The New York Department of Motor Vehicles announced yesterday that it will expand the validity of commercial learner permits from the current 6-month period to now one year.
Learners permits for commercial vehicles were originally valid for 180 days with an option given to have it extended for another 180 days. The expansion is aimed at reducing the barriers the industry is currently facing due to a national driver shortage.
“The need for new commercial drivers is critical so we are doing all we can to facilitate the licensing of qualified applicants,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “By extending the validity of the commercial learner permit from six months to one year, we are streamlining the process and making it easier and less costly for those who would have to renew to get on the road.”
Permits that are issued after December 27th, will now be issued a one year permit. Applicants who have been issued a 6 month permit with an expiration date on or before June 26th, 2023, will now have the opportunity to renew their permit for an additional 180 days.
