Kentucky CDL Test Requirements and CDL Endorsement Test Info

Do I Need A Commercial Driver License?

If you live in Kentucky and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have a Kentucky Commercial Driver License (CDL).

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials.

What Tests Do I Need To Take?

Don't know which endorsement you need? Just answer this question:

If you drive a commercial vehicle that falls into one of the following classifications, you must have an Kentucky Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Class A CDL - For any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.

Class B CDL - Any straight truck with two or more axles and a GVWR of 26,0001 pounds or more; Any vehicle with two or more axles and a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, pulling a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less; A single vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) if the GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more.

Class C CDL - Any vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds transporting hazardous materials for which placarding is required. Any vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver, with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds.

About the CDL Knowledge Tests

You will have to take one or more knowledge tests in written or oral form, depending on what class of license and what endorsements you need. The Kentucky State Police will give the knowledge test at the local exam stations. Please check with your local Circuit Court Clerk regarding the days and times the examiner will be available.

All CDL applicants must take the 50-question general knowledge test. You must get at least 80% correct to pass. The table below will tell you what additional tests you must take, if any.

Test Name Take If...
Passenger Transport ...you want to drive a bus
Air Brakes ...your vehicle has air brakes
Combination Vehicles ...you want to drive combination vehicles
Hazardous Materials ...you want to haul hazardous material or waste in amounts which require placarding
Tankers ...you want to haul liquids in bulk
Doubles/Triples ...you want to pull double or triple trailers

For each test, 80 percent of the questions must be answered correctly to pass. If you fail a test, you must wait 24 hours to take the test again. After you pass the written test(s) and a vision test, a CDL instruction permit will be issued that is valid for six months. A permit may only be renewed once in the two-year period.

Skills Tests

If you pass the required knowledge test(s), you can take the CDL skills tests. You may schedule a road skills test with the Kentucky State Police 10 days after the permit has been issued. Skills tests can be taken indefinitely as long as the CDL instruction permit is valid. If you do not successfully pass the road skills test by the expiration of your CDL instruction permit renewal, you will need to reapply. All fees and written tests will be required prior to a new permit being issued.

There are three types of general skills that will be tested: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. You must take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. You must furnish a vehicle for the test.

  1. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.
  2. Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it within a defined area. These areas may be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.
  3. On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

What Are The Other Requirements For A CDL?

The main physical requirements include good hearing, 20/40 vision with or without glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers must not be colorblind.

What Should I Bring To The Department Of Motor Vehicles?

To make application for a CDL, you must provide a valid DOT medical certificate and complete an application at your local Circuit Court Clerk's office.

What Fees Will I Have To Pay?

CDL fees are as follows:

Where Can I Get More Information?

To download the Kentucky CDL Manual: http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/Kentucky_CDL_Manual_2010.pdf

For federal requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm

For medical requirements: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm

Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing - CDL: http://transportation.ky.gov/drlic/cdl/commercial_driving_license.htm

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: http://transportation.ky.gov/

 

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