What are the driver’s license classes in Kentucky?
What vehicle can each class operate?
How do you get a certain driver’s license class?
We’re going to answer these questions and more here.
Today, we’ll give you a complete guide to the Kentucky driver’s license classes.
We’ll first list what you can operate with each license class, then we’ll move on to how to get each license class.
So are you ready?
Let’s dive right in!
What Are the Driver’s License Classes in Kentucky?
There are 6 driver’s license classes in Kentucky:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
- Class D
- Class E
- Class M
Let’s talk about them one by one.
Class A CDL
The Class A CDL is a type of commercial driver’s license meant for the biggest trucks and trailers.
To be more specific, a Class A CDL is for combination vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,001 pounds. The unit it is towing should have a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B CDL
Next is the Class B CDL. This commercial driver’s license is for trucks that have a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds. However, if towing a unit, it should be 10,000 pounds or less.
The Class B CDL is also for vehicles that can carry more than 16 passengers, including the driver.
Class C CDL
The last commercial license is the Class C CDL. This class can operate a vehicle that can carry 16 or more people (including the driver) or a vehicle that is required to be placarded for carrying hazardous materials.
These vehicles must have a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or less, as well as tow a unit that is less than 10,000 pounds.
Class D
A Class D license is a non-commercial license issued to people who will drive private cars. This is the most common driver’s license.
Class D vehicles have a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less and are NOT capable of carrying more than 16 passengers.
Class E
The Class E driver’s license is for mopeds. Mopeds are more complicated than bicycles, but not quite as complex as motorcycles.
Class M
The last driver’s license class is Class M. Class M licenses are for operating motorcycles.
How to Get a Class D License in Kentucky
Need to get a regular driver’s license?
Then apply for a Class D license.
Here is how to do that:
- Apply for a learner’s permit
- Be at least 16 years old
- Schedule a written test appointment
- Go to a Driver’s License Regional Office to apply for a learner’s permit
- Make your parent or legal guardian sign the application
- Submit your birth cert, Social Security card, proof of residency, and School Compliance Verification Form
- Pay the permit fee of $15
- Go to your scheduled Testing Site
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the written test
- Get your learner’s permit
- Upgrade to an intermediate license
- Be at least 17 years old
- Hold your learner’s permit for 6 months
- Complete 60 hours of driving, 10 hours done at night
- Schedule a driving test appointment
- Go to your scheduled Testing Site
- Submit your birth cert, Social Security card, School of Compliance Verification Form, proof of vehicle insurance and registration, letter of eligibility, and completed driving log
- Pass the driving test
- Have the examiner put an intermediate license sticker in your permit
- Get a full, Class D driver’s license
- Hold your intermediate license for 6 months OR turn 18 years old (whichever comes first)
- Complete an approved driver’s education program
- Apply for a Class D license at a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office
- Submit proof of name and birth, Social Security card, Proof of Kentucky residency, proof of driver’s ed completion, and your intermediate license
- Pay the license fee of $21.50 for a 4-year validity OR $43 for an 8-year validity
- Get your Class D driver’s license
If you want more details, you can read our complete guide on the Kentucky driver’s license requirements.
How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in Kentucky
Class A, B, and C CDLs have the same application process. If you’re planning to get additional endorsements for your CDL, you will need to pass the required written tests.
That said, here is how to get your CDL in Kentucky:
- Apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP)
- Be at least 18 years old OR 21 years old if driving outside KY
- Have a valid Class D driver’s license
- Apply for a CLP, complete your self-certification, and upload your medical certificate online through Kentucky Online Gateway
- Schedule a CDL written test
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the CDL written test
- Go to a Driver’s License Regional Office
- Submit a 10-year driving record and valid ID
- Pay the application and permit fees
- Get your CLP
- Get your commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Hold your CLP for 14 days
- Schedule a CDL skills test by calling (800) 542-5990
- Pay the CDL skills test fees
- Pass the CDL skills test
- Go to a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office
- Pay the CDL fee
- Surrender your CLP
- Get your CDL
If you need more details, such as how much the fees are, the types of endorsement, and more, read our complete guide on how to get a CDL in Kentucky.
How to Get a Class M and E License in Kentucky
The process for getting a Class M and a Class E license is different. However, if you already have a Class M license, you don’t need to apply for a Class E license.
So here is how to get a Class M license in Kentucky:
- Get a motorcycle learner’s permit
- Be at least 18 years old OR hold a Class D driver’s license
- Schedule a motorcycle written test
- Go to a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office
- Apply for a Class M license
- Submit your birth cert, Social Security card, and proof of residence in Kentucky
- Pay the permit fee
- Go to the Testing Site
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the motorcycle written test
- Get your motorcycle permit
- Get a full Class M license
- Hold your motorcycle license for 30 days
- Schedule a motorcycle skills test
- Pass the motorcycle skills test
- Pay the application fee
- If you don’t want to take the motorcycle skills test, you can complete a state-approved motorcycle rider education
- Get your Class M license
For those who don’t intend to get a Class M license but a Class E license, here’s what you should do if you’re a first-time applicant:
- Schedule a motorcycle written test
- Visit a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office
- Apply for a Class E license
- Submit your birth cert, Social Security card, and proof of residency in KY
- Pay the license fee
- Go to your Testing Site
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the written test
- Get your Class E license
Conclusion
So there you have it —- all the Kentucky driver’s license classes.
Which one do you need?
Once you pick the class you should get, you can start preparing for it right away!
Good luck!