DS-870

The New York State DMV Form DS-870, the Article 19-A Bus Driver Application, is a mandatory legal document used to register bus drivers with the DMV’s Bus Driver Unit as required by Article 19-A of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. The form serves as a comprehensive record of a driver's personal information, licensing status, three-year employment history, accident records, and criminal conviction history. It is a critical component of a motor carrier’s driver qualification file, ensuring that individuals operating passenger-carrying vehicles meet specific safety and legal standards.

Both the driver and the motor carrier have specific obligations regarding this form. The driver must accurately complete all sections, affirming the truthfulness of their history, while the employer must certify that they have reviewed the application alongside the driver's abstract and medical examination. For new hires, employers must submit the form to the DMV within ten days to add the driver to their official roster and classify them as a conditional driver. The form also acts as a primary tool for ongoing compliance, as carriers are required to maintain the original document or an electronic equivalent in their records for auditing by safety compliance officers.