Kentucky CDL Requirements

Kentucky CDL Classes

You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state of Kentucky (intrastate) and at least 21 years of age to drive a commercial motor vehicle across Kentucky state lines (interstate). You must also be at least 21 years of age to haul materials that are deemed hazardous.

A commercial motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used for the purpose of interstate commerce on a highway to transport either passengers or goods.

You need a Kentucky CDL in order to operate either commercial or non-commercial motor vehicles that fall into the following categories:

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Class A
Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the gross vehicle weight rating of the towed vehicle is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B
Any single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 or more pounds, as well as any vehicle towing another vehicle that does not exceed a weight of 10,000 pounds.

Class C
Any vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not meet the criteria of either Class A or Class B, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or is used in transporting materials classified as hazardous in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Each applicant must also have a passenger or hazardous materials endorsement in order to obtain a Class C commercial driver’s license.

Applying for a Kentucky Commercial Learner’s Permit

You must already possess a Kentucky commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can take the CDL skills test. Before applying for a Kentucky commercial learner’s permit, you must already possess a valid Kentucky Class D driver’s license. You will be issued a Kentucky commercial driver’s license (CDL) when you pass both the written general knowledge test and the CDL Skills Test.

In order to obtain a Kentucky commercial learner’s permit, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving (within Kentucky state lines).
• Be at least 21 years of age for interstate driving (outside Kentucky state lines).
• Possess a valid Kentucky Class D driver’s license.
• Provide your Social Security card.
• Prove you are of legal U.S. status by providing the required documents .
• Provide proof of current Kentucky residency that shows your name and current address (i.e., a utility bill, vehicle registration, etc.).
• Provide your current D.O.T. medical examination (cannot be more than 2 years old).
• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider if you are obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading a Class B to a Class A, or obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge written test.
• Pay the $11 fee for the commercial learner’s permit (valid for 180 days).

The CDL General Knowledge Written Test

The CDL general knowledge written test is given by the Kentucky State Police at the local exam stations. The test is made up of 50 questions and covers the following subjects:

• Vehicle operations under various conditions.
• Cargo handling.
• Vehicle inspection.

An additional 20 questions about combination vehicles will be included for Class A applicants and an additional 25 questions about air brakes will be included for any applicants that plan to drive a commercial motor vehicle equipped with air brakes.

If an applicant is planning to add certain CDL endorsements onto their commercial driver’s license, then the following will be added to the written exam:

• 20 questions for the “Double/Triple Trailer” endorsement.
• 20 questions for the “Tanker” endorsement.
• 20 questions for the “Passenger” endorsement.
• 20 questions for the “School Bus” endorsement.
• 30 questions for the “Hazardous Materials” endorsement.

In order to receive a passing score, the applicant must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. If an applicant fails the basic knowledge test, they may retest as many times as they need to pass without paying any additional fees. However, all applicants must wait at least 24 hours before they can retest.

Over 60% of first time CDL applicants fail the written test! Be sure to buy the Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package, as it contains practice tests containing questions and answers specifically designed to help you pass the actual CDL written tests administered by the DMV. You may also want to buy the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package as it includes a collection of study guides with key information designed to help you rapidly learn all the sections of the CDL manual you must know in order to pass the CDL written exams.

100% Money Back Guarantee!
Complete Kentucky CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package

Why risk failing your CDL written exams on the first try? Get the Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package and be fully prepared for your CDL written exams. Best of all, there’s a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you fail your CDL written exams!

 

Our Free CDL Permit Tests will help prepare you for the actual CDL knowledge tests administered by the DMV.

Click here to see a map and clickable list of Kentucky driver’s license branch locations that offer the CDL written tests.

Applying for a Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License

In the state of Kentucky, all CDL applicants are required to undergo a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) check for any warrants that may have been placed on that applicant. This check is conducted by the Kentucky State Police, is instantaneous, and will not delay the applicant from receiving their CDL. The cost is $3.00 and is collected by the KYTC Driver Licensing Regional office at the time of issuance. The originating law enforcement agency will be notified if a “hit” occurs and a further investigation will be carried out.

In the state of Kentucky, if you are applying for a Class B or Class C commercial driver’s license with “P” and “S” endorsements only, then you are not required to take the CDL Skills Test.

