A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Kentucky to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Kentucky CDL fees start at $64 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Kentucky CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Important for petrochemical and chemical plant supply chains in Kentucky.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel haulers serving Louisville metro and eastern Kentucky.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Kentucky requires background check and fingerprinting for school bus drivers.
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required. Common on I-65 and I-75 corridor runs through Kentucky.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Kentucky →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and a copy of the MEC to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for a medical exemption under certain conditions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk's office (which handles driver licensing) with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Kentucky residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. The CDL original fee is $64.
Kentucky CDLs are valid for 4 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate is separate and must be renewed every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner.
A Kentucky Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Kentucky) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
Coal transport in Kentucky is heavily regulated. CDL drivers hauling coal on state and secondary mountain roads must comply with posted weight limits, which can be very restrictive on secondary roads. Overweight permits are required for loads exceeding posted limits. Check KYTC and local county requirements before operating.
Kentucky CDL skills tests are administered at approved testing sites through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Third-party CDL testing providers are also available statewide. Visit drive.ky.gov for current testing locations and scheduling information.
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Kentucky CDL fee is $64 for original issuance and renewal. Knowledge tests are included in the CDL fee. Skills test fees vary — state-administered tests may be low-cost; third-party testing sites typically charge $75–$150. Verify current amounts at drive.ky.gov.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Kentucky KY Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026