Free Kentucky CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
Pass your Kentucky CDL permit exam with 80%+ on the first try
Updated: August 2026
What You Need to Study
General Knowledge
The foundation of your CDL exam. Covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and federal regulations every commercial driver must understand.
Combination Vehicles
Essential for driving tractor-trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling procedures, rollover prevention, inspecting combination vehicles, and safely maneuvering with attached trailers.
Air Brakes
Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes. Covers how air brake systems work, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, and using them safely in all conditions.
Endorsement Tests
HazMat
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.
Tanker
Required for driving tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Covers safe loading, unloading, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
Doubles & Triples
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures for multi-trailer rigs.
Passenger
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Covers passenger safety, loading, emergency exits, and pre-trip inspection requirements.
Free Kentucky CDL Practice Tests — Your Complete Study Guide
What should you do when merging?
- Merge at a much lower speed than the flow of traffic.
- Use your mirrors to make sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter safely.
- Merge without signaling.
Documents related to hazardous materials transportation must be stored ___.
- In the pouch of the driver door.
- Attached to the sun visor.
- In a box on the trailer.
Which of these statements about driving through a tunnel is correct?
- Keep windows open for fresh air.
- Turn off all lights inside the truck.
- There may be strong winds when exiting.
Among these vehicles, which is more likely to experience off-tracking during turns?
- Tractor with 45-feet trailer.
- 28-feet box truck
- 45-feet straight truck
Under what circumstances should you sound your horn?
- If it helps to avoid a crash.
- To let others know you are running late.
- To say hello to a friend on the sidewalk.
Identify the incorrect statement regarding alcohol consumption.
- A drinker can control how fast his or her body absorbs alcohol.
- Alcohol goes directly from the stomach to the blood stream.
- BAC is determined by how fast you drink; how much you drink and how much you eat.
If your vehicle is missing ____ or more leaves from any leaf spring, it won't be allowed to be used.
- 1/3
- 1/4
- 1/2
Select the correct statement regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
- Any truck carrying any amount of hazardous materials must have placards.
- Hazardous materials can be disposed of in regular trash bins if the containers are sealed.
- All hazardous materials present health and safety danger.
To figure out how much alcohol is in someone's blood (BAC), you need to know:
- Their height.
- The time of day they drink alcohol
- Their weight.
What is the right way to hold a steering wheel?
- With one hand on the top of the wheel and the other on your lap.
- With your knees, while using your hands to adjust the radio.
- With both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel.
What Are You Preparing For?
Select one or more options so we can show you exactly which tests you need to take.
What You Need to Study
General Knowledge
16 sections · 800 questions
The foundation of your CDL exam. Covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and federal regulations every commercial driver must understand.
Combination Vehicles
9 sections · 180 questions
Essential for driving tractor-trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling procedures, rollover prevention, inspecting combination vehicles, and safely maneuvering with attached trailers.
Air Brakes
6 sections · 150 questions
Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes. Covers how air brake systems work, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, and using them safely in all conditions.
Endorsement Tests
Additional endorsements you may need depending on the type of vehicle or cargo you plan to operate.
HazMat
9 sections · 202 questions
Required for transporting hazardous materials. Covers placarding, labeling, loading procedures, emergency response, and compliance with federal hazmat regulations.
Tanker
6 sections · 133 questions
Required for driving tank vehicles used to transport liquids or gases in bulk. Covers safe loading, unloading, and driving techniques specific to tanker operations.
Doubles & Triples
7 sections · 144 questions
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Covers coupling and uncoupling multiple trailers, safe driving practices, and inspection procedures for multi-trailer rigs.
Passenger
6 sections · 123 questions
Required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers. Covers passenger safety, loading, emergency exits, and pre-trip inspection requirements.
Your Path to a Commercial Driver's License
To get a CDL, you must first study for and pass the permit exam at the DMV. After you receive your permit, you can take commercial vehicle driving classes and complete the required training. The final step is passing the official driving exam to earn your CDL. Our practice tests help you prepare for the DMV permit exam with real-style questions, and we also provide extra study materials and helpful resources to guide you through the process.
