Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Transportation Cabinet • Division of Driver Licensing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,590 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Transportation Cabinet~Division of Driver Licensing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $55,590, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Kentucky earn 3% below the national median of $57,440. Kentucky ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$55,590Hourly estimate
$26.733% below national median
Difference: -$1,850
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $55,590 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $60,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $58,080 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,040 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $54,500 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $55,610 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $50,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $59,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Transportation Cabinet • Division of Driver Licensing
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY, 40622
Phone: 5025641257
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $101,290 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $82,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,320 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Anesthesiologist | $280,130 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Kentucky?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Kentucky is $55,590. Salaries range from $38,120 (10th percentile) to $93,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Kentucky earn 3% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $55,590.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 33,430 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Transportation Cabinet / Division of Driver Licensing. Review agency details at https://drive.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.