CDL Schools in Kentucky (2026): FMCSA TPR-Registered Providers Directory
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the FMCSA TPR.
Neutral directory per ResumeGeni CDL Editorial Policy.
Kentucky's $55,810 state median (31,530 drivers) is anchored by Louisville UPS Worldport (the largest automated package facility on earth), Amazon CVG Air hub (across the river in Northern Kentucky), Toyota Georgetown auto-manufacturing, Ford Kentucky Truck Plant, and bourbon/beverage freight.3 ELDT at 49 CFR §380 Subpart F requires TPR-registered training.12
Key Takeaways
- TPR search:
https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/→ State = Kentucky. - Typical KY tuition (2026): CC/KCTCS $2,000–$5,500; private school $3,500–$7,500; company-sponsored $0 + 8–12 mo tenure.
- KY CDL agency: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Division of Driver Licensing.
- Private career school oversight: Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education (KCPE).
- Pay context: state median $55,810; senior UPS Teamster feeder + auto-haul dedicated push $95,000–$115,000+.
How to Use the FMCSA TPR Search
State = Kentucky; metro filter (Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green). Record exact entry.1
Provider Categories in Kentucky
1. KCTCS / Community college CDL programs
Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) operates CDL programs at multiple campuses:
- Jefferson Community and Technical College — Louisville.
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College — Lexington.
- Gateway Community and Technical College — Northern Kentucky.
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College — Paducah.
- Owensboro Community and Technical College.
- Somerset Community College.
- Bowling Green Technical College.
Tuition $2,000–$5,500 in-state.
2. Private CDL schools
- Roadmaster Drivers School — verify current KY campuses.
- 160 Driving Academy — KY presence.
- Truck America Training — regional KY locations.
- SAGE Truck Driving Schools — KY franchise.
Tuition $3,500–$7,500. KY private career schools licensed by KCPE.
3. Company-sponsored CDL programs
- UPS Teamster training (Louisville-area) — part of UPS's Worldport driver development pipeline; entry typically through UPS hourly roles with advancement to feeder.
- Schneider Training Academy — KY terminals.
- Swift Academy — KY operations.
- Prime Inc. Student Driver Program — KY residents.
- CR England Schools — KY programs.
- Jack Cooper auto-haul — Toyota Georgetown + Ford Kentucky Truck Plant dedicated fleets (specialty auto-haul training typically post-CDL).
4. Endorsement-only upgrades
H/P/S TPR-registered theory providers; see Hazmat (H) endorsement guide.
What CDL School Actually Costs in Kentucky (2026)
| Line item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| KCTCS / community college | $2,000–$5,500 |
| Private CDL school | $3,500–$7,500 |
| KY CDL + endorsement fees | Varies by class; current schedule on KYTC Driver Licensing site |
| DOT physical | $80–$200 |
What a Kentucky CDL-A Graduate Can Expect to Earn
State median $55,810.3 Senior Teamster UPS feeder at Louisville's Worldport commonly exceeds $100,000 with benefits + pension. Toyota Georgetown and Ford Kentucky Truck Plant auto-haul dedicated push $80,000–$95,000+. Full breakdown: Truck Driver Salary in Kentucky.
How to Evaluate a Kentucky CDL School
Standard checklist + KY-specific: if targeting UPS Worldport Teamster feeder (the state's pay ceiling), ask about UPS-adjacent placement or starting as UPS hourly with feeder advancement.
Kentucky CDL Licensing
Full process: Kentucky CDL Requirements.
FAQs
How much does CDL school cost in Kentucky in 2026? KCTCS / community college: $2,000–$5,500. Private: $3,500–$7,500. Company-sponsored: $0 + 8–12 month tenure.
Can I go directly to UPS Worldport feeder after CDL school? Not typically — UPS Louisville feeder positions are seniority-bid from within UPS. The common path is CDL school → hourly UPS role (package car, warehouse) → internal bid to feeder as seniority accrues. Teamster feeder senior pay makes this multi-year investment worthwhile for drivers who land it.
Who licenses Kentucky private CDL schools? Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education (KCPE). Separate from TPR registration.
Can I train in Kentucky and work at Toyota Georgetown or Ford KY Truck Plant? Yes. Jack Cooper and Cassens are the major auto-haul carriers serving both plants. Dedicated auto-haul is a common post-CDL career path for experienced drivers.
Sources
-
FMCSA 49 CFR §380 Subpart F. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-380/subpart-F ↩
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BLS OEWS Kentucky, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm ↩↩
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Kentucky Transportation Cabinet CDL. https://drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/Commercial-Driver-License.aspx ↩
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Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education. https://kcpe.ky.gov/ ↩