To obtain a CDL in Kentucky, you must pass the written permit tests that match your license class — General Knowledge for everyone, plus Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes where they apply — at the Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles. Similar to a regular driver's license permit exam, these are timed, multiple-choice tests based on the official Kentucky CDL handbook.
All of our practice material is built from the official Kentucky CDL handbook and federal resources, and curated by professionals with over 10 years of experience in the commercial transportation industry. Studying with practice tests that mirror the real exam format is one of the most effective ways to pass on your first try.
On this page you'll find free practice tests for all three sections. All 2,500+ questions and the study tools are in the app with a subscription — download the CDL Help app.
Kentucky CDL Knowledge Test: Format & Requirements
The CDL knowledge (written) test follows the same federal standards in Kentucky as nationwide. Here's what to expect.
Questions by test
The 80% passing score is a federal standard (FMCSA, 49 CFR 383.135). Question counts follow the AAMVA model used by most states and can vary by state. Always confirm current details with your state's official CDL handbook.
Kentucky CDL Fees & Licensing
license prorated; REAL ID +$3
State-charged fees as of June 2026. Amounts change — confirm current fees with the official agency.
CDL Requirements in Kentucky
drivedrivekentuckystatepolice49 CFR §391.11
- Citizenship and immigration-status requirements apply and changed under 2026 federal rules — verify your eligibility directly with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) before applying (see Official Sources below).
- Kentucky splits the job: KYTC’s Division of Driver Licensing issues the credential and sets the fees, while the Kentucky State Police (KSP) is exclusively responsible for every knowledge, vision and skills test — so test day means two visits.
- Must be at least 18 to drive within Kentucky (21 for interstate travel). Drivers 18–20 get a class-specific CDL with a “K” restriction to Kentucky intrastate commerce, and cannot hold a school bus or hazardous materials endorsement; they must also skills-test in Kentucky, not out of state.
- Must already hold a valid driver’s license and be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible non-domiciled applicant (limited to H-2A, H-2B, E-2 and FAS status, capped at one year or the authorized stay, whichever is shorter).
- Since June 8, 2026, your medical examiner submits the Medical Examiner’s Certificate directly to FMCSA’s National Registry II — the Division of Driver Licensing no longer takes paper copies and the myCDL portal is gone. The certificate is good for two years (one year with a school bus endorsement).
- On test day, visit the Regional Office first: complete self-certification and pay the $3 NCIC background-check fee required by KRS 281A.300, then go to KSP for the written and vision tests — 50 questions on general knowledge, 80% needed on every test.
- Return to the Regional Office for the Commercial Learner’s Permit — $11, or $14 for a REAL ID — which KYTC’s current pricing sheet lists as valid for one year.
- Practice with a qualified CDL holder in the front passenger seat and hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test.
- Entry-Level Driver Training is required for a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B-to-A upgrade, or a first School Bus, Passenger or Hazmat endorsement, and must finish before a skills test can be scheduled.
- Call KSP to book the skills test (1-800-542-5990, press 1); you supply the vehicle, in the class you intend to drive, and pass pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (30 minutes for all maneuvers combined) and the road drive.
- Go back to the Regional Office to be issued the CDL: the fee is prorated against the time left on your operator license, $18.75–$45 standard or $23.75–$50 with REAL ID.
- A hazardous materials endorsement additionally requires a $138.25 fingerprint-based KSP background check and a TSA security threat assessment renewed every five years; the endorsement test itself costs $5 and is retaken at every CDL renewal.
- Suspended or expired more than five years, and Kentucky restarts you as a new driver with a permit.
Official Kentucky CDL Handbook
The official Kentucky Commercial Driver's License Manual covers every topic tested on the state's CDL knowledge exam — but it reads like a dense reference manual, not a structured study guide. A more effective way to prepare is with our General Knowledge practice tests. Our free Kentucky CDL permit practice test mirrors the format and content of the official exam and is fully up to date as of February 2026. Each practice test features 20 questions covering essential topics such as vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, air brakes, cargo securement, driving emergencies, hazardous conditions, and Kentucky-specific commercial driving regulations. Unlike the official test, every practice question comes with a helpful hint and a detailed explanation of the correct answer — so you actually learn from every question you answer.
