Kentucky · KYTC

How to get your CDL permit in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the Kentucky State Police give your CDL knowledge tests and the KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Office issues your CLP. The permit costs $11 and lasts 180 days.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official KYTC sources

Start the free Kentucky permit classroom Official Kentucky CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $11 ($14 with REAL ID)
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable once
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid Kentucky driver's license and be at least 18 (under 21 means in-state driving only).
2Get a DOT physical from a medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry.
3Book your written test online through the Kentucky State Police scheduler.
4At a Driver Licensing Regional Office, complete the self-certification form and pay the $3 background check fee.
5Pass the vision test and your knowledge tests with at least 80% on each.
6Pay $11 for your CLP ($14 with REAL ID), then practice with a qualified CDL holder beside you for 14 days.
7Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
8Call Kentucky State Police at 1-800-542-5990, option 1, to schedule your skills test.

What to bring

Your valid Kentucky driver's license
Proof of identity and lawful presence
Your Social Security card

Medical card

You fill out a self-certification form at a Driver Licensing Regional Office. Since June 8, 2026, medical examiners send certificates to the FMCSA National Registry, which passes them to Kentucky electronically.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit$14 if you choose REAL ID.	$11
NCIC background checkPaid at the Regional Office before your written test.	$3
HazMat endorsement test	$5
HazMat fingerprinting	$138.25
Original CDL add-on (prorated)$23.75–$50 with REAL ID.	$18.75–$45

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with KYTC before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests such as Passenger, School Bus, Tank, Doubles/Triples or HazMat, if you want them

Testing in Kentucky

Kentucky State Police give all CDL knowledge and skills tests.
Knowledge tests can be taken in written or oral form.
You can retake a failed written test as often as needed, but only once per day.
A vision test is required for the permit.

Study for these tests in the Kentucky classroom

Good to know in Kentucky

Your CLP lasts 180 days and can be renewed or reissued only once in a 2-year period for the same class.
REAL ID is optional; it adds $3 to the permit fee.
Your supervising CDL holder must sit beside you while you drive.

Non-domiciled applicants

Kentucky limits non-domiciled permits to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 visa holders and citizens of Freely Associated States. They are valid until your immigration document expires or one year, whichever comes first.

Confirm with KYTC before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether CDL knowledge tests are offered in languages other than English. Kentucky's translated tests are listed for regular car tests.
Whether there are separate fees for the general knowledge or skills tests.
How many proofs of residency you need.
The vision standard you must meet.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (tests given by Kentucky State Police). Rules and fees change, so always check with KYTC before you apply.