CDL Truck Driver in Kentucky
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KY
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.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Kentucky
| Detail | Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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. |
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 |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Kentucky
The median cdl truck driver salary in Kentucky is $55,590 per year, which is 3.2% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,120 |
| 25th | $47,630 |
| 50th (median) | $55,590 |
| 75th | $65,210 |
| 90th (experienced) | $93,030 |
Kentucky employs approximately 33,430 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Kentucky Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kentucky's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.