- Complete CDL regulations and Kentucky-specific requirements
- Safe driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and cargo handling
- All endorsement categories and testing requirements
CDL Practice Tests in Nearby States
Testing near Kentucky? Practice for a neighboring state's CDL exam too.
Non-Domiciled CDL Information
Important information about non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in Kentucky.
Federal regulations on non-domiciled CDLs are changing rapidly. The information below reflects the latest known state actions.
Kentucky began issuing non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs effective July 1, 2023, to drivers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction must provide an unexpired employment authorization document issued by USCIS or an unexpired foreign passport accompanied by an approved I-94 form; the credential runs only as long as the applicant's approved length of stay, and every transaction must be handled in person with documents checked against the federal SAVE system.
Under the FMCSA final rule published February 13, 2026 (effective March 16, 2026), eligibility for non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs nationwide is now limited to H-2A, H-2B, E-2 and FAS (FSM, PAL, MIS/RMI) status — individuals under humanitarian or deferred status categories no longer qualify. Kentucky is expected to comply with these updated federal requirements. CDL Help does not provide legal or immigration advice, and these requirements are changing quickly — confirm your specific situation directly with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at drive.ky.gov and the official FMCSA resources linked below.[FMCSA Final Rule]
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide.
Federal ELP enforcement applies to all CDL holders nationwide. Here is how it is enforced in Kentucky.
Kentucky does not currently administer a separate state-level English Language Proficiency (ELP) test for CDL applicants. However, all Kentucky CDL holders are subject to federal ELP enforcement, which took effect on June 25, 2025. Under this enforcement, roadside inspectors conduct a two-step assessment: first, a conversational interview in English — no interpreters or translation tools are permitted — to evaluate whether the driver can communicate sufficiently in English; second, the driver must demonstrate the ability to read and interpret standard U.S. traffic signs. Drivers who fail either step of the assessment are placed out of service under CVSA guidelines. Kentucky CDL applicants should be prepared to demonstrate English proficiency during any roadside inspection or compliance review.
Kentucky CDL facts
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial learner’s permit (CLP) | $11$14 for a REAL ID permit | drive.ky.gov |
| REAL ID commercial learner’s permit | $14 | drive.ky.gov |
| CDL issuance fee | $18.75 to $50.00Prorated against the time left on your operator license — the low end is a short remaining term, the high end a REAL ID full term | drive.ky.gov |
| Standard original CDL add-on | $18.75–$45Prorated based on time left on the operator license | drive.ky.gov |
| REAL ID original CDL add-on | $23.75–$50Prorated based on time left on the operator license — REAL ID adds $5 to the CDL add-on, not $3 | drive.ky.gov |
| Renewal, operator + CDL | $88$93 for a REAL ID renewal; $98/$103 if a motorcycle licence is included | drive.ky.gov |
| Out-of-state CDL transfer fee | $60Charged on top of the $18.75–$50.00 issuance fee | drive.ky.gov |
| NCIC background-check fee | $3Collected by the Regional Office before your written test; required by KRS 281A.300 | drive.ky.gov |
| Endorsement test fee | $5Tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus and hazardous materials | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Knowledge-test retest fee | $5Combination, air-brake and endorsement tests only — the general knowledge test can be retaken indefinitely at no retest fee | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Skills-test retest fee | $50The fee paid when the permit was issued covers one attempt; after four attempts you wait seven days for the fifth | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Farm Restricted Service CDL (Class B) | $15For a 60-, 120- or 180-day term | drive.ky.gov |
| Duplicate license | $15 | drive.ky.gov |
| Adding P or S, or dropping a restriction | Costs an application fee, a CDL instruction permit fee and a new license fee — not just the test fee | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Minimum age | 18 to drive within Kentucky; 21 for interstate travel | drive.ky.gov |
| Drivers aged 18–20 | Get a class-specific CDL with a “K” restriction limiting them to Kentucky intrastate commerceNo school bus and no hazardous materials | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Where 18–20-year-olds must skills-test | In their home state — Kentucky does not accept out-of-state skills-test scores for applicants under 21, or for anyone with a “K” restriction | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Prior licence | You must already hold a valid driver’s license | drive.ky.gov |
