Kentucky CDL Requirements: Your Comprehensive Guide

Commercial driving in Kentucky requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for operating large vehicles. This guide, brought to you by carcodepro.com, your trusted source for automotive expertise, outlines everything you need to know about Kentucky CDL requirements, ensuring you’re informed and compliant with state regulations. Understanding these regulations is crucial for professional drivers and fleet operators alike, contributing to safer roads across the Bluegrass State.

Who Needs a CDL in Kentucky?

Kentucky, like all U.S. states, adheres to federal guidelines regarding CDLs, with specific state regulations layered on top. You will need a Kentucky CDL if you operate any of the following Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs):

Class A CDL: Required for any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle(s) exceeds 10,000 pounds. This typically includes tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and truck and trailer combinations.
Class B CDL: Necessary for:
- Straight trucks with two or more axles and a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Vehicles with two or more axles and a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.
- Single vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. Examples include large buses and dump trucks.
Class C CDL: Required when:
- Transporting hazardous materials in any vehicle requiring placarding, regardless of GVWR.
- Operating a single vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds, such as smaller buses and passenger vans.

Even if a CDL is not required, drivers operating certain commercial motor vehicles must carry a medical examination certificate. A Commercial Motor Vehicle is defined as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on highways in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when it:

Has a GVWR or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kg) or more.
Is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), regardless of compensation.
Is used to transport hazardous materials as determined by the Secretary of Transportation, requiring placarding.

CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

Kentucky CDLs can include endorsements and restrictions that specify what types of vehicles and cargo a driver is authorized to operate.

Endorsements expand the scope of your CDL:

H – Hazardous Materials: Allows the transportation of hazardous materials.
N – Tank Vehicle: Permits operation of tank vehicles.
P – Passenger: Authorizes the transportation of passengers in commercial vehicles.
S – School Bus: Required to operate school buses.
T – Double/Triple Trailers: Allows pulling double or triple trailers.
X – Tank Vehicle/Hazardous Materials Combined: Combines H and N endorsements.

Restrictions limit what a driver can operate:

L – No Air Brake Equipped CMV: Prohibits operating vehicles with air brakes.
Z – No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV: Restricts operation of vehicles with full air brakes.
E – No Manual Transmission Equipped CMV: Limits operation to automatic transmission vehicles.
O – No Tractor-Trailer CMV: Prohibits operating tractor-trailers.
M – No Class A Passenger Vehicle: Restricts operation of Class A passenger vehicles.
N – No Class A and B Passenger Vehicle: Restricts operation of Class A and B passenger vehicles.
K – Intrastate Only: Limits driving to within Kentucky.
V – Medical Variance: Indicates a medical variance is on file.
P – No Passengers in CMV Bus: Prohibits carrying passengers in a CMV bus.
X – No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle: Prohibits carrying cargo in a CMV tank vehicle.
8 – Other (special restrictions): Used for unique restrictions.

Obtaining a Kentucky CDL Permit/License

Before you can take your CDL skills test, you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and meet specific requirements.

Pre-Testing Requirements:

All CDL paperwork, including a valid Medical Certificate, Self-Certification, and Commercial application, must be processed on your driving record before testing.
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Kentucky CDL. For interstate driving, you must be 21 years old.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for a CDL. However, non-domiciled CLP or CDL may be issued to non-US citizens with proper documentation, such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form.

Testing Requirements:

New applicants must pass written, vision, and skills tests administered by the Kentucky State Police. You can schedule your skills test by calling 1 (800) 542-5990.
Kentucky offers reciprocity for drivers transferring from other states with valid driving privileges, generally waiving tests except for Hazardous Materials endorsements. Transfers from foreign countries may require testing.
Licenses expired for less than five years may be reinstated without testing due to SB 124. However, licenses expired for more than five years require starting over with a permit as a new driver.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Regulations:

Federal regulations mandate Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for certain CDL applicants. ELDT applies to those:

Obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time.
Upgrading from a Class B to a Class A CDL.
Obtaining a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

ELDT is not required for individuals exempted under 49 CFR part 383, including those applying under specific sections related to restricted CDLs, military personnel meeting certain criteria, or individuals removing restrictions. Training must be completed through a provider registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/). If you obtained your CLP before February 7, 2022, and obtain your CDL before your CLP expires, ELDT is also waived.

Skills Test and Wants/Warrants Check

The CDL skills test is a critical step in obtaining your license. Appointments for skills tests are made through the Kentucky State Police at 1 (800) 542-5990.

