If you’ve been thinking about getting a CDL in Kentucky, look no further. We’ll walk you through the process from start to finish so you can get your CDL quickly and easily.
With a Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you’ll be able to drive commercial vehicles for personal or business use. Our goal is to help you streamline this process so you can join the ranks of drivers who get to call the open road their place of business. First, let’s dive into the requirements for your Kentucky CDL.
Kentucky State CDL Requirements
You need to know how old to get CDL in KY. At a minimum, you must be 18 years to get your CDL credentials. If you want to join a company with interstate travel, you must be 21. Otherwise, you will be required to stay inside the Kentucky state borders.
All the other requirements for how to get CDL in KY include the following:
- Be 18 years or older (21 if you want to leave Kentucky)
- Already have a valid Kentucky state driver’s license
- Pass a DOT physical exam & vision test
- Have a CLP (commercial learner’s permit) for at least 10 days
- Pass a skills test
- Pass a written knowledge test (and for any specific endorsements)
- Submit and pass a 10-year driving record
- Pay any fees
- Be able to speak and read English
- Pass training (ELDT – Entry-Level Driver training)
As part of the Kentucky CDL requirements, you will also have to prove you are a KY resident and are legally allowed to work in the US. This could be a social security card, birth certificate, or green card.
Receive Your CDL Permit
To get your CDL in Kentucky, you’ll need to apply for a permit to drive a commercial vehicle. This is known as a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).
To apply, you must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age. The Kentucky CDL permit requirements are a bit looser than the actual CDL because this is used for training, where you will obtain or pass all the other requirements before testing.
To obtain your CDL permit, you will need to:
- Get a copy of the Kentucky CDL manual.
- Decide what type of vehicle you’ll be driving (there are 3 endorsements)
- Provide your DOT medical card
- Verify 10 years of driving record
- Proof of residency
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass all knowledge tests
You should also know that most driving schools offering CDL training require you to have your CDL permit before getting a CDL in Kentucky.
Attend a CDL Training in KY
When you have gotten your CLP, you are ready to begin collaborating with a qualified team for ELDT program training. This will walk you through everything you need to know for your specific Kentucky CDL requirements and the type of driving you want to do. This could involve anything from driving a school bus to transporting hazardous materials.
A CDL school is an excellent way to create a foundation of knowledge and skills to create a lucrative career. This CDL truck driver training will be a major step forward to a relaxing job on the road, away from a desk and the constant eyes of an overbearing boss.
Our team at DRC has the experience and know-how to help you streamline this process. Give us a call today, and let’s discuss your CDL training.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Kentucky?
The approximate cost of getting your CDL in Kentucky varies by the programs, training, and driving you receive. Some KY CDL training can be expensive, while other programs offer waivers for those planning on working in that business for a while after receiving their CDL.
In general, the fees you will pay are:
- CDL application: $24
- CLP: $11
- Skills testing fees: $50-$150
- CDL license: up to $40
- Whatever ELDT/CDL School fees you may have
Who Is Exempt from Getting a Kentucky CDL?
Beyond the minimum how old to get CDL in KY, the state also provides exemptions for some training.
For example, a military driver can apply within 1 year after leaving service for a CDL as long as they had a similar job (MOS, MIS) while serving.
This will involve passing a background check and verification from military service records. In addition, you must have driven a civilian equivalent of a bus or heavy truck for two years during your time in the military.
Start Your Lucrative Career in Trucking with a KY CDL
Becoming a truck driver is an exciting and rewarding career. Truck drivers play a vital role in our country’s economy, transporting goods and services around the country. The average truck driver earns between $50,000-70,000 per year, depending on experience and location of work.
If you have always dreamed about earning your living on the open road by hauling loads across America, then now is the time to begin your CDL training!
CDL training will teach you everything you need to know about operating commercial motor vehicles safely and efficiently. Students will spend several hours each day learning how to operate large trucks through classroom instruction as well as hands-on practice.
Get Started
Trucking is one of the fastest-growing industries and one of the most exciting opportunities in America. After reading through all our information, we hope you feel confident enough to apply for your CDL permit. If you have any questions about obtaining your KY CDL, give us a call at DRC today!