| Citizenship / status | U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible non-domiciled applicant | drive.ky.gov |
| Non-domiciled CDL | Only H-2A, H-2B, E-2 and FAS (FSM, PAL, MIS/RMI) status holders qualify; the credential is limited to one year or the end of the authorised stay, whichever is shorterEvery transaction must be done in person and documents are verified through the federal SAVE system | drive.ky.gov |
| One licence only | You may not hold more than one driver’s license, and must be licensed in your home state | drive.ky.gov |
| Medical certificate submission | Your Medical Examiner submits it directly to the FMCSA National Registry II (NRII)The Division of Driver Licensing no longer accepts paper copies and the myCDL portal is discontinuedeffective June 8, 2026 | drive.ky.gov |
| DOT medical card validity | Two years — or one year if you hold a school bus endorsementA doctor may issue it for less if a condition needs earlier review | kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Self-certification | Completed at the Regional Office, or online through a verified myDrive account at renewal | drive.ky.gov |
| Who gives the tests | The Kentucky State Police — exclusively responsible for all CDL knowledge, vision and skills testingThe Transportation Cabinet regulates everything else, so test day means two visits | kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Test-day sequence | Regional Office (self-certification, fees, NCIC check) → Kentucky State Police (written and vision tests) → back to the Regional Office for the credential | drive.ky.gov |
| General knowledge test | 50 | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Pass mark | 80% correct on every test | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Combination vehicles test (Class A) | 20 | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Air brakes test | 25Failing it adds an air-brake restriction to the licence | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Oral testing | The knowledge test may be taken in written or oral form — except the hazardous materials test, which has no oral version | drive.ky.gov |
| Written-test languages | Not published for the CDL test — KSP’s 12-language written-test list is “currently for the standard operator test only” | kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Knowledge-test retakes | As many times as needed, but you must wait 24 hours between attemptsKSP adds: only once per day | drive.ky.gov |
| Skills-test attempts | Unlimited while the CLP is valid and the skills-test fees are current; after four attempts you wait seven days for the fifth | drive.ky.gov |
| Basic control skills time limit | 30 minutes for all the basic-control skills combinedRunning out of time is scored as a failure and you return for another attempt | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Skills test format | Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills, and the road skills driving test | drive.ky.gov |
| Test vehicle | You supply it, in the same class you intend to drive, and bring a licensed driver qualified for that vehicleKentucky State Police does not provide a vehicle | kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Booking a test | Call KSP on 800-542-5990 — press 1 for the CDL skills test, 2 for TSA hazmat fingerprinting, 3 for more information; written tests are booked with KSP’s online scheduler | kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| CLP validity | One yearKYTC’s current pricing sheet; the KSP-hosted CDL manual still says six months (see openQuestions) | drive.ky.gov |
| CLP renewal | A permit may only be renewed once — after that you reapply and retake all written tests | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Minimum CLP holding period | 14 days | drive.ky.gov |
| Driving on a CLP | A qualified CDL holder must occupy the front passenger seat on public roads | drive.ky.gov |
| Entry-Level Driver Training | Required for a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B→A upgrade, and a first school bus, passenger or hazardous materials endorsementTheory and behind-the-wheel must be finished before a skills test can be scheduled | drive.ky.gov |
| Intrastate-only restriction | K — Intrastate Only | drive.ky.gov |
| Long-suspended or long-expired CDL | Suspended or expired more than five years and you start over as a new driver with a permit | drive.ky.gov |
| Licensing agency | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver LicensingTesting is run by the Kentucky State Police | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
| Farm-related services restricted CDL | Class B only, valid 60, 120 or 180 days in any 12-month period and only within 150 miles of the farm being servicedDoes not cover Class A vehicles carrying fertilizer, fuel, gasoline, pesticides or propane | drive.ky.gov |
