Kentucky Waived Written CDL Test for Veterans
Veterans with recent commercial driving experience can now skip the written exam to obtain a Kentucky commercial driver's license.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Governor Andy Beshear issued an emergency regulation waiving the written commercial driver's license test for military applicants. This change follows the 2024 authorization of Senate Bill 199, which aimed to reduce employment barriers for service members.
Why it matters
By removing the written testing requirement, the state intends to accelerate the transition of veterans into the commercial trucking workforce. This policy update addresses a two-year implementation gap following the passage of state legislation.
The emergency regulation addresses a two-year implementation delay following the 2024 authorization of Senate Bill 199. Veterans qualify if they have operated commercial-style vehicles within the past two years.
The players
Andy Beshear
The Governor of Kentucky who implemented the emergency regulation to waive testing requirements for veterans.
Matt Nunn
A Kentucky State Senator representing Scott County who criticized the executive branch for the implementation delay.
The details
To qualify for the new exemption, military applicants must demonstrate they have operated commercial-style vehicles during the preceding two-year period. Previously, Kentucky law only provided a waiver for the driving skills portion of the commercial licensing process. The emergency regulation now aligns state testing requirements with the expanded scope authorized by the legislature.
Timeline
2024: Kentucky General Assembly authorized the expanded waiver via Senate Bill 199.
September 29, 2026: Governor Andy Beshear announced the emergency regulation.
Market Landscape
This action marks the administrative implementation of provisions established under Senate Bill 199. It follows a pattern of state-level efforts to streamline occupational licensing for veterans.
Logistics and trucking firms should update their recruitment messaging to reflect the simplified licensing path for veterans with relevant driving experience. Hiring managers can now advise qualified candidates that the written portion of the commercial licensing exam is waived.
The takeaway
The state has removed a significant bureaucratic hurdle for veterans seeking to enter the commercial transport sector. Operators should review their internal hiring requirements to ensure they are taking advantage of this accelerated licensing process for military talent.
Further reading
For more on how shifts in professional certification impact the local workforce, see Military Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKU Public Radio | The Public Radio Service of Western Kentucky University.
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