Wants and Warrants Check:

All CDL applicants (original and renewal) undergo a “hot file” check by the Kentucky State Police under KRS 281A.300. This check costs $3.00, collected at the KYTC Driver Licensing Regional office. It’s a quick process and typically won’t delay your CDL issuance. This check is part of Kentucky’s commitment to safety and compliance on its roads. While Kentucky law enforcement utilizes various technologies to maintain road safety and verify driver compliance, including systems that can quickly check vehicle information, the “hot file” check is a direct measure to ensure CDL holders are in good standing. If a “hit” occurs, the originating law enforcement agency is notified for further investigation.

Renewing Your CDL

Renewing your Kentucky CDL requires adherence to specific procedures to maintain your commercial driving privileges. Prior to renewal, upgrade, or original issuance of a CDL/CLP, all applicants must self-certify the type of commercial driving they engage in or expect to engage in by completing form TC 94-169. This self-certification and a 10-year history survey (listing all states where you held any type of driver’s license in the past decade, as mandated by 49 CFR 384.206) must be completed. Failure to disclose accurate information can lead to a 60-day suspension for falsifying the application.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Endorsement

Transporting hazardous materials requires a Hazmat endorsement and compliance with federal security regulations. The USA PATRIOT Act mandates a security threat assessment for all Hazmat endorsement holders. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages this program. Security threat assessments must be renewed every five years. Kentucky’s Division of Driver Licensing will send a notification approximately 60 days before expiration to initiate the renewal process. For inquiries about appointments or status checks, contact KSP at 1 (888) 655-9655. A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) can also serve as proof of a security threat assessment.

First-Time Hazmat Endorsement Applicants:

If you already hold a CDL, call KSP at 1 (888) 655-9655 to schedule fingerprinting at one of the eight designated locations across Kentucky.
If you don’t have a CDL, obtain a CLP first, then schedule fingerprinting.

At the fingerprinting site, you must present two forms of ID and your CDL permit (if applicable). The fingerprint-based criminal background check costs $138.25, payable by certified check, cashier’s check, money order to the Kentucky State Treasurer, or online via the KSP Website (https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/KSP/Hazmat_FP). This fee is solely for the background check, not the endorsement itself. After TSA and FBI processing, you’ll receive notification of approval or disqualification. Approved applicants can then schedule a Hazmat knowledge test at a KYTC Driver License Regional office, paying a $5.00 test fee. Passing this test adds the Hazmat endorsement to your CDL.

Renewing or Transferring a Hazmat Endorsement:

Renewals: Hazmat endorsement holders must pass written and vision tests every renewal, unless it’s been less than two years since the last test. The testing fee is $5.00. The security threat assessment is required every five years.
Transfers: Drivers transferring a Hazmat endorsement to Kentucky must take the written knowledge and vision tests ($5.00 fee). Kentucky will verify your security threat assessment information from TSA or via your TWIC document.

Hazmat Fingerprinting Locations in Kentucky

For Hazmat endorsement fingerprinting, Kentucky offers multiple locations:

Lexington: 141 Leestown Center Way, Monday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Louisville (Bowman Field): 3501 Roger E. Schupp Street, Monday & Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Independence: 1655 Delaware Crossing, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Paducah (McCracken County Courthouse): 2855 Jackson Street, Thursday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Madisonville (Regional Office): 56 Federal Street, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Morehead Driver Licensing Regional Office: 126 Bradley Avenue, Thursday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Elizabethtown Driver Licensing Regional Office: 916 North Mulberry, Wednesday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bowling Green (Regional Office): 360 E 8th Avenue, Suite 140, Tuesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
London Driver Licensing Regional Office: 845 South Main Street, Wednesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pikeville Driver Licensing Regional Office: 126 Trivette Drive, Suite 103, Tuesday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

General CDL Rules

One License Rule: Holding more than one driver’s license is illegal and can result in fines up to $5,000 and jail time. You must be licensed in your state of domicile.
Traffic Violation Notification: You must notify your employer within 30 days of any traffic violation conviction (excluding parking), regardless of the vehicle you were driving.
Out-of-State Violation Notification: Notify your motor vehicle license agency within 30 days of a traffic violation conviction (excluding parking) in any other state, again, regardless of vehicle type.
License Suspension/Revocation Notification: Immediately inform your employer if your CDL is suspended, revoked, canceled, or if you are disqualified from driving.
Employment History: Provide your employer with information about all driving jobs held in the past ten years when applying for a commercial driving position.
CDL Requirement Enforcement: Driving a CMV without a CDL after April 1, 1992, is illegal, with potential fines up to $5,000 and jail time. Employers are also liable for allowing drivers with multiple licenses or suspended/revoked CDLs to operate CMVs, facing fines up to $10,000 and potential jail time.

