A Kentucky CDL license is a golden key to unlocking a rewarding trucking career in Kentucky. Whether you are planning to drive locally or across the nation, your journey all starts with understanding the process. Therefore, this post today provides everything you should know on how to get a Kentucky CDL license, from eligibility requirements to application steps. Some tips to ensure your success are also covered. Keep reading to kick-start your journey toward your Kentucky CDL license now!
What are Kentucky CDL requirements?
To get your CDL license in Kentucky, you must meet specific requirements on age limit, documentation, driving record, medical fitness, permit, training, and testing. Here is what you should expect:
- Age limits: You must be at least 18 years of age for driving a commercial vehicle within Kentucky and at least 21 for interstate driving or transporting hazardous materials.
- Valid driver’s license: Possess a valid non-commercial Kentucky driver’s license before application.
- Proof of identity and residency: Include an official document that validates name, date of birth, legal presence in the U.S., and Kentucky residency.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Possess a valid SSN.
- 10-year driving record: Have a clean driving record that does not involve serious violation records or disqualifying offenses.
- Language: Be able to speak and read English.
- Medical certification: Undergo a DOT physical exam and receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MEC, by a certified medical professional.
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Pass the knowledge tests to obtain a CLP for at least 14 days before the CDL skills test.
- Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): Complete an ELDT program with an FMCSA-approved training provider.
- CDL skills test: Pass the three parts of the CDL skills test for your CDL Class and endorsement desired.
- Required fees: Pay any required state and federal fees associated with the licensing process.

For a detailed breakdown of each requirement, take a look at our comprehensive guide on Kentucky CDL requirements.
How to get a Kentucky CDL license
You have to go through several steps to get a Kentucky CDL license, but by following this step-by-step guide, the process will not be too complicated:
Step 1. Apply at a Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office
Begin your process by visiting a Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Office. Be prepared with all required documents such as proof of identity, Kentucky residency, a valid Kentucky driver’s license, and proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
Step 2. Choose your CDL CLass and certify the operation type

Determine what type of CDL Class goes along with your goals. You can choose from the categories below:
- Class A CDL: Combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers.
- Class B CDL: Single vehicles, such as box trucks or buses.
- Class C CDL: Small vehicles carrying hazardous materials or passengers.
Moreover, you have to submit self-certification of your operation type which is one of the following:
- Non-excepted interstate: Driving across state lines without restriction.
- Non-excepted intrastate: Restricted to driving within Kentucky without any exemptions.
- Excepted interstate: Usually driving within specific exemptions across state lines.
- Excepted intrastate: Excepted for operations within the state only.
If operating under non-excepted categories, you must complete a DOT medical exam to obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).
Step 3. Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

To get a CLP, you have to pass a series of written knowledge tests based on your chosen CDL CLass and endorsements. Each test covers specific areas of vehicle operation, federal regulations, and safety procedures.
General knowledge test
- Required for all CDL applicants.
- Sections covered include traffic laws, safe driving practices, cargo handling, and driver responsibilities.
- Format: 50 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing score: Correctly answer at least 40 questions – 80%.
Take Kentucky CDL general knowledge practice tests
Endorsement tests (if applicable)
You are required to take a written test for each endorsement you apply for.
Endorsement test | Objectives | Total Questions | Passing score |
Hazardous Materials | Hazardous cargo and safety and federal regulations for carrying such cargo in a vehicle | 30 | 24 |
Passenger Transport | Safety concepts for transporting passengers in a bus or other vehicle | 20 | 16 |
Doubles/Triples | The concept of operating a vehicle with multiple trailers | 20 | 16 |
School Bus | Safety checks, evacuation procedures, and regulations for student transport | 20 | 16 |
Tank Vehicle | Precautions to take when carrying liquid cargo | 20 | 16 |
Air brakes test (if applicable)
- For all vehicles with an air brake system.
- Cover topics on system components, proper operations, and troubleshooting.
- Format: 25 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing score: At least 20 correct answers – 80%.
Take Kentucky CDL air brakes practice tests
Combination vehicles test (if applicable)
- For all Class A CDL applicants.
- Coupling and uncoupling procedures, trailer inspection, and safe driving are covered.
- Format: 20 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing score: At least 16 correct answers – 80%.
Take Kentucky CDL practice tests
Step 4. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

If you are a new applicant for Class A or B CDL and special endorsements or want to upgrade your current license to Class A, you have to enroll in FMCSA-approved ELDT training. The training should include the following:
- Theory training: Online or classroom instruction covering federal regulations, vehicle safety inspections, and safety activities.
- Behind-the-wheel training: Hands-on training with a qualified instructor to practice maneuvering in the vehicle and learn the techniques used in driving.
Step 5. Pass the CDL skills test

Once you have finished your training and have held your CLP for at least 14 days, make an appointment for your skills test at a testing site approved by the FMCSA. The skills test includes three parts, measuring your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Pre-trip inspection
- Identify vehicle components and describe a check of such components as brakes, tires, lights, and fluid levels.
- Describe a check for damage or defects that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle.
- Mark will be given for properly identifying the critical items and their functions.
Basic control skills
- Make a series of specific maneuvers to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle in confined spaces:
- Straight-line backing: Back the vehicle in a straight line.
- Offset backing: Back into a lane to the left or right of your starting position.
- Parallel parking: Place the vehicle parallel to a curb or line.
- Alley docking: Back the vehicle into a simulated loading dock.
On-the-road driving
- Drive on public roads and demonstrate how well one can handle real-life driving situations.
- Merge onto a highway and change lanes.
- Drive uphill and downhill grades.
- Follow distance and speed adjustment.
- Handle traffic and road hazards.
Step 6. Receive your Kentucky CDL
Once you have passed all tests, you will be required to return to the KYTC office with your test results in hand and pay the appropriate fees for issuance of your Kentucky CDL to start your professional career as a commercial driver.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get a CDL in Kentucky?
The total cost to obtain a CDL in Kentucky ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, covering several associated costs such as training, permits, testing, the license itself, and much more. The exact number can vary depending on your chosen CDL training school, additional endorsements, and other needs.
For more information on the costs involved, refer to our post on How much it costs to get a CDL in Kentucky.
2. How long does it take to get a CDL in Kentucky?
The entire process of obtaining a CDL in Kentucky generally takes from 5 weeks to 10 weeks, depending on your training schedule and preparation for both written and skills tests.
For a detailed timeline, check our post on How long it takes to get a CDL in Kentucky.
3. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Kentucky?
Driving a commercial vehicle in Kentucky comes with great responsibility. As a result, CDL holders have to follow strict regulations to ensure public safety. You will be disqualified if violating common offenses including but not limited to:
- Major traffic offenses such as reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident.
- DUI/DWI convictions, alcohol or drugs within a certain period.
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
- Felonies involving the use of a commercial vehicle.
- Railroad-highway crossing violations.
- Out-of-service order ignorance.
- Violations in personal vehicles.
Final thoughts
Knowing how to get a Kentucky CDL is the first crucial step to launching a successful career in the trucking industry. By comprehending the basic requirements, application steps, the costs involved, and the timeline, you can better plan for a smooth application journey. Utilize our complete guide and reliable practice tests to navigate your application with confidence. Do not forget to stay updated on any changes to the state regulations. Start today and take the wheel toward your future in commercial trucking.