-1
12.1 Scoring........................................................................................................................... 12-1
12.2 Exercises ....................................................................................................................... 12-2
13 On-Road Driving Test .................................................................................... 13-1
13.1 Specific Driving Maneuvers ........................................................................................... 13-1
13.2 Your Overall Performance and General Driving Behavior ............................................ 13-5
ALL COMMERCIAL DRIVERS SHOULD READ AND KNOW
THE REQUIREMENTS IN SECTION 1
New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17) Page iii
, Section 1 INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
This Section Covers
⚫ Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV)
⚫ Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Classes,
Endorsements & Restrictions
⚫ Commercial Driver License and Commercial Learner Permit Requirements
⚫ Commercial Driver License Tests
⚫ Additional Requirements For Bus Drivers
⚫ Driver Disqualifications
⚫ Other Commercial Privilege Rules
⚫ International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement
1.1 - Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV)
You must have a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) to operate
any of the following CMVs:
⚫ Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
⚫ A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating
(GCWR) is 26,001 pounds or more. GCWR is the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of each
vehicle in combination
⚫ A vehicle designed to transport 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver) or a vehicle
defined as a bus under Article 19-A, Section 509-a of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL).
⚫ Any size vehicle that requires hazardous materials placards or is carrying material listed as a select
agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73. Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland
Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement.
EXEMPTIONS
Drivers of the following vehicles that otherwise meet the definition of a CMV are exempt from the
CDL requirement:
⚫ A vehicle owned and controlled by a farmer that has a GVWR of more than 26,000 lbs and is
used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm products within 150 miles of the farm
⚫ A vehicle primarily designed for purposes other than the transportation of persons or property
(commonly referred to as Special Purpose Commercial) with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or less or,
if the GVWR is more than 26,000 lbs, not able to be operated at normal highway speeds
⚫ Fire and police vehicles engaged in emergency operations in New York State
⚫ Military vehicles or combination of vehicles operated by members of the armed forces
⚫ Personal vehicles (including rental vehicles up to 26,000 lbs GVWR) when operated strictly and
exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-commercial purposes.
1.2 - Commercial Driver License (CDL) and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) Classes,
Endorsements & Restrictions
CDL and CLP classes, endorsements and restrictions are based on the type of CMV driven. The type of
CMV is determined by the vehicle manufacturer's GVWR (for single vehicles) or GCWR (for combination
vehicles), construction or use. (Under the NYS VTL, CMV weight classifications are based on the greater
of the following weights: manufacturer's GVWR or GCWR, registration weight, or actual weight of the
vehicle(s) and load.) CLP/CDL classes, endorsements and restrictions, therefore, correspond to vehicle
weight, construction or use, as shown in Figure 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 on page 1-2.
New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual CDL-10 (4/17) Page 1-1
