Kentucky Waived Written CDL Test for Veterans
Governor Andy Beshear issued an emergency regulation removing a testing barrier for military members seeking commercial licenses.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Military Jobs
Live Poll
Do you trust your local government to implement approved public benefits without unnecessary delays?
Governor Andy Beshear has implemented an emergency regulation that waives the written commercial driver's license test for military applicants. The move aims to remove employment barriers for veterans and active duty military members across Kentucky.
Why it matters
The change streamlines the transition for service members into civilian roles by simplifying the licensing process for commercial vehicle operation. This effort directly addresses employment hurdles that veterans face when entering the transportation sector.
Veterans seeking this waiver must have operated commercial-style vehicles within the past two years to qualify. The regulation follows a two-year implementation delay since the Kentucky General Assembly authorized the change via Senate Bill 199 in 2024.
The players
Andy Beshear
He is the Governor of Kentucky who implemented the emergency regulation to waive testing requirements for military personnel.
Matt Nunn
He is a Kentucky State Senator representing Scott County who publicly criticized the administration for the two-year delay in implementation.
The details
Under the new emergency regulation, qualifying military applicants are exempt from the written portion of the commercial driver's license exam. This expansion builds upon existing state law, which previously only permitted a waiver for the driving skills portion of the assessment.
Timeline
The Kentucky General Assembly authorized the waiver through Senate Bill 199 in 2024.
Governor Andy Beshear announced the emergency regulation on September 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
The implementation aligns with broader state efforts to integrate veterans into the domestic workforce by reducing regulatory friction. This move positions the state to address labor shortages in the transportation sector by fast-tracking experienced military operators.
Eligible veterans in Kentucky can now pursue commercial driving careers without the requirement of taking a written exam. This update removes a significant time barrier for service members looking to enter the workforce quickly.
The takeaway
This regulatory change serves as a critical bridge for veterans seeking to translate their military experience into civilian commercial driving roles. By removing redundant testing, the state aims to expedite the path to steady employment for those who have operated similar vehicles in service.
Further reading
Learn more about local career support for service members at Kentucky Military Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKU Public Radio | The Public Radio Service of Western Kentucky University.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local government to implement approved public benefits without unnecessary delays?
