New York Commercial Driver's Licensing (CDL) Information

Our Team of Experienced Buffalo, New York Personal Injury Attorneys is Dedicated to Fighting on Behalf of the Victims of Negligence in Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents.

All drivers of large commercial motor vehicles are required to possess a Commercial Driver’s License. If you are hurt in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle and the operator is not properly licensed, they may be liable for your injuries and the damages resulting from the accident. At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. we fight to obtain maximum compensation for people who have been injured by a third party’s negligence.

Jed Dietrich, Esq., a recognized Best Lawyer of America and New York Super Lawyer, and his top rated team of commercial motor vehicle accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York have obtained more than $175,000,000.00 in verdicts and settlements for their clients. Every day the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. strives to provide the highest level of personal injury service to the people of Western New York. Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. TODAY at 716-839-3939 to schedule a free consultation. We are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. There is never a fee unless we win for YOU.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) certifies that a person is properly trained and equipped to operate a commercial motor vehicle. A commercial motor vehicle is any vehicle that is used by a business to transport goods or people. Many types of large trucks, buses and tractor-trailers qualify as commercial motor vehicles. These big rigs are difficult to operate, and present challenges that normal passenger vehicles do not. Therefore, the drivers of these vehicles must possess the necessary skillset to operate them.

Prior to 1986, any person with a regular Driver’s License could legally operate a commercial motor vehicle. However, many drivers did not have the proper knowledge to handle these large vehicles safely. Due to safety concerns, Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which made it mandatory for all drivers of commercial vehicles to have a CDL.

The top rated and elite Buffalo, New York commercial motor vehicle accident lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. have settled a vast number of motor vehicle cases for $1,000,000.000, or more. We are aggressive, tenacious and hardworking and will pursue the compensation that you deserve. Call us today at 716-839-3939.

Drivers must first obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) by passing a written test administered by the DMV. Applicants will also have their driving record for the past 10 years reviewed. Additionally, an applicant must prove that they are medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. This usually involves a physical examination. Once a driver has their CLP, they can begin training with a supervising driver.

It is common for those seeking a CDL to enroll in a driving school. These programs are typically several weeks long, and prepare drivers to pass the skills test necessary for their CDL certification. These CDL training programs can also be beneficial to drivers because they usually assist with job placement.

The CDL skills test consists of three parts:

1. The Vehicle Inspection Test;
2. The Basic Controls Test; and
3. The Road Test.

In addition to the road test, you must pass additional CDL Endorsement Tests for the type of CDL you wish to obtain. Examples of CDL endorsements are:

1. Passenger Transport Endorsement;
2. School Bus Endorsement;
3. Tank Vehicle Endorsement; and
4. Hazardous Materials Endorsement.

Depending on which CDL endorsement you plan to earn, specific written and skills tests may be required.

If you were injured in a commercial motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you want the best personal injury lawyer in Buffalo, New York to pursue your legal rights. Call the Buffalo, New York commercial motor vehicle accident lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. TODAY at 716-839-3939 to schedule a free consultation. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has been handling serious personal injury cases since 1999 and has obtained proven results for his injured clients. If you have been hurt in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle, our experienced staff will assist you with the voluminous paperwork and complex New York State legal process for personal injury cases.

Types Of CDL’s

Depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive, there are different types of CDL’s that you can apply for:

CDL Class A

A Class A CDL allows a driver to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. The towed vehicle that is attached must weigh more than 10,000 pounds. This includes vehicles such as:

1. Tanker trucks;
2. Flatbed trucks;
3. Truck and trailer combinations; and
4. Tractor-trailers.

CDL Class B

A Class B CDL is required to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. A Class B CDL also permits a driver to tow a vehicle that is less than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles that require Class B certification are:

1. Large passenger buses;
2. Box trucks;
3. Dump trucks; and
4. Tractor-trailers.

CDL Class C

A Class C CDL is required to operate a vehicle that transports hazardous materials, as classified under federal law, or 16 or more occupants. This includes vehicles such as:

1. Hazardous materials (HazMat) vehicles; and
2. Passenger vans.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of experienced commercial motor vehicle accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York are highly rated because of the consistent results they obtain for their clients and the unmatched level of personal injury service that they strive to provide. If you are injured in an accident with a commercial motor vehicle, call us TODAY at 716-839-3939 to schedule a free consultation. Our staff of trial lawyers and paralegals is aggressive, tenacious and hardworking and will fight to obtain the best result for you!

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!