DS-700 Form – The DS-700 Form is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) information packet that contains the full text of Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. It serves as the primary compliance guide for motor carriers and bus drivers in New York.
If you operate buses in New York or employ bus drivers, understanding the DS-700 PDF is essential for legal compliance and passenger safety. This article explains everything you need to know, including who must follow these rules, key requirements, and how to download the latest DS-700 PDF directly from the official source.
What Is the DS-700 Form and Why Does It Matter?
The DS-700 is not a fillable application form but a comprehensive 53-page reference document titled “Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Part 6 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.” Published by the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit, it outlines every legal requirement for qualifying and maintaining bus drivers in New York State.
Motor carriers must keep the DS-700 packet (or its content) on file and follow it strictly. Failure to comply can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, suspension of vehicle registrations, or loss of operating privileges.
History and Purpose of Article 19-A Law
Article 19-A was enacted in 1974 following a tragic school bus and train collision near Congers, NY, on March 24, 1972. The law created stricter standards specifically for bus drivers to prevent future accidents and protect the public—especially children on school buses.
Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations implements Article 19-A by providing detailed, step-by-step procedures that motor carriers must follow. The DS-700 PDF combines both the statute and the regulations into one easy-to-reference document.
Who Must Comply with Article 19-A and Part 6 Regulations?
Any motor carrier (company, school district, or organization) that directs or employs drivers of buses in New York must comply. A “bus” is defined as any motor vehicle with seating for more than 10 adult passengers (plus the driver) used to transport passengers for compensation, minors to school or activities, or disabled persons.
This includes:
- School bus operators
- Charter, tour, and intercity bus companies
- Shuttle services
- Certain non-profit and volunteer drivers (with limited exceptions)
Out-of-state carriers operating in New York for more than 100 days or 10,000 miles per year generally must also comply.
Key Qualifications for Bus Drivers Under Article 19-A
To operate a bus legally in New York, a driver must meet these minimum qualifications (Vehicle and Traffic Law §509-b):
- Be at least 18 years old (21 for school buses or interstate operations in many cases)
- Hold a valid New York driver’s license or permit valid for the class of bus being driven
- Pass the Article 19-A physical examination
- Not be disqualified under §509-c or §509-cc
School bus drivers face additional fingerprint-based criminal background checks through DCJS and FBI.
Medical Examinations and Physical Qualifications (Part 6, §6.10)
Drivers must pass a pre-employment physical and a biennial (every two years) physical examination performed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner who is not the driver’s personal doctor. The exam uses DMV Form DS-874 and covers vision (minimum 20/40 acuity), hearing, cardiovascular health, diabetes control, and other conditions that could impair safe driving.
School bus drivers require an annual medical exam per New York State Education Department rules in addition to the biennial Article 19-A exam.
Annual and Biennial Requirements for Motor Carriers
Motor carriers must perform these ongoing obligations and document them in each driver’s file (retained for at least 3 years):
| Requirement | Frequency | Form(s) Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving record review | Annual | DS-872 + license abstract | Includes personal interview |
| Defensive driving observation | Annual | DS-873 | By certified examiner |
| Behind-the-wheel road test | Biennial | DS-875 | Conducted by certified examiner |
| Oral or written exam | Biennial | DS-875Q / DS-875Y | Tests rules and defensive driving |
| Physical examination | Biennial (annual for school buses) | DS-874 | Vision, hearing, and medical conditions |
| Affidavit of Compliance | Annual (by July 1) | DS-3 | Filed with DMV Bus Driver Unit |
Carriers must also submit DS-885 Add/Drop Notices within 10 days of hiring or terminating a driver and maintain the DS-870 Bus Driver Application for every driver hired after July 1, 1985.
Driver Disqualification Rules (§509-c, §509-cc, Part 6 §6.27–6.28)
Disqualifications are permanent, 5-year, or 1-year depending on the offense. Examples include:
- Permanent: Certain felonies, sex offenses, manslaughter while operating a vehicle
- 5 years: Multiple DWI convictions, leaving the scene of an accident
- 1 year: Accumulation of 9 or more points in 18 months, or 3 preventable accidents in 18 months
School bus drivers face even stricter criminal history standards. Drivers must notify their employer of any conviction or accident within 5 working days.
How to Download the Official DS-700 PDF?
The most current version of the DS-700 Form (dated 2/21) is available for free download directly from the New York DMV website:
Download DS-700 PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds700.pdf
This official packet is the authoritative source. Motor carriers are strongly encouraged to keep a printed or digital copy readily available for reference and audits.
Related Article 19-A Forms You May Need
The DS-700 packet references many supporting forms, including:
- DS-870 – Article 19-A Bus Driver Application
- DS-874 – Medical Examination Report
- DS-875 – Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Road Test
- DS-872 – Carrier’s Annual Review of Employee’s Driving Record
- DS-3 – Annual Affidavit of Compliance
All forms are available on the NY DMV Article 19-A information page.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of Article 19-A or Part 6 can lead to:
- Fines of $100–$250 per driver violation
- Civil penalties of $500–$5,000 per carrier violation (higher for repeat offenders)
- Suspension or revocation of vehicle registrations and operating authority
- Driver license suspension or revocation
The DMV conducts random curbside verifications and file reviews to ensure compliance.
Stay Compliant: Next Steps for Motor Carriers
- Download the DS-700 PDF today and review it with your safety manager.
- Ensure all drivers meet qualification standards before allowing them to operate a bus.
- Set up a calendar for annual affidavits (due July 1) and biennial tests.
- Contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit at (518) 473-9455 or via the official website if you have questions.
By following the DS-700 Form, Article 19-A Law, and Part 6 Regulations, you help protect passengers, avoid costly penalties, and maintain a safe operation in New York State.
Official Sources for This Article
- New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) – Article 19-A Information Packet (DS-700)
- NY DMV Bus Driver Unit official website
For the most up-to-date requirements, always refer to the official DS-700 PDF linked above. Safe driving starts with full compliance!