Kentucky CDL permit practice test
A Kentucky Class A learner permit (CLP) takes three knowledge tests: General Knowledge, which every applicant takes; Combination Vehicles; and Air Brakes, if your truck has air brakes (Kentucky CDL Manual, March 2025, 1.1.1, p. 1-5). Kentucky gives 50, 20 and 25 questions and requires 80% on each (front section, pp. 2-3).
- 384 Kentucky questions, every one solved blind
- Every answer cites its Kentucky CDL manual page
- $49 once. Nothing renews.
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Key facts
| Class A knowledge tests | General Knowledge, Combination, and Air Brakes if your vehicle has them | KY CDL Manual p. 1-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Pass mark | 80% on each test | KY CDL Manual, front section pp. 2-3 |
| Question counts | General Knowledge 50, Combination 20, Air Brakes 25 | KY CDL Manual, front section pp. 2-3 |
The tests
The 3 knowledge tests for a Class A permit
See practice questions with answers and manual pages
Try one
General Knowledge · Seeing
Why must you make allowances when using a convex ("fisheye") mirror?
Tap an answer to see the explanation and the manual page.
Questions drivers ask
- What score do you need to pass the Kentucky CDL knowledge test?
- 80% on each test. Kentucky scores every knowledge test on its own: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, p. 3
- How many questions are on the Kentucky CDL permit test?
- General Knowledge has 50 questions, Combination Vehicles 20 and Air Brakes 25. At 80% that means 40 right on General Knowledge, 16 on Combination and 20 on Air Brakes.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, pp. 2-3
- What tests do I need for a Class A CDL permit in Kentucky?
- General Knowledge, which every applicant takes; Combination Vehicles for a Class A license; and Air Brakes, if your vehicle has air brakes. Skip or fail Air Brakes and your CLP or CDL carries the L restriction, no air brakes.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), pp. 1-3 and 1-5; Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, p. 3
- What happens if I fail a Kentucky CDL knowledge test?
- You can retake General Knowledge as often as you need with no retest fee, after a 24-hour wait. Combination and Air Brakes cost a $5 retest fee each time after the first failure.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, p. 3
- How long is a Kentucky CDL instruction permit valid?
- Six months, and it can be renewed once. You must hold it for 14 days before you can take the skills test.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, p. 2
- Can I take the Kentucky CDL knowledge test orally?
- Yes. Kentucky gives the knowledge tests in written or oral form, except the Hazardous Materials endorsement test, which has no oral option.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, p. 2
- Do I need ELDT before the Kentucky CDL permit test?
- Not for the permit. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training must be finished before your first Class A or B skills test and before you get the CDL. HazMat training comes before the HazMat knowledge test.
- Source: Kentucky CDL Manual (March 2025), front section, p. 2; FMCSA ELDT rule, 49 CFR Part 380
Sources
Kentucky Commercial Driver's License Manual, version March 2025, Kentucky State Police. Page references are to its printed page numbers. CDL Mile is independent and not affiliated with Kentucky State Police.
Updated for the March 2025 Kentucky CDL manual. Last checked November 5, 2026.
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