In order to obtain a Kentucky commercial driver’s license, you must:

• Possess a valid Kentucky commercial learner’s permit.
• Possess a current Department of Transportation medical card.
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance and vehicle registration (must be verified before you can take the test).
• Provide a passenger with a valid Kentucky CDL (at least 21 years of age and holding the same class and endorsements you are seeking) to ride with you in your commercial vehicle to the test site.
• Pass the CDL general knowledge test.
• Pass the CDL Skills Test.
• Pass the vision exam (FMCSA regulations require applicants to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye).
• Complete and submit the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Application (Form TC 94-32).
• Pay the skills testing fee of $50 (if the applicant has held a Kentucky operator license for 30 days or more).
• Pay the skills testing fee of $150 (if the applicant has held a Kentucky operator license for less than 30 days).
• Pay the $24 application fee for the commercial driver’s license ($9 for Class B/C with P & S endorsements only).
• Pay the applicable CDL license fee, which varies by license type and endorsement combination (the original CDL is prorated based on the time remaining on your operator license). See the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s CDL pricing for current amounts.

The CDL Skills Test

The CDL Skills Test consists of a Pre-trip inspection, a Basic Vehicle Control test, and an On-Road Driving test and must be taken in the same class and type of motor vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL. If you take the CDL Skills Test in a commercial motor vehicle that is not equipped with air brakes, then you will have an air brakes restriction attached to your commercial driver’s license.

All applicants must hold their commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before they can contact the Kentucky State Police to set up an appointment for the CDL Skills Test.

The CDL Skills Test is a three part test and consists of the following:

• Pre-trip Inspection: Before you can take the CDL driving tests, you will first be tested on your knowledge of the class of vehicle you plan on driving once you obtain your CDL. The Pre-trip inspection also determines if your commercial vehicle is safe enough to drive on public roads.
• Skills Test: Before you can take the CDL Road Test, you will first need to prove that you have the skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads. This test consists of various off-road maneuvers such as backing up your vehicle.
• Road Test: Once you pass the first two tests, you will be required to drive your commercial vehicle on public roads in various traffic situations. You will be required to operate the same class of commercial vehicle you plan to drive once you obtain your CDL.

The Road Test will be driven on a route that is predetermined by the examiner and will most likely include the following:

• Left and right turns
• Intersections
• Railway crossings
• Curves
• Up grades
• Down grades
• Rural roads
• Semi-rural roads
• City streets
• Multi-lane streets
• Expressway driving
• Merging into traffic
• Lane changes
• Changes in speed
• Signaling
• Searching for road hazards
• Lane positioning
• Controlling your speed

The skills testing fee paid when your permit was issued allows for one attempt at the CDL Skills Test. If you are not successful, each retest is $50, and you may retest an unlimited number of times but no more than once in any 24-hour period. The combination, air brake, and endorsement tests require a $5 retest fee for each time the test is taken after the initial failure.

Be sure to download and study the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Manual as it contains the information you need to pass the CDL Skills Test.

Click here to see a map and clickable list of Kentucky CDL Skills Test sites (all CDL Skills Test sites are marked with a double asterisk).

Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver’s License

In order to apply for a commercial driver’s license, you must pass a DOT physical examination performed by a medical examiner who is certified on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can search for a certified examiner by using the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

The Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be dated within the previous two years. Kentucky commercial drivers should upload a copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the MyCDL portal when applying for or renewing their license or permit. Beginning in June 2026, Kentucky will begin accepting examination results directly from medical providers.

The FMCSA requires you to have at least 20/40 vision in each eye and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees in order to be certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Under certain conditions, you may be able to be waived from these requirements.

When you apply for, renew, or upgrade a CDL or CLP, you must also self-certify as to the type of driving you do by completing the Kentucky Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Form (Form TC 94-169). You can complete your self-certification and upload your Medical Examiner’s Certificate through the MyCDL portal. This information must be posted to your CDLIS driving record before you apply for issuance of a CDL or CLP at a Driver Licensing Regional office.

Please make sure your information is legible and double check, and if needed correct, any errors before submitting your documents. All CDL applicants are advised to keep copies of these documents for their own records. Failure to comply with state and federal self-certification regulations will result in a suspension, downgrade, or cancellation of your commercial driving privileges.

Hazmat Endorsement

Any person that is applying for a Hazardous Materials CDL endorsement is required to undergo a security threat assessment, which includes a federal fingerprint-based criminal background check, according to guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration. The security threat assessment must be completed every five years. To make an appointment or check the status of the assessment, contact the Kentucky State Police at 1 (888) 655-9655. If you do not currently hold a CDL, you must first obtain a CDL permit before scheduling your fingerprinting appointment.

