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Commercial Driver's License

Commercial Driver's License

Drivers

Commercial Driver's License

​​​​​​Kentucky commercial drivers should continue to upload a copy of their medical examiner's certificate to the MyCDL portal when applying for or renewing their license or permit. Starting in June 2026, we will begin accepting examination results directly from medical providers.
New federal standards for testing and licensing heavy truck and bus operators are required by law in Kentucky. These minimum standards will guarantee the fitness of commercial motor vehicle operators by requiring demonstrated ability to drive heavy vehicles before a license is issued. The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) laws and standards cover drivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Mexico, and Canada. Motor Carriers will be held responsible if their drivers operate a commercial motor vehicle without a valid CDL.

Useful CDL Resources


MyCDL Quick Start Guides


CDL Document Portal




WHO NEEDS A CDL

If driving a commercial motor vehicle as defined below, you are required to carry a medical examination certificate, even though you are not required to carry a CDL license.


C ommercial Motor Vehicle means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle:

  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater.

    • Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) shall be determined by the combined actual physical weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fuel, and all other items, and, if towing, the tongue weight.

  • 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, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.

  • Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under applicable federal law.

RESTRICTIONS AND ENDORSEMENTS

Endorsements:

  • H Hazardous Materials

  • N Tank

  • P Passenger

  • T Double/Triple Trailer

  • X Tank/Hazardous Materials combined

  • S School Bus

    • Effective July 1, 2023, school bus endorsement holders will no longer be required to submit to an annual medical exam under KRS 281A.175. The medical certificate can be valid for up to 24 months.

Restrictions:

  • L No Air Brake Equipped CMV

  • Z No Full Air Brake Equipped CMV

  • E No Manual Transmission Equipped CMV

  • O No Tractor-trailer CMV

  • M No Class A Passenger Vehicle

  • N No Class A and B Passenger Vehicle

  • K Intrastate Only

  • V Medical Variance

  • P No Passengers in CMV Bus

  • X No Cargo in CMV Tank Vehicle

  • 8 Other (special restrictions)

REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A PERMIT/LICENSE

ALL CDL PAPERWORK MUST BE PROCESSED ON THE DRIVING RECORD BEFORE TESTING

  • CDL paperwork includes a valid Medical Certificate, Self-Certification, and Commercial application.

  • The driver must be at least 18 years of age.

  • The driver must be a Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen to apply.

    • Effective July 1, 2023, a non-domicile commercial learner’s permit (CLP), or commercial driver’s license (CDL), may be issued to a driver who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

  • Before obtaining a permit/license, all new applicants must complete the required written, vision, and skills tests.

  • No tests are required for persons transferring to Kentucky with valid driving privileges, except for persons transferring from foreign countries. (Except Hazmat Endorsement)

  • With the passage of SB 124, no testing is required for persons with licenses expired for less than five (5) years.

  • Any driver suspended or expired for more than five (5) years will start over with a permit as a new driver.


ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING (ELDT) REGULATIONS

  • Entry-level drivers include those applying to:

    • Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time;

    • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL; or

    • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time.

  • The ELDT regulations do not apply to individuals exempt from the CDL requirements under 49 CFR part 383. This includes:

    • Individuals applying under §383.3(c), (d), or (h);

    • Individuals applying for a restricted CDL under §383.3(e) through (g);

    • Military personnel who meet all requirements and conditions of §383.77; or

    • Individuals applying for removal of a restriction per §383.135(b)(7).

  • Entry-level drivers subject to the ELDT regulations must complete entry-level driver training from a training provider registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

  • An applicant who obtains a commercial learner's permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022, is not required to complete entry-level driver training for obtaining a CDL, so long as the applicant obtains a CDL before the CLP or renewed CLP expires.

For a list of registered training providers, and to learn more about the ELDT requirements, visit the FMCSA Training Provider Registry
SKILLS TEST

CDL skills testing appointments are made by calling the Kentucky State Police at 1 (800) 542-5990.


