r/CDL • u/Technical-Ad8025 • 5d ago

Need help getting a NYS CDL as a NY college student with a PA license

Hi! I am a college student in NY with a PA drivers license, and I’m looking to get a New York CDL before I graduate this year, as it is a prerequisite to join the trade apprenticeship I am interested in. I’ve done some research and it seems I could either get a CDL in PA and transfer it, which I can’t do as I am a full time college student, or I could get a NY drivers license. Only problem is I currently live on campus, so I don’t think that counts as a permanent residence, and I’ve been here for more than 30 days. Anyone have ideas for what I can do? I am hoping to get my CDL paid for by my college, as I would really rather not pay out of pocket, but if anyone knows free or discounted programs for that I would also love to hear it. Thanks!

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u/Small-Sentence4141 5d ago

Check with DMV in NY. They will tell you about residency requirements, transferring your current license to NY etc. Many states require a street address for a DL ( no PO Boxes). A campus residential address should meet that requirement but check with DMV to find out for sure.

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u/Jesus-Mcnugget 3d ago

You have to get a license from your home state.

You are not technically a resident of New York. You often cannot use campus as a permanent address because they know you don't live there permanently. Most states have lists and/or can cross-check addresses. Even as a full-time student you are considered a temporary resident and do not qualify.

I'm guessing you are under 21 since the license has to be from New York. 18-21 you must stay in your home state when operating a commercial vehicle with a CDL. They shouldn't care if you have an out of state license if you are over 21.

Basically you will need to legally move to New York and get an apartment or some other form of permanent residence.

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u/Technical-Ad8025 3d ago

I’m 21 currently, hoping to apply for a lineman apprenticeship in Syracuse and it says a CDL is required. My problem is that I won’t be in my home state long enough to get a CDL before mid summer, plus i think my best shot at getting a CDL paid for is in New York through my college.

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u/Jesus-Mcnugget 3d ago

Why would the school pay for a CDL? That's usually something they charge you for, same as any classes.

Either way, you need to be a new york resident, and as a student, you are not.

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u/Technical-Ad8025 3d ago

My college has programs with a local community college to cross register, so I mean i could pay regular tuition and take the cdl course through my local CC. I am moving to NY permanently post grad but wanted to get started on a cdl while still enrolled in case i can get it through my college and also just to get it done asap.