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Get your Kentucky CDL — government fees ($125), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) — Division of Driver Licensing
502-564-1257
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
72% of data points are verified against official sources. 7 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$125
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
8 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Kentucky driver's license, DOT medical card, CDL application, and Self-Certification form. Upload to myCDL portal.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Pass Knowledge Tests at Circuit Court Clerk
Visit your county circuit court clerk's office and pass the required CDL knowledge tests for your desired class.
$24 application fee + $11 CLP permit fee; $5 retest fee per subsequent attempt
Fee: $35Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
KCTCS community college programs available
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.
CLP valid for 180 days; may be renewed once
Pass Skills Test with Kentucky State Police
Schedule and pass the CDL skills test at the closest Kentucky State Police headquarters. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road driving test.
$50 if KY license held >30 days; $150 if held 30 days or less; $50 retest fee per attempt
Fee: $50Obtain CDL at KYTC Regional Office
Visit a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional office to pay fees and receive your CDL.
~$40 CDL fee + $3 KSP hot file check; varies by CDL type and endorsements
Fee: $43Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($35) + CDL (~$40) + skills test ($50)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
KCTCS community colleges offer CDL training programs
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $50
If KY operator's license held for more than 30 days; $150 if held 30 days or less. $50 retest fee per additional attempt.
Three-Part Exam
CDL skills tests in Kentucky are administered by the Kentucky State Police, not through third-party examiners.
Third-party fee: $150–$400 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule by appointment at the closest Kentucky State Police headquarters
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Kentucky
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$35
$24 application fee + $11 CLP permit fee
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
8 years
Renewal Fee
$40
Varies by CDL type and endorsement combination; plus $3 KSP hot file check. REAL ID CDL valid for 8 years.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
REAL ID CDL credentials have an 8-year lifespan. All CDL applicants (original and renewal) must undergo a KSP hot file check ($3). HAZMAT knowledge test required at each renewal.
Regulatory Board
Visit a KYTC Driver Licensing Regional office with required documents. No written or skills tests required for transfers from other U.S. states except for HAZMAT endorsement retention. Must provide 10-year driving history.
Transfer Fee
$40
CDL license fee plus $3 KSP hot file check; varies by CDL type
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Kentucky residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedNo tests for U.S. transfers; HAZMAT knowledge test required to retain HAZMAT endorsement
Qualified eligible military service members on active duty or discharged within the past 12 months may waive some testing based on training and experience. Only available for initial CDL, not upgrades or restriction changes.
Eligibility
Active duty or discharged within past 12 months with equivalent vehicle operation experience; initial CDL only
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Kentucky.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Kentucky range from $3,000 to $7,000. KCTCS community colleges offer CDL training programs
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Kentucky
Knowledge tests at circuit court clerks, skills tests by State Police. $150 skills test fee if KY license held 30 days or less (vs $50 normally). CDL fees are prorated to license expiration.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#33 of 51
Cost
#26 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$47,630
25th percentile
Median
$55,590
-3% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$65,210
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
33,430 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Kentucky.