NYC Sanitation Worker Requirements: Age, CDL, Residency, Medical

Based on the last Sanitation Worker notice, Exam No. 2060 (2022), and the DSNY careers pages checked on October 15, 2026. The next notice may change any of these rules.

This guide covers who can take the NYC Sanitation Worker exam and who can be hired from the list, in plain English. Most rules apply at the date of appointment, not the test date, which matters because the wait between the two can be years.

For the test itself, see what is on the NYC Sanitation Worker exam, and for dates, when the next NYC sanitation exam may be.

Age: 17 1/2 to test, 21 to be hired

The 2022 notice says you must be at least 17 1/2 "by the end of the application period to take this examination." To be appointed, you must be 21. The notice gives the reason: New York puts a "K" restriction on the CDL of anyone under 21, and Sanitation Workers must hold a CDL without it. If you are still too young when the list ends, you lose your chance from that list. No maximum age is stated.

Education

By the date of appointment, you need a four-year high school diploma or its equivalent, approved by a state education department or a recognized accrediting organization. DSNY's page says "high school diploma or GED" (DSNY, Become a Sanitation Worker). Education from outside the US is evaluated during hiring if you need credit for it.

The commercial driver license (CDL)

You do not need a CDL to take the written test. By the date of appointment, the 2022 notice requires a valid New York State CDL:

• Class A or Class B, with an "N" Tank Vehicles endorsement.
• No "K" restriction (intrastate only). You must be able to drive outside New York State.
• No air brake restriction: on a Class A, no L, L1 or L2; on a Class B, no L or L2.

You must tell DSNY about any pending license problem before appointment. The notice says "Serious moving violations, driver license suspension, accident record or other indication of poor driving ability may disqualify you," and you must keep the license for as long as you hold the job. Before hiring, you also register with the federal FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and agree to a full check of your record.

DSNY's CDL course

DSNY offers a one-week CDL course "for candidates who have already taken the Sanitation Worker exam" (DSNY CDL Licenses). It costs $1,200, paid back after you are hired through paycheck deductions ($30 a pay period under the 2022 notice). The road test fee is extra, and the road test is taken on DSNY equipment. To sign up, you need a valid New York State driver license and a CDL learner permit. DSNY's page says a Class B permit, and the 2022 notice says a Class A or B permit with the N endorsement and no K or air brake restriction. You sign a liability waiver and a repayment agreement first.

You can also get a CDL on your own, at your own cost. The New York State DMV says that to get a first CDL you "take and pass a written test, practice driving, and take and pass a road test," and first-time applicants must finish federal entry-level driver training before the road test (NYS DMV, Commercial Driver License). Ask DSNY (swig@dsny.nyc.gov) how its course works with that rule before you pay for anything.

Medical, drug and alcohol tests

• Medical: DSNY's Medical Division checks that you can do the job. Federal rules set physical standards for commercial drivers.
• Drug and alcohol: you must pass a screening to be appointed, and you can be tested at random for as long as you work there.
• Second drug test: a federal DOT drug test within 30 days before appointment, which must come back negative.

The physical test

The 2022 notice calls it a qualifying physical test. Candidates who pass the written test are called in score order as vacancies occur, and the notice warns that not all of them may be called. It cost $20 on the day (waived for people who are unemployed or on public assistance), and not paying meant disqualification. DCAS may ask for medical evidence and can exclude candidates who are medically unfit. The notice said a description of the test would come later. We found none on nyc.gov, so we do not describe the events. Lifting, dragging and carrying heavy bags, cans and bulk items are part of the job described in the notice.

Where you can live

The 2022 notice cites the New York State Public Officers Law. For the first two years, you must live in New York City or in Nassau or Westchester County. After two years, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland and Putnam Counties are also allowed. (The 2022 press release said "first five years," and DSNY's page lists only the City, Nassau and Westchester. The notice is the governing document, so we follow it.)

Living in the City can also add points. In 2022, candidates who passed and had lived in New York City for the whole year before filing opened (June 8, 2021, through June 7, 2022) got 10 extra points. DSNY checked proof such as rent receipts on letterhead with a canceled check, mortgage notices, credit card statements, utility bills, phone bills and pay stubs. Keep those papers.

Background check and documents

Before appointment, DSNY's Human Resources interviews you and checks original or certified documents, including proof of your date of birth, military service and residency. Any willful misstatement, or failing to bring the documents, can disqualify you. You must also prove your identity and your right to work in the US.

Pay and probation

DSNY's careers page lists a starting salary of $47,752 a year, rising to $95,316 after 5 1/2 years, plus differentials and overtime (DSNY Salary and Benefits, checked October 15, 2026). The 2022 notice set an 18-month probation that includes a training course. The work involves rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime and all kinds of weather.

Frequently asked questions

PrepRaven is not affiliated with or endorsed by the City of New York, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the Department of Sanitation or any City agency. The practice examples on this page are original and are not taken from any real exam.

Last updated October 2026