Casey County Public Library

View instructions
The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Kentucky CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Kentucky CDL Manual. All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual KY general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1. Wheel rims that have had welding repairs:
should not be used.
should be placed in the front.
are safe.
None of the above.
2. On dry pavement, the braking distance when traveling at 55 mph is about:
142 feet.
419 feet.
61 feet.
216 feet.
3. Drivers should inspect their cargo and its securing devices within the first _______ after beginning the trip.
15 miles
50 miles
25 miles
100 miles
4. Skids happen whenever:
tires lose their grip on the road.
dual tires come in contact with each other.
ABS is not working.
the weight limit is exceeded.
5. In vehicles with air brakes, the air compressor governor:
controls when the air compressor will pump air into the air storage tanks.
controls when the air storage tanks will pump air into the air compressor.
controls how much air the air compressor will pump into the air storage tanks.
None of the above.
6. For safety during a trip, you should:
watch gauges for signs of trouble.
use your senses to check for problems.
check critical items when you stop.
All of the above.
7. To prevent fire, during the en route inspection you should check the tires, wheels, and truck body for signs of:
a fire extinguisher.
ice.
front-wheel skids.
heat.
8. If you are involved in a collision and not seriously hurt, you should:
do your best to care for the injured.
protect the area.
notify the authorities.
All of the above.
9. When you leave your vehicle you should:
apply the service brake.
release the parking brake.
leave the key in the ignition.
None of the above.
10. You should be aware that many car drivers closely follow large vehicles especially:
in the city.
on the highway.
in bad weather.
when crossing a bridge.
 
Page 1 of 5
Next page

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Teens under 18 must follow the three steps of the Graduated Licensing Program to obtain a class D driver's license. To apply for a permit, you must be 16 years old. If you are under 21, after holding your permit for 6 months and completing a minimum of practice driving hours, you are eligible for an intermediate license. After holding the intermediate license for 6 months, you are ready for the full unrestricted license.
  • If you are over 18, you can apply for a permit, and after 6 months, you will be eligible for a full-unrestricted license. 
  • If you are over 21, you only need to hold the permit for 30 days before applying for a full-unrestricted license.

You can schedule an appointment online for your DMV written test at the Kentucky State Police website. Locate the Kentucky driver licensing office nearest to you and check its operating hours and available days. 
When applying for the first time, you need to bring specific documents:
  • One proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and an additional document if you have changed your name (marriage certificate, legal name change order).
  • One proof of Social Security number, such as an SS Card.
  • One proof of residency, such as a utility bill, telephone bill, or bank statement.
  • School Compliance Verification Form (for minors).
Use this tool to generate a personalized list of documents.

DMV written tests are available in Albanian, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Korean, Bosnian, Laotian, Burmese, Pashto, Cambodian, Polish, Chinese, Romanian, Croatian, Russian, Dari, Somali, Farsi, Spanish, French, Swahili, German, Thai, Hindi, Turkish, Japanese, and Vietnamese. If you are unable to read English, you can opt for an oral exam. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, please contact a driver licensing office and request an interpreter.

To pass the DMV written test, study the Kentucky Driver's Manual. Pay attention to road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Practice with our free tests or choose DMV Premium for additional resources!
Restrictions vary according to your age and license type. If you have a permit license:
  • You can drive only under the supervision of a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
  • You cannot transport more than one passenger under 20 (except for family members).
  • You cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for emergencies, school, or work activities.
  • Under 21 there is a "Zero Alcohol Tolerance" for those under 21.
If you have an intermediate license, the same driving hours, passenger, and alcohol restrictions apply, but you can drive alone during daylight hours.


The Kentucky instruction permit is valid for three years and can be renewed in person. Appointments are highly recommended because walk-in availability varies at different locations. If the permit is not renewed within one year of its expiration date, both the written and vision tests must be retaken.
If you do not pass your DMV written test in Kentucky, you can retake the test the following day. It is advisable to dedicate time to preparing adequately for the exam to enhance your chances of success.

KY CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
Share This Online CDL Test
Rate this CDL Practice Test
4.8 out of 5
based on 254 votes