KYKentucky CDL permit test guide
The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.
- Licensing agency
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet; Kentucky State Police
- Official CDL page
- drive.ky.gov ↗
- Official CDL manual
- wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov ↗
- Testing, fees and appointments
- kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov ↗
- Knowledge-test language
- Confirm with the agency
Kentucky State Police lists written tests in English plus Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, French, Kinyarwanda, Japanese, Pashto, Somali, Spanish and Swahili; the page does not say whether this covers CDL tests. The CDL knowledge test may be oral, except Hazmat.
- Source collection date
Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)
- Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
- Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
- Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
- Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
- Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
- Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
- Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.
What is different in this state
- Learner permit (CLP)
The Kentucky CDL instruction permit is valid for 6 months and can be renewed only once; you must hold it 14 days before the skills test.
- Knowledge tests
General Knowledge has 50 questions; Combination 20, Air Brakes 25, Doubles/Triples, Tanker, Passenger and School Bus 20 each, Hazmat 30. You need 80% to pass and must wait 24 hours after a failed test.
- Test languages
Kentucky State Police lists written tests in English plus Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, French, Kinyarwanda, Japanese, Pashto, Somali, Spanish and Swahili; the page does not say whether this covers CDL tests. The CDL knowledge test may be oral, except Hazmat.
- Fees
CLP fee is $11 ($14 for REAL ID); CDL issuance is $18.75 to $50; a $3 background-check fee applies. Each skills retest costs $50, and endorsement/air/combination retests cost $5.
- Age
You can get a CDL at 18 for Kentucky-only (intrastate) driving with a K restriction, but not for school buses or hazmat; interstate driving requires age 21.
- Also important
Skills tests are given by Kentucky State Police (call 800-542-5990) and you bring your own vehicle; the basic control skills test has a 30-minute limit, and after 4 failed skills attempts you wait 7 days.
State-only topics in the manual
- Kentucky intro: how to apply through the myCDL portal, test list, retest rules, fees, restrictions and endorsements codes.
- Kentucky skills-test appointment rules and hazmat fingerprinting with Kentucky State Police.
Source collection date:
The three permit tests
General Knowledge
Required for every CDL class.
Mock examAir Brakes
Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.
Mock examCombination Vehicles
Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).
Mock exam7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.