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CDL Licensing

Kentucky CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

3 min read

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders in Kentucky must understand the state-specific endorsements and restrictions that can apply to their license. These determine the types of vehicles they can operate and any limitations that affect their driving privileges. Endorsements require additional testing, while restrictions limit the scope of the CDL based on certain conditions.

CDL Endorsements in Kentucky

Endorsements are added to a CDL after passing specialized knowledge and/or skills tests. In Kentucky, the following endorsements are available:

  • H (Hazardous Materials): Required to transport hazardous materials. Applicants must pass a written test and undergo a TSA background check. More information is available on the TSA HAZMAT Endorsements page.
  • N (Tank Vehicles): Required to drive a vehicle that transports liquid or gaseous materials in tanks.
  • P (Passenger Transport): Allows operation of vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
  • S (School Bus): Required in addition to the P endorsement for driving school buses. Includes both a knowledge and skills test.
  • T (Double/Triple Trailers): Required to pull double or triple trailers.
  • X (Combination of Tank and Hazmat): Combines endorsements N and H for drivers transporting hazardous materials in tank vehicles.

Each endorsement has unique test requirements, and drivers must pass both the general CDL knowledge test and any additional exams related to the endorsements they seek. You can review more on Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License in Kentucky.

CDL Restrictions in Kentucky

Restrictions are placed on a CDL when a driver has a limitation on their abilities or has completed a skills test in a vehicle that does not meet full commercial standards. Common restrictions include:

  • E (No Manual Transmission): Issued when the CDL skills test is taken in a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
  • K (Intrastate Only): Limits the driver to operating a commercial vehicle only within Kentucky.
  • L (No Air Brake Equipped CMV): Given when the driver fails the air brakes knowledge test or performs the skills test in a vehicle without air brakes.
  • M (No Class A Passenger Vehicle) and N (No Class B Passenger Vehicle): Issued when skills tests are completed in vehicles of lower classifications than those being licensed.
  • O (No Tractor-Trailer CMV): Applies when the skills test is not taken in a standard tractor-trailer vehicle.

Drivers must ensure that their CDL class, endorsements, and restrictions accurately reflect their qualifications and the type of commercial vehicle they intend to operate.

Updating or Removing Endorsements and Restrictions

To add an endorsement or remove a restriction from a Kentucky CDL, the driver must schedule a new test and visit a Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing branch. Proof of identity, current CDL, and payment for applicable fees are required. Visit the Kentucky Division of Driver Licensing for appointment scheduling and detailed requirements.

For additional insights into Kentucky CDL licensing, check out: