Kentucky Class B to Class A Upgrade Study Material Overview

Upgrade prep for Class B CDL holders moving to Class A, including combination vehicles, coupling, air brakes, and HOS theory.

Class B to Class A Upgrade for Kentucky CDL Applicants

Kentucky is home to major automotive plants and the UPS Worldport air freight hub, creating strong CDL demand. With automotive assembly, bourbon and beverage logistics, coal and mining driving much of the freight in Kentucky, the Class B to Class A Upgrade material below is the part of the Kentucky CDL that those employers screen for first.

The Kentucky Class B to A upgrade: Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes knowledge tests at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, then a Class A skills test. Since February 2022, ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must also be logged with an FMCSA-registered provider before Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will schedule the test.

Where Kentucky drivers use this

  • Coal and mining: lowboys and heavy-haul combinations moving mining equipment
  • Required for any Class A CDL issued in Kentucky
  • Automotive assembly: the tractors and straight trucks on every plant route
  • Coal and mining: every heavy-haul and bulk truck on the mine roads
  • Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in Kentucky; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction

Most Kentucky CDL work runs the I-64, I-65, I-75 corridors and the Frankfort area, so the examples in the practice questions lean on the vehicles and loads you will see there.

Testing, appointments, and fees are handled by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. See the Kentucky CDL classes and Kentucky endorsements pages for the full licensing picture.

Common Kentucky questions

Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade material specific to Kentucky?
Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Kentucky, and this page adds Kentucky details: where you test (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet), which Kentucky industries use this license, and the Kentucky corridors the examples are drawn from.
Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade knowledge test in Kentucky?
Knowledge tests are given by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Bring your Kentucky driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Kentucky offices require an appointment for CDL testing.
How long do I have to study the Kentucky Class B to Class A Upgrade material?
Access lasts 120 days from purchase, and you can take 180 or 365 days instead at checkout. That is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet with time to spare. Retakes in Kentucky are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.

Who should get the Kentucky Class B to Class A Upgrade Study Material

Already hold a Class B and being asked to pull trailers? Moving up to Class A means passing Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes. This program covers both, plus the upgrade theory.

Topics Covered for Kentucky Class B to Class A Upgrade Study Material

Combination Vehicle Dynamics

Upgrading from Class B to Class A means operating vehicles with fundamentally different handling. Off-tracking, rearward amplification, and trailer swing all require new driving habits. The Combination Vehicles written test focuses on these differences compared to single heavy vehicles.

Coupling and Uncoupling Procedure

Correctly connecting a tractor to a trailer is a critical Class A skill tested both on the written exam and during the skills test. This module covers the exact coupling sequence that examiners expect to observe during the pre-trip exercise.

Air Line Connections

Class A combination vehicles use service and emergency air lines between the tractor and trailer that Class B drivers have not typically operated. You will learn how to connect them correctly, perform pressure checks, and identify warning signs of failure.

Kentucky CDL Trailer and Coupling Inspection

Adding a trailer to your pre-trip inspection means covering the coupling area, fifth wheel, air connections, trailer brakes, and landing gear in sequence. The Class A skills test expects you to demonstrate all of these additional inspection points.

Kentucky CDL Class A Test Readiness

The Class A upgrade requires passing the Combination Vehicles written knowledge test plus completing a new skills test on a Class A vehicle. This section prepares you for the content differences, scoring criteria, and what Class A evaluators assess differently from Class B.

Kentucky Class B to Class A Upgrade Study Material

KY Class B to Class A Upgrade Study Material Includes

  • Combination Vehicles
  • Air Brakes
  • Class B to A Upgrade Theory

$39.85$37.95

You save $1.90 vs. buying the KY CDL test prep study material separately

Study Material Access Duration

120, 180, 365 days of access · No subscription

No subscription, no auto-renewal: 120 days of access included, or extend to 180 or 365 days at checkout.

Failing your Kentucky CDL exam costs more than preparing.