ELDT Training in Kentucky — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Kentucky, from Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and Owensboro, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the KY theory portion is done online for $20 and your Kentucky record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Kentucky

  1. Get your CLP from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a KY licensing office. The CLP fee is $11 (CLP).

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Kentucky; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the KY licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Kentucky

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered KY providers listed below, for example in Louisville; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Kentucky

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the KY CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing.

Kentucky licensing details

CLP fee
$11 (CLP)
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Kentucky DRIVE site
  • Kentucky CDL credentials are valid for eight years, and driver licensing is handled by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet regional offices rather than county clerks.
  • CDL online services moved to the myDrive portal, and every CLP or CDL holder needs a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876) from a National Registry examiner.

These KY fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Kentucky fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Kentucky

KY has 82 registered training locations across 59 cities on the FMCSA registry: 61 registered for Class A, 66 for Class B, 43 for the passenger endorsement and 37 for school bus. 38 of the 82 (46%) publish a website, and the newest KY registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Louisville CDL schools, Lexington CDL schools and Owensboro CDL schools, or open the full Kentucky school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any KY school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Kentucky

35 of the 82 registered Kentucky locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so KY drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Kentucky hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Kentucky

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a KY driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Kentucky ELDT questions

Where do I apply for a CDL in Kentucky?
At a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet driver licensing regional office. County clerk offices no longer issue driver licenses, so check the DRIVE site for the nearest regional office.
Does Kentucky accept ELDT theory taken online?
Yes. Kentucky checks the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the skills test, and theory from a registered online provider is accepted.
How long is a Kentucky CDL valid?
Eight years. Keep your medical certificate current during that time or the credential can be downgraded.
How much does a CLP cost in Kentucky?
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Driver Licensing lists the Commercial Learner's Permit fee as $11 (CLP). These are agency fees for the permit and license, separate from training, and they change, so confirm the current amount on the agency site before you go.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Kentucky?
With one of the 82 Kentucky locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Louisville, Lexington and Owensboro; 61 are registered for Class A training and 66 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your KY CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Kentucky and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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