DS-3.6 Form – If you’re a New York motor carrier, school bus operator, or Article 19-A bus driver employer, the DS-3.6 Form (officially titled “Employee Driving History”) is a critical document for compliance. This free PDF from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) helps prospective employers verify a bus driver’s safety record when hiring under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
In this SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn exactly what the DS-3.6 form is, who must use it, how to complete and submit it, why it’s required for driver qualification files, and where to download the latest official version instantly.
Download the DS-3.6 Form PDF Here
Official Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds3-6.pdf
(Direct from the NY DMV website – always use this source to ensure you have the current version.)
What Is the DS-3.6 Form: Employee Driving History Record?
The DS-3.6 Form is an official New York DMV document titled “Employee Driving History” (revised 5/21). It was created under Section 509-m(7) of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law specifically to provide “objective data concerning the driving history of a bus driver who is subject to regulation under this article.”
Previous employers (current or former) complete the form at the request of a prospective or subsequent employer. It captures a detailed, employer-verified snapshot of the driver’s performance, including:
- Convictions
- Reportable accidents
- Disqualifications or suspensions
- Disciplinary actions related to driving
Unlike a standard DMV driving record abstract (which you request separately), the DS-3.6 focuses on the employer’s internal records and observations during the employee’s tenure.
This form is not for personal use or general employees — it applies exclusively to bus drivers regulated under Article 19-A (school buses, public transportation, charter buses, and other qualifying motor carriers).
Who Needs the DS-3.6 Form?
Prospective Article 19-A motor carriers (employers) must request it when hiring or transferring bus drivers.
Previous employers (carriers) are legally required to complete and return it upon request.
The driver must sign an authorization releasing the information and holding the previous employer harmless.
It is commonly required for:
- School district pupil transportation contracts
- Charter bus companies
- Public transit operators
- Any carrier registered under Article 19-A
Many school district RFPs explicitly list “DS-3.6 (10-year driver check)” as part of the hiring process.
Why Is the DS-3.6 Form Required Under Article 19-A?
Article 19-A sets strict safety standards for bus drivers in New York. Carriers must maintain a complete driver qualification file (retained for 3 years + current year) that proves the driver meets all pre-employment and ongoing standards.
The DS-3.6 ensures transparency between carriers so new employers can assess real-world driving behavior that may not appear on a DMV abstract alone. This protects passengers, complies with state law, and helps avoid civil penalties (up to $10,000 per violation) or vehicle suspensions during DMV audits.
The official CDL-15 Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (revised February 2026) lists DS-3.6 among required forms for motor carriers.
How to Complete the DS-3.6 Employee Driving History Form – Step-by-Step?
The form is simple, one-page, and designed for quick completion. Here’s exactly how to fill it out:
- Employee Information Section
- Employee’s Name
- Employee’s Title
- Dates of Service (From–To)
- Type of Vehicle(s) Driven
- Number of Hours Per Week Driven
- Carrier (Employer) Information
- Carrier’s Name
- Employee Authorization (must be signed by the driver)
The driver signs and dates to authorize release of driving history and releases the employer from liability. - Driving History Questions (answer Yes/No and provide details if Yes)
- Q1: Convicted of any driving-related Vehicle and Traffic Law violation?
- Q2: Involved in any reportable accident?
- Q3: Disqualified, suspended, or revoked for a driving offense?
- Q4: Disciplined (suspended, terminated, or disqualified) for a driving-related offense?
For any “Yes” answer, list date, location, and description.
- Return the completed form to the requesting prospective employer.
Important Note: Provide information only for the period the person worked for your carrier. Be accurate and objective — this is a legal compliance document.
Where to Download the Official DS-3.6 PDF (Updated 2026)?
Always download directly from the NY DMV to avoid outdated versions:
✅ Official Download: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds3-6.pdf
You’ll also find the form listed on the NY DMV Forms & Publications page and in the CDL-15 Article 19-A Guide (free PDF at dmv.ny.gov/forms/cdl15.pdf).
Tips for Article 19-A Carriers Using the DS-3.6 Form
- Request the DS-3.6 early in the hiring process — pair it with the pre-employment DMV driving abstract and medical exam (DS-874).
- Keep copies in your driver qualification file for audit readiness.
- For annual reviews, use DS-872 (Annual Review of Employee’s Driving Record) alongside fresh abstracts.
- Out-of-state previous employers? The DS-3.6 still applies if they operated in New York under Article 19-A.
- School districts and contractors: Many RFPs require a full 10-year driving history — combine DS-3.6 with DMV abstracts covering multiple states.
Related Article 19-A Forms You’ll Also Need
- DS-870 — Article 19-A Bus Driver Application
- DS-872 — Annual Review of Employee’s Driving Record
- DS-874 — Medical Examination Report
- DS-875 — Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Road Test
- CDL-15 — Full Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (highly recommended)
Final Thoughts: Stay Compliant with the DS-3.6 Form in 2026
The DS-3.6 Employee Driving History Record is a small but mandatory piece of the Article 19-A safety puzzle. Using the official NY DMV PDF ensures your carrier stays compliant, protects your fleet, and helps hire the safest bus drivers possible.
Bookmark this page and the direct download link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds3-6.pdf. For full carrier requirements, download the latest CDL-15 guide from the NY DMV website.
Need help with other Article 19-A forms or driver qualification files? The Bus Driver Unit can be reached at (518) 473-9455.
Stay safe and compliant on New York roads — always use official NY DMV sources for the DS-3.6 form and all related documents.