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Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Application

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

  • Provide your current, valid Kentucky Driver's license.
  • Provide a valid Department of Transportation medical certificate. Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to obtain a form and for more information.
  • Provide birth certificate.
  • Provide proof of Kentucky residency.
  • Provide your Social security number.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

  1. Fill out the CDL application form (TC 94-32) and submit to the local Circuit Court Clerk's office.
  2. Pay a $24 application fee.
  3. Pass the CDL knowledge test either in written or oral form. The knowledge tests are given by the Kentucky State Police at the local exam stations. 80% of the questions must be answered correctly for a pass. See the CDL Manual for more information.
  4. Pass vision screening test.
Once you do all these you will be issued an instruction permit which is valid for six months. The fee for an instruction permit is $11. Once you have held the instruction permit for 10 days you may schedule a road skills test with the Kentucky State Police after paying the $50 skills testing fee. If you pass the skills test you will be issued a Commercial Driver's license. Note: It is a good idea to enroll in a Commercial driver's education program even though Kentucky doesn't have any minimal training requirements.

FEES

An original Kentucky Commercial Driver's License fee can be up to $40 - prorated according to current operator's expiration. Adding endorsements or dropping restrictions will cost extra. All applicants are required to undergo a "hot file" check conducted by the Kentucky state police and have to pay a $3 fee towards this.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL:
  • Hazardous Material (Class H).
  • Tank Vehicles (Class N).
  • Passenger-Carrying Vehicle (Class P).
  • School Bus (Class S).
  • Towing a Double or Triple Trailer (Class T).

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)

This is an endorsement required if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle that transports hazardous materials. There are specific background checks and knowledge exams that you need to pass in order to receive this endorsement on your CDL. Please see the HAZMAT endorsement article for more detailed information.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERSTATE DRIVERS

The following is a list of federal requirements for interstate drivers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES