Kentucky's CDL manual and DMV CDL Practice Tests

for all endorsements

Kentucky's CDL Manual

Commercial Driver Handbook

Kentucky CDL Requirements

  • You meet the age requirement (18 if you’re driving within Kentucky, 21 if driving to other states)
  • You have a valid non-commercial driver’s license
  • Your driving privileges are not suspended, canceled, revoked, or disqualified
  • You meet the medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
  • You are a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident
  • You are residing in Kentucky
  • You can read and speak in English.

How to Get Your CDL in Kentucky The process of getting your CDL isn’t complicated — it’s particularly true in Kentucky since they offer an online system that can make it convenient for applicants. That said, you’ll need to go through two stages:

  • Your commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
  • Your commercial driver’s license (CDL)

Here’s what you have to do for each stage. How to Get Your Kentucky CLP Here are the steps to getting your CLP in Kentucky:

  1. Ensure you meet all the requirements in the section above.
  2. Decide on the CDL class you need.
  3. Create an account on the Kentucky Online Gateway.
  4. Once you have it set up, fill out the online application form. You will get a confirmation email that you’ve submitted your application.
  5. You can use the same portal to complete your self-certification and upload your medical certificate.

NOTE: If you prefer to complete a paper application, download and fill out the Commercial Driver License Application and Commercial Driver License Self-Certification forms. You must then send them and your Medical Examiner’s Certificate by mail to this address:

  • Division of Driver Licensing
  • 200 Mero St.
  • Frankfurt, KY 40622

You will receive a confirmation letter if the office accepts your documents.

  1. Schedule a CDL written test appointment with the Kentucky State Police.
  2. Pass a vision test.
  3. Pass the written portion of the CDL exam.
  4. Go to your local Driver Licensing Regional Office.
  5. Submit a 10-year driving record and a valid ID.
  6. Pay the application fees:
  • If applying for a Class B or Class C CDL with a P or S endorsement – $9
  • If applying for any other CDL – $24
  • CLP fee – $11
  1. Get your CLP. And there you have it — the steps to getting your CLP. Remember that, just like a learner’s permit, a CLP comes with restrictions. Although you can already drive a CMV on public roads, a licensed commercial driver at least 21 years old must always be with you.

DMV CDL Practice Tests

General Knowledge

The general knowledge test is the first of several tests that you will have to complete in order to get your CDL. The questions cover general information about commercial vehicles, driving, and vehicle inspections. The test has a total of 50 questions, and requires at least 40 correct answers to pass.

Air Brakes

You must have an Air brake endorsement on your driver's license to drive a vehicle equipped with an air brake system. This test will test your knowledge of the function, parts, and braking distance of air brakes. The test will consist of 25 questions, and at least 20 correct answers are needed to pass.

Combination

The combination endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle with a power unit and one trailer. This test will cover the "ins and outs" of operating articulated vehicles. The exam consists of 25 questions, and requires at least 20 correct to pass.

Hazardous Material

The Hazardous Material endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle containing items such as poisons, explosives, flammables, etc. You will also have to pass the TSA Hazardous Material Threat Assessment to get this endorsement. There are 30 questions, 24 correct required to pass.

Tanker

The Tanker endorsement allows the driver to operate a vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. There are 20 questions, 16 correct required to pass.

Doubles / Triples

The Doubles/Triples endorsement is required for drivers to pull 2 trailers (doubles) or 3 trailers (triples) connected to a single power unit. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Passenger

Bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement in order to operate a vehicle which seats 16 or more, including the driver. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

School Bus

School Bus Endorsement is required for any driver who operates a school bus. After the permit tests the training can be only completed by a local school district. There are 20 questions on this test, and 16 correct answers are required to pass.

Pre Trip Inspection

The Pre-Trip exam is an oral exam where you are expected to check the vehicle parts to insure it is safe for road use. The amount of parts you need to check increase with the size of the vehicle, and by type of vehicle.