DS-873 Form – The DS-873 form, officially titled “Report on Annual Defensive Driving Performance for Driver Under Article 19-A,” is a mandatory New York State DMV document for motor carriers operating buses. Carriers use it to document each driver’s yearly defensive driving observation. This ensures compliance with Article 19-A safety standards for passenger-carrying vehicles.
Motor carriers must keep the completed DS-873 PDF in every driver’s qualification file. The form helps maintain high safety standards for school buses, charter buses, and other for-hire passenger transport. Below is everything you need to know about the DS-873 form, including who needs it, how to complete it, and the official download link.
What Is the DS-873 Form?
The DS-873 is the official NY DMV Annual Defensive Driving Report. Certified examiners use it to evaluate and record a bus driver’s defensive driving performance during actual passenger-carrying operations.
Form revision: DS-873 (10/25) – the most current version as of 2026. It is a one-page PDF that includes driver details, carrier information, vehicle specifics, an 11-item observation checklist, and required signatures from both the driver and the certified examiner.
Who Must File the DS-873 Annual Defensive Driving Report?
Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law requires every motor carrier that employs bus drivers for passenger transportation (including school buses and for-hire vehicles) to complete the DS-873 for each driver.
- Applies to active and recently inactive drivers.
- Must be performed annually — within one year of the driver’s hire date and every 12 months thereafter.
- Example: A driver hired on July 14 must receive the observation no later than July 14 of the following year.
The observation cannot occur on the same day as the biennial behind-the-wheel road test (DS-875).
Key Requirements Under Article 19-A
Motor carriers must maintain a driver qualification file that includes the completed DS-873 along with other forms (DS-870, DS-872, medical exams, etc.). Files must be kept for the current year plus the previous three years.
The defensive driving observation must occur while the driver operates the vehicle with passengers present. The certified examiner may observe from inside or outside the bus.
How to Download the Official DS-873 PDF?
Download the free, fillable DS-873 form directly from the New York DMV website:
Official Download Link: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds873.pdf
Always use the latest version from the DMV site to ensure compliance. The form is printable and can be filled out digitally before printing for signatures.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the DS-873 Form
Follow these instructions exactly as outlined by the DMV:
- Section 1 – Driver Information
Enter the driver’s full name, license ID number, state, class, endorsements, restrictions, expiration date, and date of birth. - Section 2 – Carrier Information
Provide the carrier/DBA name, legal name (if different), Federal ID number, and 19-A Business ID number. - Section 3 – Vehicle Information
Record vehicle type, GVWR, adult seating capacity, plate number, and state. - Section 4 – Observation
Check whether the observation was conducted Inside or Outside the bus. - Observation Checklist (Items 1–11)
Rate each item as Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, or Not Applicable:- Observation
- Traffic Lane Use (including center line violation)
- Speed
- Properly Signals Intention
- Turning
- Vehicle Control
- Obeys Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Hazard Signs
- Observes Proper Following Distance
- Procedures for Receiving and Discharging Passengers
- Traffic Interaction
- Pre-Trip Safety Briefing Proficiency for Stretch Limo Operators
- Comments
Required if any item is marked “Needs Improvement.” - Section 5 – Driver Acknowledgement
The driver reviews the results, discusses performance with the examiner, signs, and dates the form. - Section 6 – Examiner’s Certification
The certified examiner enters their name, certificate number, class, expiration date, endorsements/restrictions, signs, dates the observation, and provides their driver license ID number.
Certified Examiner Requirements
Only a DMV-certified 19-A examiner may complete the DS-873. The examiner must hold a valid examiner certificate and the appropriate class driver’s license with required endorsements. They must personally observe the driver and certify that the report is true and correct.
Important Deadlines and Record-Keeping
- Annual requirement: Every 12 months from hire date or previous observation.
- Submission: No separate filing with DMV — place the completed form in the driver’s qualification file.
- Retention: Current year + past 3 years.
Failure to complete or retain the DS-873 can result in carrier violations under Article 19-A.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DS-873
Can the DS-873 be completed online?
No. The form is a PDF that must be printed and signed by the driver and examiner.
Is the observation required for school bus drivers?
Yes — Article 19-A applies to all qualifying bus drivers, including school bus operators.
What if a driver needs improvement?
Document comments and work with the driver on corrective action. The form still satisfies the annual requirement.
Where can carriers find the full Article 19-A Guide?
Download the official CDL-15: Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers from the NY DMV website.
Stay Compliant with the DS-873 Form
The DS-873 Annual Defensive Driving Report is a critical part of New York’s Article 19-A safety program. By conducting timely observations and properly documenting them with the official form, motor carriers protect passengers and avoid compliance issues.
Download the latest DS-873 PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds873.pdf
For the complete set of Article 19-A requirements, visit the official NY DMV Article 19-A Information page and review the CDL-15 guide. Always use the most recent forms and consult the DMV if you have questions about your carrier’s responsibilities.