| General knowledge retakes | Can be taken indefinitely without paying a retest feeUnlike the combination, air-brake and endorsement tests, which cost $5 per retake | wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov |
How to get a CDL in Kentucky
- Check you are eligible: 18 to drive inside Kentucky (21 for interstate), a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-domiciled applicant, and already holding a valid driver’s license. Source
- Have a certified Medical Examiner upload your Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the FMCSA National Registry — since 8 June 2026 the Division of Driver Licensing no longer takes paper copies and the myCDL portal is gone. Source
- Book your written and vision test with the Kentucky State Police — KSP, not the Cabinet, runs every CDL knowledge and skills test. Source
- On test day go to the Driver Licensing Regional Office first: complete the self-certification, pay the testing fees and the $3 NCIC background-check fee required by KRS 281A.300. Source
- Take the written and vision tests at Kentucky State Police — the general knowledge test is 50 questions and every test needs 80% correct. Source
- Return to the Regional Office to be issued the Commercial Learner’s Permit — $11, or $14 for a REAL ID. A temporary paper permit covers you until the card arrives. Source
- Practise with a qualified CDL holder in the front passenger seat, and hold the CLP at least 14 days before the skills test. Source
- Complete Entry-Level Driver Training if this is a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B→A upgrade, or a first S, P or H endorsement — theory and behind-the-wheel must be done before the skills test can be scheduled. Source
- Call KSP on 1 (800) 542-5990 and press 1 to book the skills test. You supply the vehicle — it must match the class you are testing for — and bring a licensed driver qualified for it. Source
- Pass the three-part skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control skills (30 minutes for all of them combined) and the road skills drive. Source
- Go back to the Regional Office to be issued the CDL. The licence fee is prorated against the time left on your operator licence: $18.75–$45 standard, $23.75–$50 with REAL ID. Source
Official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing links
As of September 2, 2026, verified against Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Driver Licensing.
Kentucky CDL questions
- How much does a Kentucky CDL cost?
- The commercial learner’s permit is $11 ($14 with REAL ID). The CDL itself is an add-on to your operator license and is prorated against the time left on it: $18.75–$45 standard, $23.75–$50 with REAL ID — KYTC states the whole range as $18.75 to $50.00. On top of that the Regional Office collects a $3 NCIC background-check fee before your written test, endorsement tests are $5 each, and transferring an out-of-state CDL adds a $60 transfer fee. Source
- How long is a Kentucky commercial learner’s permit valid?
- KYTC’s current pricing sheet lists the standard commercial permit as valid for one year. (The CDL manual Kentucky State Police hosts still says six months, so check with the Division of Driver Licensing if the difference matters to your timing.) A permit may only be renewed once, and you must hold it at least 14 days before the skills test. Source
- How many questions are on the Kentucky CDL tests, and what score do you need?
- Kentucky publishes the counts in its CDL manual: general knowledge 50 questions, combination vehicles 20 (Class A), air brakes 25, and for endorsements — doubles/triples 20, tankers 20, passenger transport 20, school bus 20 and hazardous materials 30. Every test needs 80 percent correct. The general knowledge test can be retaken indefinitely with no retest fee; combination, air-brake and endorsement retakes cost $5 each. Source
- Who gives the CDL test in Kentucky?
- The Kentucky State Police — KSP is exclusively responsible for every CDL knowledge, vision and skills test, while the Transportation Cabinet handles the paperwork and issues the credential. That means two stops on test day: the Driver Licensing Regional Office for self-certification, fees and the NCIC check, then KSP for the tests, then back to the Regional Office for the card. Book the skills test on 800-542-5990 (press 1); hazmat written tests and fingerprinting appointments go through KSP too. You supply the test vehicle and bring a licensed driver qualified for it. Source
- What happens if I fail the Kentucky CDL skills test?
- The fee you paid when the permit was issued covers one attempt. Every additional attempt costs a $50.00 retest fee, and after four attempts you must wait seven days before the fifth. Otherwise skills tests can be taken as many times as needed while the CLP is valid and the fees are current. The basic control skills portion has a 30-minute limit for all the exercises combined — running out of time is scored as a failure. Source
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