WANTS AND WARRANTS CHECK FOR ALL CDL DRIVERS (KRS 281A.300)

All applicants for a CDL (original and renewal) must undergo a "National Crime Information Center" check conducted by the Kentucky State Police. The cost is $3.00 and will be collected by the KYTC Driver Licensing Regional office at the time of issuance. It will be a quick check and will not delay the driver in receiving their CDL. If a "hit" occurs, a notice will be sent to the law enforcement agency that originated the warrant for further investigation.

Clearinghouse Status and CDL Downgrades
Effective November 18, 2024, having a "prohibited" Clearinghouse status will result in the loss or denial of a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a commercial learner's permit (CLP). Drivers in a "prohibited" Clearinghouse status must complete the return-to-duty (RTD) process to become eligible for a CDL or CLP. Learn about the steps a driver takes to get back to being "not prohibited" by clicking HERE.


RENEWING A CDL

Also, prior to the issuance of an original, renewal or upgrade CDL / CLP all CDL holders/applicants must self-certify as to what type of driving vehicle they are operating in or expect to operate in by completing TC 94-169 Commercial Driver License Self Certification form. The above information must be forwarded to the Division of Driver Licensing and posted to the driver’s CDLIS record prior to applying for issuance of a CDL / CLP at a Driver Licensing Regional office.

Also, 49 CFR 384.206 mandates new CDL applicants, renewals, upgrades and CDL transfers to complete a commercial driver's license application 10-year history survey. Drivers/applicants must provide a list of all states where they held a license to operate any type of vehicle in the previous 10 years. Failure to disclose the required information subjects the applicant to a possible 60 (sixty) day suspension for falsifying an application.

HAZMAT THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

The USA PATRIOT Act requires all drivers transporting hazardous materials to undergo a security threat assessment. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) developed a program to implement this requirement.




HAZMAT FINGERPRINTING LOCATIONS

Lexington Driver Licensing Regional Office
141 Leestown Center Way
Lexington, KY 40511
Monday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Louisville Bowman Field Regional Office
3501 Roger E. Schupp Street
Louisville, KY 40205
Monday & Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Independence Driver Licensing Regional Office
1655 Delaware Crossing
Independence, KY 41051
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Paducah
2855 Jackson Street
Paducah, KY 42003
Thursday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Madisonville Driver Licensing Regional Office
56 Federal Street
Madisonville, KY 42431
Wednesday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Morehead Driver Licensing Regional Office
126 Bradley Avenue
Morehead, KY 40351
Thursday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Elizabethtown Driver Licensing Regional Office
916 North Mulberry
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Bowling Green
360 E 8th Avenue, Suite 140
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Monday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
London Driver Licensing Regional Office
845A South Main Street
London, KY 40743
Wednesday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Pikeville
126 Trivette Drive, Suite 103
Pikeville, KY 41501
Tuesday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm



GENERAL RULES

  • You cannot have more than one license. If you break this rule, a court may fine you up to $5,000 or place you in jail. You must be licensed in your home state.

  • You must notify your employer within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation (except parking). This is factual, no matter what type of vehicle you were driving.

  • You must notify your motor vehicle license agency within 30 days if you are convicted of a traffic violation (except parking) in any other state. This is factual, no matter what type of vehicle you were driving.

  • You must notify your employer if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled or if you are disqualified from driving.

  • You must give your employer information on all driving jobs you have held for the past ten years. You must do this when you apply for a commercial driving job.

  • After April 1, 1992, no one could drive a commercial motor vehicle without a CDL. A state may fine you up to $5,000 or jail you for breaking this law. Your employer may not let you drive a commercial motor vehicle if you have more than one license or if your CDL is suspended or revoked. A court may fine the employer up to $10,000 or place him in jail for breaking this rule.


WAIVERS AND VIOLATIONS

HOW DOES THE SYSTEM PREVENT MULTIPLE LICENSES?

Kentucky has joined the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS), which will serve as a nationwide clearinghouse for information on commercial drivers. CDLIS will be used to eliminate drivers from holding multiple licenses and obtaining fraudulent licenses. For information regarding skills test appointments or test date availability, call Kentucky State Police at 1 (800) 542-5990.

For information on CDL regulations or questions regarding licensing of commercial drivers, call the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (502) 564-1257.






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