DS-875Q Form: Biennial Oral/Written Exam (PDF)

DS-875Q Form – The DS-875Q Form is the official New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) document for the Article 19-A Biennial Oral/Written Examination. Motor carriers use it to test bus drivers every two years, ensuring compliance with state safety regulations under Article 19-A of the Vehicle and Traffic Law and Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.

This open-book exam evaluates knowledge of defensive driving, hazard awareness, bus-specific operations, and New York traffic laws. Carriers must complete it biennially for qualified drivers. Download the latest DS-875Q PDF directly here: https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/ds875q.pdf.

What Is the DS-875Q Form?

The DS-875Q is a 14-page question-and-answer sheet titled “ARTICLE 19-A BIENNIAL ORAL/WRITTEN EXAMINATION” (revision 7/19). Certified examiners administer it as an open-book test at the carrier’s place of business.

Drivers answer 20 multiple-choice questions:

  • 15 from Section A (general safe driving practices)
  • 5 from Section B (bus-specific topics like emergency exits, passenger handling, and hazardous materials)

Each question is worth 5 points. The test is not timed and allows reference to:

  • Part 6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations
  • New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual
  • New York State DMV Driver’s Manual

It is available as a written or oral exam. The form itself is not fillable online — drivers print their name and date on every page and circle answers manually.

Who Needs to Take the DS-875Q Biennial Exam?

Article 19-A applies to motor carriers operating buses that transport passengers, including school buses, charter buses, and certain public transportation vehicles with specific seating capacities.

All Article 19-A bus drivers must take the exam:

  • Within two years of their hire date
  • Every 24 months thereafter

Examples of timing:

  • Hired May 1, 2024 → First exam due by May 1, 2026
  • Last exam March 30, 2024 → Next due by March 30, 2026

The requirement is mandatory for maintaining driving privileges under Article 19-A. Failure results in disqualification until the driver passes a re-examination.

Why the Biennial Oral/Written Exam Matters for Bus Drivers?

The DS-875Q ensures drivers stay current on:

  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Hazard recognition and emergency procedures
  • Vehicle inspection and braking systems
  • Speed management and traffic regulations specific to buses

It complements other Article 19-A requirements, such as biennial medical exams, annual defensive driving observations, biennial behind-the-wheel road tests (form DS-875), and license abstracts.

Motor carriers face regular audits by the NY DMV’s 19-A Compliance Unit. Proper documentation, including completed DS-875Q forms, must remain in each driver’s file for at least three years plus the current year.

How to Download and Prepare the DS-875Q PDF?

  1. Visit the official NY DMV forms page or use this direct link: Download DS-875Q PDF.
  2. Print the full 14-page document (it is not fillable digitally).
  3. Provide the driver with current copies of the allowed reference manuals before the test.
  4. A certified examiner must select and announce the exact 20 questions to answer.

Related forms you may also need:

  • DS-875Y → Oral/Written Examination Results
  • DS-875Z → Answer Key (available from the Bus Driver Unit)
  • DS-875 → Biennial Behind-the-Wheel Road Test

All are available free on the NY DMV website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Administering the DS-875Q Exam

For Certified Examiners and Carriers:

  1. Schedule the test in a monitored environment at the carrier’s place of business.
  2. Confirm the driver brings their valid CDL or appropriate license.
  3. Provide the DS-875Q packet and reference materials.
  4. Instruct the driver to print their name and date on every page.
  5. Announce the 15 Section A and 5 Section B questions.
  6. Allow the driver to complete the exam (written or oral).
  7. Score using the official answer key (DS-875Z).
  8. Complete DS-875Y results form and have both examiner and driver sign.
  9. File the completed DS-875Q, DS-875Y, and any notes in the driver’s 19-A file.

The test can be oral if needed — the examiner reads only the questions and choices.

How to Pass the DS-875Q Exam: Scoring & Consequences?

Passing Score:

  • At least 12 out of 15 correct in Section A
  • At least 4 out of 5 correct in Section B
  • Total score of 80 or higher

If the driver fails: They are immediately disqualified from driving under Article 19-A. The carrier may allow a re-examination.

Results must be documented and retained. Passing drivers continue operating; failing drivers cannot drive until they pass.

Common Questions About the DS-875Q Form (FAQ)

Is the DS-875Q form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official form (7/19 revision) remains in use, and the NY DMV’s Article 19-A Guide for Motor Carriers (revised 2/26) still requires it.

Can I take the exam online?
No. It must be administered in person by a certified examiner at the carrier’s location.

Who is a certified examiner?
Only individuals certified by the NY DMV under Article 19-A may administer the test.

Do I need to mail the form to the DMV?
No. Keep it in the driver’s internal 19-A file for compliance audits.

Where can I find practice questions?
The full question bank is only in the official DS-875Q PDF. Study the allowed manuals for best preparation.

Official NY DMV Resources & Next Steps

For questions about certification or compliance, contact the NY DMV Bus Driver Unit or your carrier’s 19-A compliance officer.

Stay compliant and safe on the road — Download the DS-875Q Form today and ensure your Article 19-A bus drivers meet every biennial requirement. Regular testing protects passengers, drivers, and your carrier’s operating authority.

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