CDL-15 Form – The CDL-15 Form, officially titled Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers, is the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) comprehensive compliance manual for motor carriers subject to Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Revised as CDL-15 (2/26) in February 2026, this 21-page PDF serves as the primary resource for new and existing carriers to understand registration, driver qualification, record-keeping, annual reporting, and ongoing safety obligations.
Designed specifically for bus and passenger carriers, the guide helps carriers avoid costly penalties, vehicle registration suspensions, and driver disqualifications while promoting highway safety. It is not a full legal code but a practical, step-by-step handbook that references the complete law in form DS-700.
The History and Purpose of Article 19-A
Article 19-A was enacted in 1974 following the tragic school bus and train collision near Congers, NY, on March 24, 1972. This legislation established Special Requirements for Bus Drivers (Vehicle and Traffic Law §§509-a through 509-o) and corresponding regulations in Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Rules.
The goal is simple: ensure every bus driver meets strict qualification standards and that motor carriers maintain proper oversight. Today, these rules apply to school buses, passenger vans, stretch limousines, and other regulated vehicles transporting vulnerable passengers.
Who Must Comply with Article 19-A Requirements?
Article 19-A applies to any motor carrier operating vehicles in these categories:
- School buses or vehicles with seating capacity of 11+ passengers (plus driver) transporting persons under 21 or disabled individuals to school, daycare, or religious instruction.
- Carriers requiring NYSDOT or USDOT operating authority as common/contract carriers.
- City-regulated bus lines and regulated van services.
- Transit authorities.
- Churches operating qualifying vehicles for religious transport.
- Operators of altered/stretch limousines carrying 9+ passengers (including driver).
If your business fits any of these descriptions, you must register with the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit and maintain full 19-A compliance.
Step-by-Step: How to Register as an Article 19-A Motor Carrier?
New carriers begin with Section 1 of the CDL-15 guide:
- Determine your carrier type (School, Non-School, or Both).
- Complete Form DS-879 (Carrier Application) to receive a 19-A Business ID.
- Enroll in the 19-A Online System and submit Form DS-19 for the escrow account and Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) compliance.
- Add drivers using Form DS-870 for each driver.
- School carriers must fingerprint drivers via IdentoGo.
- Notify the Unit of any certified examiners within 10 days using Form DS-885CE.
Submit documents via email ([email protected]), fax (518-474-0593), or mail. A check is required for certain fees.
Driver Qualifications and Safety Procedures
Every driver must hold a valid CDL with Passenger (P) endorsement and pass a road test. Key requirements include:
- Pre-employment checks: Driving record abstract (last 3 years), medical exam (Form DS-874 or MCSA-5875).
- School carriers only: Fingerprinting and criminal history review.
- Biennial tests: Road test (DS-875), oral/written exam (DS-875Q), and defensive driving observation (DS-873) — all conducted by DMV-certified examiners.
- Medical follow-ups: Diabetic drivers need DS-704 every 6 months; blood pressure issues require DS-703.
- Drug & Alcohol Testing: Pre-employment and random testing per FMCSA Part 382 for school bus drivers (updated by Chapter 207 of 2018) and for-hire vehicles with 9+ seats.
Carriers must maintain a driver file for 3 years plus the current year containing all these records.
Annual Affidavit of Compliance (AFCO) and Statistical Reporting
Every motor carrier must file the Annual Affidavit of Compliance (AFCO) and Statistical Report by July 1 each year. These forms certify that all drivers and records meet 19-A standards and report miles traveled, accidents, and convictions.
Online filers use the 19-A system; failure to file can result in immediate suspension of vehicle registrations.
Required Forms and Record-Keeping Checklist
The CDL-15 guide includes a complete Section 7 listing every form:
- DS-870 / DS-870.1 (Driver Application & Contract Notice)
- DS-872 (Annual Driving Record Review)
- DS-873 (Defensive Driving Report)
- DS-874 / DS-874C (Medical Exam)
- DS-875 / DS-875Q (Biennial Tests)
- DS-19 (Escrow Account)
- DS-879 (Carrier Application)
- DS-885 / DS-885CE (Add/Drop Notices)
All records must be retained and available for DMV’s 19-A Compliance Unit reviews (conducted at least every 3 years).
Reporting Changes, Contractors, and Going Out of Business
- Update address, phone, or liaison information immediately.
- Report contractors using DS-870.1.
- Notify the Unit in writing if you go out of business, return plates, and drop all drivers/examiners.
Timely reporting prevents compliance gaps and penalties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations can lead to:
- Civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.
- Suspension of vehicle registrations.
- Driver disqualifications.
- Administrative hearings and additional charges.
Incomplete records during a DMV review often trigger these consequences. Staying current with the CDL-15 guide is the best defense.
Download the Official CDL-15 PDF (Free & Current)
Direct download link (February 2026 revision):
https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/cdl15.pdf
For the full legal text, download DS-700 from the DMV website. All forms are available at:
NY DMV Article 19-A Forms & Publications
Contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit
- Phone: (518) 473-9455
- Email: [email protected]
- 19-A Compliance Unit (penalties/suspensions): (518) 474-9477 or [email protected]
Mailing address: NYS DMV Bus Driver Unit, 6 Empire State Plaza, Room 331, Albany, NY 12228.
Final Tips for Seamless Article 19-A Compliance
Download the CDL-15 Form today and use it as your compliance roadmap. Enroll in the 19-A Online System, train your staff on record-keeping, and schedule biennial tests with certified examiners. Consistent adherence protects your fleet, your drivers, and the public while avoiding costly enforcement actions.
Stay compliant. Stay safe. Bookmark this guide and the official CDL-15 PDF for quick reference in 2026 and beyond.