CDL Waivers and Violations

Kentucky provides certain waivers and has strict penalties for violations affecting CDL holders.

Violations Resulting in Disqualification:

Penalties for violations range from 24-hour out-of-service orders to lifetime disqualification.

24 Hours: Driving a CMV with any measurable alcohol or controlled substance.
60 Days: Two serious moving violations within three years. Serious violations include speeding 15 mph or more, improper lane changes, following too closely, reckless driving, violations related to fatal accidents, and operating a CMV without proper permits or endorsements, texting, or using a handheld mobile phone while driving. Falsifying CDL application information also results in a 60-day disqualification.
120 Days: Three serious moving violations within three years.
180 Days to 3 Years: Operating a CMV while placed out of service (increasing penalties for repeat offenses within ten years).
1 Year (First Conviction) / Lifetime (Second Conviction): Driving a CMV with a BAC of .04% or higher, under the influence of controlled substances, leaving the scene of an accident, using a CMV in a felony, refusing a chemical test, driving with a suspended CDL, or causing a fatality through negligent CMV operation.
3 Years: Violating any of the 1-year disqualification offenses while transporting hazardous materials.
Lifetime: Using a CMV in a felony involving controlled substance manufacturing, distribution, or severe forms of human trafficking.

Reinstatement after a suspension of one year or more requires completing all CDL tests.

Alcohol and Controlled Substances:

Operating a CMV with any detectable amount of alcohol or controlled substances is illegal. BAC levels between .01% and .039% result in a 24-hour out-of-service order. A BAC of .04% or higher leads to a one-year disqualification, even if in a non-commercial vehicle. Second offenses result in lifetime disqualification of commercial driving privileges. CBD use can also lead to positive THC tests and impairment, resulting in violations. FMCSA (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/) provides further information on drug and alcohol regulations for CMV operators. Any alcohol/drug-related driving offense by a CDL holder results in an automatic one-year commercial status suspension, regardless of whether the offense occurred in a commercial or personal vehicle.

State Traffic School for CDL/CMV Drivers:

Attending state traffic school may prevent points on your driving record but will not prevent convictions from appearing, which is crucial for CDL holders and CMV drivers as all moving convictions are recorded.

Intrastate Medical Waivers:

Kentucky offers Intrastate Medical Waivers (601 KAR 11:040) for drivers who don’t meet federal medical guidelines (49 CFR 391, subpart E). Applications can be made through the Division of Driver Licensing in Frankfort. The process involves submitting a “Request for Medical Waiver,” supplemental medical reports completed by licensed physicians (and optometrists/ophthalmologists for vision conditions), and a long-form copy of your last DOT physical. Waiver decisions are based on medical reports, DOT physical, and driving history. Approved waivers result in a “Medical Waiver Granted” card, valid for intrastate commerce only, and a “K” restriction on the CDL. Periodic medical updates are required to maintain the waiver.

Farm-Related Services Restricted CDL:

A restricted CDL is available for employees of farm retail outlets, suppliers, agrochemical businesses, custom harvesters, and livestock feeders. Valid for 60, 120, or 180 days within a 12-month period and within 150 miles of the serviced land, it excludes Class A vehicles transporting certain hazardous materials. Applications (TC94-17 and other standard CDL forms) are required, along with a vision test. The license fee is $15.00. Contact KYTC at (502) 564-1257 for more information.

Military Personnel CDL Waivers:

Kentucky offers CDL test waivers for qualified military personnel (active duty or discharged within 12 months) obtaining their initial CDL. Waivers are for knowledge and/or skills tests but not for upgrades or restriction changes. Applications, including a waiver application, military CDL, DD214 or proof of status, DD348 or equivalent, CDL application, medical certificate, self-certification, and Military Exemption Form TC 94 167, must be submitted by the Commanding Officer to [email protected]. Approved applicants receive a notification letter to present at their local driver licensing office. Contact KYTC at (502) 564-1257 for details.

18-Year-Old Intrastate Driving:

Kentucky allows 18-year-olds with a valid Class D license to obtain a CDL for intrastate commerce only (no school buses or hazardous materials). The CDL will be class-specific with a “K” restriction.

Preventing Multiple Licenses: CDLIS

Kentucky participates in the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS), a national clearinghouse to prevent drivers from holding multiple CDLs and obtaining fraudulent licenses. For skills test appointments, call Kentucky State Police at 1 (800) 542-5990. For CDL regulation or licensing questions, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (502) 564-1257.

This comprehensive guide provides essential information for obtaining and maintaining a Kentucky CDL. Staying informed and compliant ensures you can operate commercial vehicles safely and legally in Kentucky. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky State Police resources.