A Step-By-Step guide to obtaining your Class A CDL in the state of Kentucky
1. Obtain DOT Physical
WHAT:
All commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) are required to obtain and maintain a valid DOT Physical, which includes a DOT Medical Card.
You can obtain a DOT Physical at any DOT Physical Lab. Some personal doctors can conduct a DOT Physical, but many cannot. Make sure to use a DOT Certified Physician.
RESOURCES:
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Search:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical/national-registry-certified-medical-examiners-search
COST:
The average cost of a DOT Physical is $75.
All commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) are required to obtain and maintain a valid DOT Physical, which includes a DOT Medical Card.
You can obtain a DOT Physical at any DOT Physical Lab. Some personal doctors can conduct a DOT Physical, but many cannot. Make sure to use a DOT Certified Physician.
RESOURCES:
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Search:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/medical/national-registry-certified-medical-examiners-search
COST:
The average cost of a DOT Physical is $75.
2. Submit your DOT Physical, Self-Certification and CDL Application
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WHAT: All CDL holders must declare to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) that they only operate or expect to operate commercially in 1 of 4 possible categories with their CDL. This process is called self-certification. When you submit your self-certification and application, you must also submit a scanned copy of your DOT Medical Card. You must wait 10 business days after submitting your DOT Physical, Self-Certification and CDL Application before you can test to take your CDL A Permit (next step). Don’t worry about doing this – TAT will take care of this for you! |
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RESOURCES:
How to determine which of the 4 categories of commercial motor vehicle operation to self- certify (applicants almost always elect non-excepted interstate):
https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/140
KY CDL Portal:
https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Commercial-Drivers-License-Information.aspx
COST:
Free
How to determine which of the 4 categories of commercial motor vehicle operation to self- certify (applicants almost always elect non-excepted interstate):
https://ask.fmcsa.dot.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/140
KY CDL Portal:
https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Commercial-Drivers-License-Information.aspx
COST:
Free
3. Get a CDL Permit
WHAT:
Much like getting a regular driver’s license, a permit is required to move forward with the steps of obtaining a CDL. You can get a Class A CDL permit by passing series of written exams. The written tests to get a Class A CDL permit include: General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination vehicles.
Exams are based on your state of residency CDL A Manual. TAT has training material and practice exams to help you pass the CDL Permit with flying colors.
RESOURCES:
A Commercial Driver’s License handbook can be found at:
http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/Kentucky_CDL_Manual_2015.pdf
COSTS:
Kentucky residents pay $50 for the permit + $50 for the Ky Skills testing fees at the DMV.
Much like getting a regular driver’s license, a permit is required to move forward with the steps of obtaining a CDL. You can get a Class A CDL permit by passing series of written exams. The written tests to get a Class A CDL permit include: General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination vehicles.
Exams are based on your state of residency CDL A Manual. TAT has training material and practice exams to help you pass the CDL Permit with flying colors.
RESOURCES:
A Commercial Driver’s License handbook can be found at:
http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/Kentucky_CDL_Manual_2015.pdf
COSTS:
Kentucky residents pay $50 for the permit + $50 for the Ky Skills testing fees at the DMV.
4. Truck America trains you to take the Skills Test
A CDL driving test must be passed in which the driver completes a 3-part exam that includes a pre-trip inspection test, basic maneuvering skills test, and a driving test.
5. Take the CDL Skills test
TAT allows you to test in their truck at a test site with an official testing officer.
COSTS:
Kentucky residents pay $50 at the time of their permit to cover the cost of their first Skills Test. If a person must take the test again, they will pay the state of Kentucky $52.50 for each re-test that must be taken.
COSTS:
Kentucky residents pay $50 at the time of their permit to cover the cost of their first Skills Test. If a person must take the test again, they will pay the state of Kentucky $52.50 for each re-test that must be taken.
6. Obtain your CDL A
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After you have successfully passed all three portions of your Skills Test, you go back to your local license branch to be issued your official CDL A.
COSTS: Kentucky residents pay $50 for the issuance of the CDL A license. |
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