Checked against official Kentucky sources on Oct 7, 2026
Kentucky CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Kentucky follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Kentucky source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Kentucky CDL facts
| What | What Kentucky says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CLP fee | $11 ($14 for REAL ID) | Official page |
| CLP validity | Up to 180 days (about six months). Kentucky law allows only one renewal or reissue within two years for the same class of vehicle | Official page |
| CLP minimum age | 21 for a standard permit. An 18 year old can get a permit limited to Kentucky-only driving (K restriction), with no school bus or hazmat | Official page |
| CLP holding period | Hold the permit 14 days before the skills test | Official page |
| CDL fee | $18.75 to $50.00, depending on class and type of license. Kentucky does not publish one exact CDL fee on its CDL page | Official page |
| CDL fee limits in law | Kentucky law caps the CDL license fee at $45 for an initial or renewal CDL and $60 for a transfer, plus the regular operator license fee | Official page |
| CDL transfer fee (from another state) | $60, plus the issuance fee | Official page |
| Criminal records check fee | $3.00, paid at the Regional Office for the NCIC check | Official page |
| Endorsement test fee | $5 for each endorsement knowledge test (tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus, hazmat) | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest rule | Wait 24 hours after a failed test. You can retake the general knowledge test as many times as you need without a retest fee. Combination, air brake and endorsement tests cost $5 for each retest after the first failure | Official page |
| Skills test retest fee | $50 for each extra attempt, plus card fees. After four attempts you wait seven days before the fifth | Official page |
| Minimum ages | 18 to drive inside Kentucky only. 21 to drive between states | Official page |
| Knowledge test format | Written or oral. There is no oral test for the Hazmat endorsement | Official page |
| Pass score | 80 percent on each knowledge test | Official page |
| Medical certificate | Medical examiners send your certificate straight to the FMCSA National Registry. This starts June 8, 2026. The old myCDL portal is gone | Official page |
| Entry-level driver training | Required before the skills test for first-time Class A or B, upgrades, and first-time H, P or S endorsements | Official page |
| Farm-related restricted CDL | $15.00. Valid 60, 120 or 180 days within 12 months. You must be 18 and have held a Kentucky license for a year | Official page |
| Skills test fee | $50 if you have held a Kentucky license 30 days or more, $150 if less than 30 days or if you hold an out-of-state license and permit. It is paid when the permit is issued and is not refundable | Official page |
| Hazmat endorsement fees | $5.00 test fee and $138.25 for the fingerprint background check (card processing fees extra online) | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Kentucky CDL page before you go. Read the official Kentucky CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Kentucky manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.