New York CDL New York Article 19-A Bus Driver Qualification

Article 19-A establishes special qualification standards for drivers employed by covered motor carriers to operate buses. A valid CDL with the right P or S endorsement is necessary when the vehicle and use require it, but the credential alone does not establish Article 19-A qualification. Both DMV and the carrier have responsibilities.

Covered carriers verify pre-employment and biennial medical examinations and required follow-ups, obtain a pre-employment license abstract, obtain annual abstracts, and review the driver's record. School-bus drivers also undergo the fingerprint-based DCJS and FBI criminal-history process required by the program.

Certified Examiners conduct annual defensive-driving observations, biennial road tests, and biennial oral or written examinations. These employer-program evaluations are distinct from the original state CDL knowledge and skills tests. Passing one set does not permanently waive the other.

Motor carriers maintain complete driver files, review driving records annually, and file the annual Article 19-A compliance affidavit by July 1. DMV audits the records. Incomplete records can lead to hearings, suspension, and civil penalties, so a carrier cannot rely on the driver to remember every renewal date informally.

New York requires covered school-bus drivers to be included in pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing regardless of CDL endorsement status. USDOT-covered and non-USDOT employees must be managed in the appropriate separate random pools; a school or carrier cannot mix pools merely for administrative convenience.

Apply the rule to the exact New York vehicle, credential, date, trip, applicant, test stage, and operating facts. Current NY DMV pages control time-sensitive procedures; CDL-10 controls the tested safety material unless a newer official notice expressly changes it.