For Erie County Farmers and Farm
Employees
For 2023, we are planning two training options:
You can apply now and we’ll put you on the waiting list (with no obligation on your part) for the anticipated 2023 sessions. We will follow up with all applicants about other CDL learner permits and required training options.
Beginning or less experienced drivers should contact local driving schools or, if eligible, consider enrolling in the Erie 2 Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES CDL training program currently operating on a five-week rotation based out of the Hewes Educational Center, 2615 North Maple Ave., Ashville, NY
After a very successful pilot session, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County will continue to offer agricultural CDL training.
This training program is designed for drivers who have some experience with commercial truck operation.
The open enrollment option provides training opportunities on a flexible schedule that may work better for some farmers and farm employees. Once enrolled, participants individually coordinate driving instruction time and road testing with the contracted instructor. Training slots may still be limited depending on the instructor’s schedule or other instruction commitments. Note that CCE-Genesee and CCE-Wyoming are working to re-boot their training programs, too.
A Class A CDL License entitles licensed drivers to operate a tractor-trailer combination and a straight truck with GVWR of 26,001lbs. or more. The cost for Class A is $2200*.
A Class B CDL License entitles licensed to operate a straight truck with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more and the tractor portion of a tractor-trailer. The cost for Class B is $1700*.
*We continue to explore opportunities to further reduce training costs through various training partners. We will keep participants informed about any tuition support that becomes available.
To learn more about becoming a CCE Erie AG Supporter, click here!
CDL requirements are as follows:
Please note the following expenses may be subject to change:
Tuition Class A: $2200* Payable to CCE Erie
Tuition Class B: $1700* Payable to CCE Erie
Permit $22.50 Paid to DMV
(Original Birth Certificate must be present when taking your written test)
Road Test $40 Paid to DMV
DOT Physical-Healthworks $101 Paid to Healthworks
DOT Drug Test-Healthworks $49 Paid to Healthworks
Record/Abstract $10 Paid to DMV
Class size is limited.
Further Information
& Forms Links
Online Entry Level Driver Training (for open enrollment
applicants, Spanish options available)
Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES CDL training
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles – Get a CDL
NYS DMV CDL Young Adult Training Program
NYS DMV Medical Certification Requirements
Medical Examiners Certificate (MEC)
Explanation of Driver’s License Classes
NYS DMV “Covered Farm Vehicles” (150 mile radius farm exemption)
Form CVF-1 Designation as a Covered Farm Vehicle
Cornell Local Roads Program – What Are the New CDL Requirements
Cornell Small Farms Program – Farm Vehicles
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Erie Web Page
https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AujpSqygrynDz8
Last updated September 29, 2023