The fingerprint-based criminal background check costs $138.25, paid by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order to the Kentucky State Treasurer, or paid online in advance with a debit or credit card. This fee is for the background check only and is not the fee for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement. Once approved, you must schedule an appointment with the Kentucky State Police, pay the $5.00 written knowledge test fee, and pass the hazardous materials knowledge test before the endorsement is issued. A valid TWIC card may also be used as proof of the security threat assessment by submitting a copy to the CDL Section at kytc.twic@ky.gov or by fax to 844-535-7272.

For more information, review the Transportation Security Administration’s F.A.Q. page. You can also begin the application process on the TSA Hazardous Material Endorsement Enrollment Website and use the TSA Enrollment Center Locator to find the nearest approved fingerprint office.

Military Drivers

In the state of Kentucky, qualified, eligible military service members on active duty or those discharged within the past 12 months may be able to waive some of their CDL testing based on their military training and experience. This program is only available to service members obtaining their initial CDL, not for upgrades or restriction changes to an existing CDL. Once the application is received, verified, and approved, eligible applicants will have their skills test waived but must still take the written knowledge test (this does not include any endorsement that requires a skills test).

For a knowledge and/or skills test waiver, the applicant and their Commanding Officer must complete the waiver application, and the Commanding Officer must submit the application and required documentation by email to the CDL Section of the Division of Driver Licensing at KYTC.CDLWaivers@KY.gov. Required documents include the waiver application, the military CDL, a DD214 or proof of military status (active or discharged within the last 12 months), a DD348 or equivalent, the Commercial Driver’s License application, a Medical Certificate, a Self-Certification, and the Military Exemption Form TC 94-167. For further information, contact KYTC at (502) 564-1257.

Farm Related Services Restricted CDL

In the state of Kentucky, employees of the following may qualify for a restricted commercial driver’s license:

• Farm Retail Outlets
• Suppliers
• Agrichemical Business
• Custom Harvesters
• Livestock Feeders

The farm related restricted CDL is valid for up to 60, 120, or 180 days in any 12 month period. The CDL holder may only operate a commercial motor vehicle within 150 miles of the land being serviced. The restricted CDL does not apply to any Class A vehicles transporting the following:

• Fertilizer (within any organic substance)
• Fuel
• Gasoline
• Pesticides
• Propane

The applicant and the employer must complete the Farm-Related Services/Restricted CDL Application (Form TC 94-17). The applicant must also submit the Commercial Driver’s License application, the self-certification form, and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate through the MyCDL portal. Once processed, the applicant takes the completed application to an issuing location, where a Kentucky State Police examiner administers the vision test. The cost of this license is $15.00. For more details, call KYTC at (502) 564-1257.

Kentucky CDL Endorsements

H Placarded Hazmat Required to transport hazardous materials under DOT regulations.

N Tank Vehicles Required to transport liquids in bulk containers of 1,000 gallons or more.

X Tanker/Hazardous Materials Combination Required to transport hazardous materials in tank vehicles

T Double/Triple Trailers Indicates CDL holder is certified to operate multiple trailer haulers.

P Passengers Indicates the CDL holder is certified to operate passenger vehicles.

S School Bus Indicates the CDL holder is authorized to operate a school bus. The “P” endorsement is also required.

Kentucky CDL Restrictions

The following CDL restrictions are based on the driver passing the necessary commercial driver’s license written knowledge tests or CDL Skills Tests. The following restrictions may be added or removed from the commercial driver’s license:

• L – No Air Brake Equipped CMV
• Z – No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV
• E – No Manual Transmission Equipped CMV
• O – No Tractor-trailer CMV
• M – No Class A Passenger Vehicle
• N – No Class A and B Passenger Vehicle
• K – Intrastate Only
• V – Medical Variance
• P – No Passengers in CMV Bus
• X – No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle
• 8 – Other (special restrictions)

Important Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License Resources

Complete CDL Practice Test Study Package
Complete CDL Cheat Sheet Study Package
Letter for First Time CDL Applicants
Kentucky Commercial Driver License Application TC 94-32
Kentucky Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Form TC 94-169
TSA HAZMAT Endorsement Threat Assessment Program F.A.Q.
TSA Application for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement
Military Exemption Form TC 94-167
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

Check out our list of truck driving schools in Kentucky that will provide you with the necessary skills to obtain your commercial driver’s license and start your career in the exciting field of commercial truck driving! You may also want to check out our nationwide list of truck driving schools.

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Map of Kentucky CDL Test Sites

**The CDL Skills Test is available at this location.

Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

Map of Kentucky CDL Test Sites

**The CDL Skills Test is available at this location.

Some CDL testing locations require you to set up an appointment. CDL testing hours may vary. Please call the testing location for more information.

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