Kentucky sorts licenses into classes, and the vehicle you drive decides which one you need. Class D is the basic Operator's License for everyday driving and the focus of the manual. Class E is for mopeds only, Class M is for motorcycles, and Classes A, B and C are commercial driver's licenses (CDL).
Commercial (CDL) classes
| Class | Covers |
|---|---|
| A | Combination 26,001+ lbs GCWR; towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs |
| B | Single vehicle 26,001+ lbs; may tow up to 10,000 lbs |
| C | Under 26,001 lbs; hazmat or more than 16 people incl. driver |
Know the rule
CDL requirements apply to anyone who operates a commercial motor vehicle, employed to do so or not—including volunteer drivers such as church bus drivers, school bus drivers, mechanics and salesmen.
Handbook p. 7 ↗A CDL is NOT required for:
- Cars, passenger trucks, motorcycles and mopeds not meeting CDL requirements and not used for commerce
- Non-civilian operators of military vehicles owned and operated by the military
- Firetrucks and rescue vehicles being used in emergency and related operations
- Recreational vehicles not used for commerce
- Farm-to-market vehicles owned by the farmer, used within 150 miles of the point of origin
Know the rule
Class D: you must be a Kentucky resident and at least 16 years old. First-time applicants must pass the vision, knowledge and skills tests, and applicants under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to sign the application.
Handbook p. 8 ↗You don't need a Kentucky license if you are:
- In the U.S. Armed Forces with a U.S. operator's license, driving an official vehicle in the course of service
- Active-duty military (or a dependent) holding a valid license from another state
- A nonresident working in Kentucky with a valid license from another state
- Operating road machinery, farm tractors or farm implements for their designed purpose
Not eligible for a license:
- Anyone under 16 years of age
- Anyone whose license is currently suspended or revoked
- Anyone judged by a court to be mentally incompetent
- Anyone with a physical or mental impairment that makes it unsafe to drive
- Anyone unable to understand highway warnings or directions in English
Moped
A motorized bicycle (with pedals, or a step-through frame) rated no more than 2 brake horsepower, 50 cc or less, with an automatic transmission and a top speed of not more than 30 mph.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
To ride a moped you must be at least 16 and hold a learner's permit, driver's license, motorcycle permit or motorcycle license. If you hold none of these, get a Class E license by passing the general knowledge and vision tests—no skills test or permit is required.
Handbook p. 8 ↗Know the rule
Mopeds cannot be operated on limited-access highways where the minimum speed is more than 30 mph. Helmets and eye protection aren't required for moped riders but are strongly recommended; a headlight and bike flags help others see you.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Motorcycle
Any motor-driven vehicle with a seat or saddle, designed to travel on not more than three wheels on the ground—excluding mopeds, tractors and vehicles with an enclosed cab.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Know the rule
Minibikes, motor bikes and motor scooters must meet regular vehicle requirements (registration plate, licensed operator) to use a street or highway. Without them, they may be ridden only on private property.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Know the rule
You may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit if you hold a valid intermediate license or are at least 18. Under 18, a parent or guardian must sign—even if they already signed for your car or moped license.
Handbook p. 9 ↗Two ways to earn a Class M license (both require the licensing fee):
- Permit route: pass vision and knowledge tests, hold the permit the required time, pass the KSP skills test
- RideSmartKY route: show a certificate from an approved rider education course
Know the rule
Completing an approved rider training course exempts you from the written and skills tests, and lets a person whose motorcycle permit expired apply for a license or endorsement. No permit or license is needed to sign up.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Put it into practice
Your 16-year-old friend has no permit or license and wants to ride a 49 cc moped to school. She needs a Class E license first: pass the general knowledge and vision tests—no road test. She still can't take it on a limited-access highway whose minimum speed is more than 30 mph.