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Kentucky · Permit test

Getting a Kentucky CDL

A Kentucky CDL starts with a commercial learner's permit: you self-certify at a Regional Office, then pass the KSP knowledge and vision tests. The general knowledge test has 50 questions and you need 80%. You hold the permit at least 14 days, finish federal entry-level training if it applies to you, and take the skills test in your own vehicle. You can drive in-state at 18 and across state lines at 21.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

From permit to CDL

  1. Hold a valid Kentucky driver's license and get a DOT medical exam. The examiner sends your certificate straight to the federal registry.
  2. At a Regional Office, fill in the self-certification form (TC 94-169) and pay the $3 background check fee.
  3. Pass the knowledge and vision tests with KSP. If you fail, you can retake after 24 hours, as many times as needed.
  4. Get your commercial learner's permit: $11, or $14 for REAL ID. Practice with a qualified CDL holder in the front passenger seat.
  5. After at least 14 days, and any required entry-level driver training, call KSP at (800) 542-5990, option 1, to book the skills test. It covers a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control and a road test.
  6. Pass, and pick up your CDL at a Regional Office. CDL fees run from $18.75 to $50.

The knowledge tests

The 2025 KSP CDL manual says the general knowledge test has 50 questions, and every CDL knowledge test needs 80% to pass. Endorsements such as tanker and hazardous materials have their own tests. The HazMat test can't be taken orally.

KSP CDL manual 2025 (PDF) ↗

CDL classes

  • Class A: combinations of 26,001 lbs or more where the towed unit is over 10,000 lbs.
  • Class B: single vehicles of 26,001 lbs or more, or those towing 10,000 lbs or less, and buses for 16 or more of that weight.
  • Class C: smaller vehicles carrying placarded hazardous materials or built for 16 or more passengers.
  • The class depends on the vehicle's gross weight rating on the manufacturer's plate, not the license plate weight.

What happened to myCDL

The myCDL portal has been discontinued. Since June 8, 2026, medical examiners send certificates directly to the FMCSA National Registry, and the Division of Driver Licensing no longer accepts paper copies. Ask your medical examiner if you need to check that yours was sent. CDL services you can do online are now in myDrive.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewKentucky permit testAppointmentsBooking a Kentucky permit test or license appointmentCostWhat a Kentucky permit and license costWhat to bringKentucky REAL ID and permit documentsOnlineCan you take the Kentucky permit test online?Road testThe Kentucky State Police road testDriver's licenseHow to get a Kentucky driver's licenseRenew or replaceRenewing or replacing a Kentucky driver's licenseTesting sites and officesWhere to take the Kentucky permit testDriving recordGetting your Kentucky driving recordMotorcycleGetting a Kentucky motorcycle licenseDriving logThe Kentucky practice driving logOther languagesTaking the Kentucky permit test in another languageRoad signsRoad signs on the Kentucky permit testDriver manualThe Kentucky Driver ManualPractice testKentucky permit practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the Kentucky permit test
Sources: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky State Police and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.