DS-875 Form – The DS-875 Form is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document used for the Article 19-A Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Road Test. This mandatory evaluation ensures bus drivers operating under Article 19-A of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law remain safe and qualified. Motor carriers and drivers rely on this form to document performance during the test.
Whether you are a motor carrier, certified examiner, or bus driver, this guide covers everything about the DS-875 Form, including who needs it, test procedures, scoring, and the official PDF download link.
Download the latest DS-875 PDF here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds875.pdf (Form DS-875 (9/16)).
What Is the DS-875 Form?
The DS-875 Form (Article 19-A Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Road Test) is a two-page official NY DMV document that certified examiners use to record a driver’s performance on the biennial behind-the-wheel road test.
It includes:
- Driver and vehicle information sections
- Detailed scoring for pre-trip inspection, departing, en-route driving, parking/backing, and simulated passenger procedures
- Examiner certification and signature fields
- Qualification or disqualification results
The form ensures compliance with Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations and Article 19-A requirements for passenger-carrying vehicles (primarily school buses and other buses used for hire).
Who Must Take the Article 19-A Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Test?
All drivers operating buses for Article 19-A motor carriers must complete the biennial behind-the-wheel test documented on DS-875. This includes:
- School bus drivers
- Drivers of other passenger vehicles for hire (transportation for compensation)
Carriers must use a certified examiner (meeting Section 6.13 requirements) to administer the test in the highest-class vehicle the driver will operate for that carrier.
New hires or drivers switching to a higher-class vehicle generally require the test within 30 days. Existing drivers follow the biennial schedule.
When Is the Biennial Road Test Required?
The biennial behind-the-wheel test follows these timelines:
- Within 30 days of hire — if the driver has not worked for a 19-A carrier in the previous year or operated a lower-class vehicle.
- Within 2 years of the previous test — if the driver worked for a 19-A carrier in the prior year and operated the same or higher-class vehicle (or within 30 days if the prior test date cannot be verified).
- The test cannot occur on the same day as the annual defensive driving performance observation (Form DS-873).
The test must occur without passengers in the vehicle and may take place during the driver’s normal workday.
How to Prepare for and Conduct the DS-875 Behind-the-Wheel Test?
The test evaluates real-world driving skills across five main categories (with point values and disqualification items):
- Pre-Trip Inspection (checks wheels, tires, lights, emergency equipment, gauges, mirrors, seat belts, etc.)
- Departing (signaling, observation, caution)
- En-Route (signaling, lane changes, speed control, following distance, traffic judgment, etc.)
- Parking and Backing (observation, positioning, curb distance)
- Simulated Procedures for Receiving/Discharging Passengers (caution at stops, warning lights, crossing procedures where applicable)
The examiner records failures on the DS-875 Form and certifies the results.
DS-875 Form Scoring System and Disqualification Criteria
The form uses a clear point-based system:
- Minor errors: 5 points
- More serious errors: 10 points
- Critical failures: DQ (Disqualification)
Driver is disqualified if ANY of the following occur:
- 40 or more total points
- One or more DQ items
- Two or more 10-point items
Results are marked as QUALIFIED or DISQUALIFIED directly on the form.
What Happens If You Fail the DS-875 Road Test?
Failure results in immediate disqualification from driving under Article 19-A. The driver may request a re-examination from the carrier. The carrier must notify the DMV Bus Driver Unit (BDU) using the appropriate add/drop notice if the driver is disqualified.
A driver remains disqualified until they pass a subsequent test.
How to Download, Complete, and Submit the DS-875 PDF?
- Download the official form: DS-875 PDF.
- The certified examiner completes all sections during/after the test.
- Both the driver and examiner sign and date the form.
- The carrier places the original DS-875 in the driver’s qualification file.
- Keep records for at least three years plus the current year (subject to DMV audit).
The form is fillable and can be printed or completed digitally where supported.
Additional Article 19-A Requirements for Bus Drivers
The biennial behind-the-wheel test is only one part of ongoing qualification. Drivers must also complete:
- Biennial (or annual for school buses) medical exam (Form DS-874)
- Biennial oral/written examination (Form DS-875Q)
- Annual defensive driving performance observation (Form DS-873)
Carriers maintain full driver files with all these records.
Record-Keeping Requirements for Motor Carriers
NY DMV requires carriers to keep a driver qualification file containing the completed DS-875 Form and all related Article 19-A documents. Files must be retained for three years plus the current year and be available for DMV inspection.
Failure to maintain proper records can result in carrier violations.
Official Resources and Next Steps
For the most current information:
- Official DS-875 Form: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds875.pdf
- Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (CDL-15): Available on the NY DMV website
- Article 19-A Information Packet (DS-700)
Always verify requirements directly with the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit, as regulations can be updated. The DS-875 Form remains the standard tool for documenting the Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Test as of 2026.
Need help? Contact your carrier’s safety officer or the NY DMV for examiner certification questions. Staying compliant protects drivers, passengers, and your carrier’s operating authority.