Ritchie Urges NYS DMV to Reconsider New Commercial Driver's License Exam Requirements

State Senator Patty Ritchie is calling on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYS DMV) to reevaluate the requirements in the new commercial driver’s license road test that were introduced on October 1, 2017.

In recent weeks, a number of companies and school district officials—that need to hire drivers—have reached out to Senator Ritchie, concerned with the number of potential drivers who have been unable to reach the new standards. Some companies and districts have reported failure rates reaching 90 percent, with tests taking a long as three hours.

Those reports have also consistently contained concerns over a perceived inconsistency in determining what constitutes a passing or failing score and how each examiner seemingly grades differently. Many companies, school districts and drivers have also expressed concerns that they received little to no public outreach about the new regulations prior to them going into effect.

“No one is questioning the need for proper driver training and requirements that put safety above all else, but we cannot continue to require our potential drivers—and our most well-trained drivers—to take tests they cannot pass,” Senator Ritchie said.

“I am concerned that absent changes, we will undermine our ability to create jobs, fill open positions and provide opportunities for the people I represent, people who have chosen to call New York State home.”

In a letter sent to NYS DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Theresa Egan, Senator Ritchie called on the department to reconsider the standards in a timely manner, so that organizations looking to hire can continue to operate smoothly, and hardworking truck and bus drivers can continue to take advantage of employment opportunities.