There are THREE parts to the Kentucky CDL Skills Test
You must obtain a
Kentucky CLP (commercial learners permit) prior to taking your Kentucky CDL skills test.
Kentucky CDL On-Road Driving Test
The Kentucky CDL road test is conducted on streets and requires the driver to demonstrate
skill in normal traffic situations such as: turns; intersections; lane changes;
stop/start; etc. The road test is described in Section 13 of the
Free
Kentucky CDL Handbook (Commercial Driver's License Manual).
The three-part skills tests must be scheduled (often more than a week or two ahead).
They are given either by a state tester or by a state approved third party
tester. Depending on where you live, you will either have to provide a proper
vehicle or one will be provided for you. This varies from state to state.
Check your specific
Kentucky CDL Information for details.
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Kentucky
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which KY CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
Typical Kentucky CDL Road Tests
The Kentucky CDL Road test may include the recommended specified maneuvers listed below
(this may vary by state and locality):
- Four left and four right turns - Include turns at traffic lights, stop signs
and uncontrolled intersections. Turns should range from easy to somewhat difficult
for a heavy vehicle. A mix of types of intersections should be included.
- Straight section of urban business street - The section should be one to two
miles long, contain through intersections and intersections with traffic lights,
and have moderate traffic density. Try to get a section where the driver can
make lane changes along the route. The section should be one that lets you
see how the driver copes with traffic in a typical business area.
- One through intersection and two intersections where a stop has to be made
- If possible, these intersections should be included in the urban section.
- One railroad crossing - Try to get an uncontrolled crossing. The crossings
should have enough sight distance for you to see if the driver makes search
head movements when approaching each crossing. The driver's attempt to look
left and right down the track will often be the only way you can tell if the
driver noticed the crossing. If you do not have a railroad crossing in your
area, do the following:
- For bus and HAZMAT applicants, create a simulated railroad crossing. This will be on a lightly traveled section of the street or road that contains a landmark that you can point out to the driver, and tell the driver to treat as a railroad crossing. The landmark can be an intersection, an entrance to the road, or even a billboard. Instruct the driver to do whatever he or she would do at a real railway crossing.
- For all other applications, simply add one extra through intersection to the route.
- Curve, either to the left or to the right - Try to get a curve that is tight
enough to produce noticeable off-tracking on a tractor-trailer.
- Section of expressway or two-land rural or semi-rural road - You must have
an expressway section if there is an expressway in or close to your testing
area. The two-lane rural section may be used when there is no expressway available.
The expressway section should be a four-lane controlled access highway such
as an interstate. The section should start with a conventional ramp entrance
and end with a conventional ramp exit. The section should be long enough for
a heavy vehicle to do two lane changes during this section. The rural highway
section should be at least two miles. Try to find a road that has at least
a section with four lanes where lane changes can be made. In general, when
you choose a section of rural road, look for something that gives driving
challenges as close as possible to those found on an expressway.
- Downgrade steep that is long enough to require gearing down and braking. A steep short hill is the next best choice if a longer grade cannot be found. Try to find a grade where it should be obvious to a driver approaching the grade that the grade will require proper downgrade driving precautions.
- Simulated downgrade - Flat section of road where you can ask a driver to go
through the motions of driving down a steep grade. The section should be about
a quarter mile long, have little or no traffic, or have several lanes so a
slow vehicle will not interfere with traffic. If the real downgrade on your
route is likely to give a poorly prepared driver a problem, it is a good idea
to locate the simulated grade so that it comes before the real grade.
- Upgrade steep long enough to require gear changing to maintain speed. A steep, short hill is the next best choice if a long grade cannot be found. You may use the same grade for both the downgrade and the upgrade if it is hard to find steep grades in your area.
- Downgrade for stopping where a vehicle can be safely stopped and parked for
short period - The grade needs to be only steep enough to cause a vehicle
to roll if the driver does not park properly. Remember that you only need
a gentle slope to cause a heavy vehicle to roll.
- Upgrade for stopping where a vehicle can be safely stopped and parked for
a short period - Use the same grade as you need to.
- One underpass, or low clearance, or a bridge - An underpass should have a
posted clearance height and a bridge should have a posted weight limit. If
you cannot find underpasses or bridges with posted limits, use ones that do
not have posted limits. If you cannot find any low clearance or bridges, look
for places that have signs a heavy vehicle driver should see (e.g., No Commercial
Vehicles after 11 p.m. or Bridge with 10 Ton Weight Limit in 5 Miles).
Tips on passing the Kentucky CDL Road Driving Test
- Remember that this is not a speed race.
- Use your mirrors! Don't cut off taffic.
- Take the outer left hand turn lane if there are two provided.
- Don't forget to use your turn signals.
- Never hit a curb.
- Maintain your composure and at least be able to act as if you're
calm and confident.
Are YOU ready to get YOUR Kentucky CDL?
Prepare for YOUR Kentucky CDL Tests NOW . . .
In addition to the Kentucky CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the Kentucky CDL and in the free Kentucky CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
Kentucky CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
Kentucky CDL written exams to get your Kentucky CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The Kentucky CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
- Covers ALL Eight Kentucky CDL written tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- Covers ALL Three Kentucky CDL skills tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- 670 practice Kentucky CDL test questions with actual answers.
- Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
- CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
- CDL study Quick Reviews.
- Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
- and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!
Michael Hamilton
Director
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