Kentucky · CDL truck driver licensing · verified July 2026
Kentucky CDL truck driver license requirements
The short answer
As of July 2026, Kentucky CDLs are issued by the Transportation Cabinet's Division of Driver Licensing, while the Kentucky State Police exclusively administers all CDL knowledge and skills testing. A commercial learner's permit costs $11 (180 days), the application fee is $24 plus a $3 NCIC check, skills tests are $50 per attempt, and the CDL is added to the operator license for a prorated $18.75-$45. Kentucky CDL credentials are valid for 8 years, with a combined operator/CDL renewal of $88 (standard).
Do you need a license to work as a CDL truck driver in Kentucky?
Kentucky licenses CDL truck drivers statewide, so one credential is valid across the whole state.
Minimum age 18 for intrastate driving, 21 for interstate, hazmat, or passengers (per drive.ky.gov). 2026 KYTC pricing chart: commercial permit $11 standard/$14 REAL ID (valid 180 days); application fee $24; S-endorsement application $9; NCIC fee $3; duplicate $15; out-of-state transfer operator/CDL $103 standard/$108 REAL ID; renewal combos range $88-$103 standard depending on motorcycle/S endorsement. Kentucky also offers intrastate medical waivers (601 KAR 11:040) for drivers not meeting federal medical standards, and a military skills-test waiver. Federal layer: ELDT since Feb 2022, DOT medical certificate, endorsements H (TSA), N, T, P, S.
What licenses does Kentucky issue?
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing issues the credentials below for this trade. Boards often list further classes for specialties and business licenses; these are the ones this page covers.
Hours are what each class asks for on its own terms. Where a senior class shows fewer than a journeyman, the board is counting time served after the earlier license rather than from the start; the prerequisite column says which.
| License | On-the-job hours | Classroom hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A CDL | not published | not published | Yes |
| Class B CDL | not published | not published | Yes |
| Class C CDL | not published | not published | Yes |
| Farm-related restricted service CDL (Class B/C) | not published | not published | No |
Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing (drive.ky.gov). Verified July 2026.
What exam does Kentucky require?
CDL knowledge (written/permit) tests. Administered by Kentucky State Police (exclusive CDL testing agency); $3 NCIC background-check fee collected before written testing per KRS 281A.300.
CDL skills test (pre-trip, basic control, road). Administered by Kentucky State Police.
Hazmat endorsement written test. Administered by Kentucky State Police. Exam fee $5.
Source: examination page (wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov). Verified July 2026.
How much does a Kentucky CDL truck driver license cost?
Kentucky sets its fees per license class rather than as one figure for the trade, so no single total would be true of every applicant. The published items are below exactly as the board sets them.
- Application fee$24
- Exam fee$50
- Initial license feeset per license class
- Renewal fee (recurring)$88
How often do you renew, and what continuing education is required?
Renewal period: 8 years - 'CDL credentials will be valid for eight (8) years' per KYTC; combined operator/CDL renewal $88 standard / $93 REAL ID (higher with motorcycle or S endorsement combos); in-person renewal required
Continuing education: None required by the state. DOT medical certificate must be kept current (uploaded to the FMCSA National Registry); hazmat endorsement requires a TSA security threat assessment with fingerprinting ($138.25) every 5 years plus the $5 written test.
How does the apprenticeship route work?
No apprenticeship pathway to licensure. First-time Class A/B applicants (and first P/S/H endorsements) must complete performance-based ELDT from an FMCSA Training Provider Registry provider; Kentucky sets no minimum training hours.
How does Kentucky compare to neighboring states?
Requirements stop at the state line, which matters if you live near one or expect to move. Here is what the neighboring states ask of the same trade.
| State | Journeyman hours | Licensing model |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | not published | Statewide |
| Illinois | not published | Statewide |
| Indiana | not published | Statewide |
| Missouri | not published | Statewide |
| Ohio | not published | Statewide |
| Tennessee | not published | Statewide |
| Virginia | not published | Statewide |
| West Virginia | not published | Statewide |
Source: state licensing boards. Verified July 2026.
Sources and verification
Every fact on this page traces to one of these
- KYTC DRIVE - Commercial Driver's License
- KYTC CDL Pricing 2026 (fee chart)
- KYTC DRIVE FAQs - 8-year CDL credential
- Kentucky State Police - Driver Testing
- KSP online payment portal - CDL skills retest $50
Last verified July 2026. Found an error? Report it and it will be corrected and logged on the corrections page.
Other states with published requirements for this trade: Louisiana, Maine, Maryland.
Price the whole path with the license cost estimator, or weigh earning against paying for school with the apprenticeship comparison. Back to CDL truck drivers overview.
Licensing requirements change between our verification sweeps. This page is informational only, so confirm current requirements with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Driver Licensing before making decisions. Not legal advice.