CDL Truck Driver in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.
Jobs (KY)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Kentucky
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Kentucky, applicants must obtain an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate, pass a general knowledge and skills test administered by the Kentucky State Police, and submit an application to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. A valid DOT medical certificate and a 'National Crime Information Center' check are also required. While the minimum age for intrastate driving is 18, interstate commerce requires applicants to be 21 years old. Kentucky offers reciprocity for valid CDLs from other U.S. states, generally waiving retesting requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kentucky. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Kentucky requirements
| Licensing body | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($50) |
| Application fee | $24 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $24 for CLP, up to $40 for license. Skills test fee is $50 if taken with State Police. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. All applicants for an original or renewal CDL must undergo a 'National Crime Information Center' check conducted by the Kentucky State Police, which costs $3.00. Kentucky law requires all CDL drivers to have a valid DOT medical card, regardless of the type of operation. Military personnel may qualify for waivers for the skills test. |
workspace_premium Kentucky license tiers
Kentucky offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleKentucky license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk