DS-872 Form – The DS-872 form, officially titled Carrier’s Annual Review of Employee’s Driving Record Under Article 19-A, is a required New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document used by motor carriers to perform an annual safety review of bus drivers. Revised as DS-872 (10/25), this one-page PDF helps carriers comply with Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, which sets strict safety standards for drivers of buses, including school buses and other commercial passenger vehicles.
Carriers must complete the DS-872 form every 12 months for each qualified driver to verify their driving record, ensure ongoing compliance with safe-driving rules, and document that the driver remains qualified to operate a bus.
Who Must Complete the DS-872 Form?
The DS-872 is not for individual drivers to fill out on their own. It is designed exclusively for motor carriers (employers) subject to Article 19-A regulations. This includes:
- School districts and private bus companies operating school buses
- Charter bus operators
- Any carrier transporting passengers in vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger endorsement under New York’s 19-A program
An authorized carrier representative must personally interview the driver, review the official driving record abstract, and sign the form alongside the employee. Compliance is mandatory — failure to complete the annual review can result in disqualification of the driver or penalties for the carrier.
Purpose of the DS-872 Annual Review of Driving Record
The primary goal of the DS-872 form is to:
- Compare the driver’s self-reported accidents and convictions against their official NY DMV driving record abstract
- Identify any unreported incidents from the past 12 months
- Certify that the driver meets Article 19-A safe-driving standards
- Maintain a complete, auditable record in the driver’s personnel file
This annual review is a key component of the broader Article 19-A safety program, which also requires medical exams, defensive driving observations, and biennial tests.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the DS-872 Form?
Follow these official steps to correctly complete the DS-872 PDF:
- Obtain a current driving record abstract — The abstract must be dated within 30 days before the interview date.
- Schedule and conduct a personal interview with the driver.
- Fill in Driver Information: Last name, first name, M.I., date of birth, license class, endorsements, restrictions, expiration date, license ID number, and state.
- Complete Carrier Information: Carrier/DBA name, legal name (if different), Federal ID Number, and 19-A Business ID Number.
- Answer the two key questions:
- Were you involved in ANY motor vehicle accident(s) during the past 12 months that do not appear on your abstract? (Yes/No)
- Were you convicted of ANY traffic violation(s) (other than parking) or crime(s) during the past 12 months that do not appear on your abstract? (Yes/No)
- List details in the Accident Information or Record of Convictions sections if the answer is “Yes.”
- Attach the abstract and note its date on the form.
- Obtain signatures: The driver certifies the accuracy of their disclosure; the carrier representative certifies compliance with Article 19-A.
If more space is needed, use the back of the form. Both parties must sign and date the document.
Required Documents and Important Deadlines for DS-872
- Driver’s abstract: Must be no more than 30 days old at the time of the interview.
- Timing: The review must occur at least once every 12 months. For new drivers, the first review is due within one year of the hire date.
- No fee: The DS-872 form itself is free to download and use.
- Retention: Keep the completed DS-872 and attached abstract in the driver’s qualification file as proof of compliance.
How to Download the Official DS-872 PDF?
You can instantly download the latest version of the DS-872 form directly from the New York DMV website here:
Download DS-872 PDF – Annual Review of Driving Record
The file is provided as a fillable PDF for easy completion on screen or by hand.
Why Article 19-A Compliance Matters for Carriers?
Staying compliant with Article 19-A through proper use of the DS-872 form helps carriers:
- Avoid costly fines and driver disqualifications
- Maintain insurance eligibility
- Ensure passenger safety
- Meet federal and state audit requirements
The annual review process is one of several mandatory 19-A procedures outlined in the official CDL-15 guide for motor carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DS-872 Form
Is the DS-872 only for bus drivers?
Yes — it applies specifically to drivers covered under Article 19-A (primarily passenger-carrying vehicles).
Can drivers complete the form without a carrier?
No. The form requires both driver and carrier signatures and an official carrier interview.
How long must I keep the completed DS-872?
Indefinitely as part of the driver’s 19-A qualification file.
Where can I get help with Article 19-A requirements?
Visit the official NY DMV Article 19-A page or contact the DMV’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Section.
Official Sources and Next Steps
All information in this guide is based on the current DS-872 (10/25) form and NY DMV Article 19-A regulations. Always use the official PDF linked above and refer to the latest version on dmv.ny.gov for any updates.
For carriers looking to streamline 19-A compliance, pair the DS-872 with other required forms such as DS-870 (Bus Driver Application), DS-873 (Defensive Driving Observation), and the full driver qualification file checklist in the CDL-15 guide.
Download your DS-872 form today and ensure your fleet remains fully compliant with New York’s bus driver safety standards.