On October 26, 1986, United States Congress passed the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This law requires each state to meet the same minimum standards for commercial driver licensing. The standards require commercial motor vehicle drivers to get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
What is the Commercial Driver's License Law?
New federal standards for testing and licensing heavy truck and bus operators are now 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. A new license, called the Commercial Driver License (CDL), has replaced what was known as a chauffeur license for many Kentucky drivers. The 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.
- CDL Skills Testing Sites
- CDL Manual
Letter for 1st time CDL applicants- CDL Application - Form TC94-32. Please read all instructions.
- CDL Self-Certification - Form TC 94-169 -
Word - PDF
- Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application
- Medical Examination Report For Commerical Driver Fitness Determination
Who Needs a License?
| Class A CDL |
- For any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
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| Class B CDL |
- Any straight truck with two or more axles and a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more;
- Any vehicle with two or more axles and a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, pulling a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less;
- A single vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) if the GVWR is 26,001 pounds or more.
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| Class C CDL |
- Any vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds transporting hazardous materials for which placarding is required;
- A single vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) if the GVWR is less than 26,001 pounds.
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**Please note that 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.
Commercial 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, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg(10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater: or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (incuding the driver) for compensation.
Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999
Wants and Warrants check for all CDL drivers
KRS 281A.300
Beginning May 31, 2005, all applicants for a CDL (original and renewal) will be required to undergo a "hot file" check conducted by Kentucky State Police. The cost will be $3.00 and will be collected by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the time of issuance. It will be an instantaneous check and will not delay the driver in receiving his/her CDL. If a "hit" occurs, a notice will be sent to the law enforcement agency that originated the warrant for further investigation.
Kentucky Security Threat Assessment
Kentucky drivers need to apply for the Kentucky Security Threat Assessment at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of their license by completing the
Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application - PDF format. More information and phone numbers available on this page.
Hazmat Threat Assessment ProgramThe USA PATRIOT Act requires all drivers who transport hazardous materials to undergo a security threat assessment. The
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) developed a program to implement this requirement, which became fully operational January 31, 2005.
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