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Kentucky

Learning all those rules in the Kentucky driver’s manual isn't easy. However, we do have practice tests that make the learning easier, and better. Our tests include the Kentucky permit practice test and the Kentucky driver’s license renewal test.

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Kentucky KYTC Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Kentucky License
  • Preparing For Your KY Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your KY Permit Test
  • Renewing Your KY License
  • Taking Your KY Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your KY Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Kentucky or Just Visiting?
If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

Yes. Kentucky employs a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which allocates restrictions and responsibilities over a period of time, until you earn your full license.

If you're driving on a learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive:

  • While accompanied by a fully-licensed adult, age 21 or older.
  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.
  • With no more than 1 passenger under age 20 who you're not related to.

While driving on your intermediate license, the same time and passenger restrictions are in place, but you will be able to drive on your own.

Once you graduate to your full license, all restrictions are lifted.

What happens after I pass my KY road test?

What happens after you pass your KY road test depends on your age:

  • If you're 17 or younger: You will be given your learner's permit.
  • If you're 18 or older: You will receive your full driver's license.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

While driving with your KY learner's permit, you can drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You may not have more than 1 passenger under age 20, unless they're a blood relative.

Once I get my KY permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

Once you get your KY instruction permit, you will be able to drive with any fully-licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

What are the auto insurance requirements for KY drivers?

Kentucky's minimum auto insurance coverage requirements include:

  • Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
  • Property damage liability: $10,000.
  • Uninsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Teen Learners Permit

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Advanced
Our Test
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Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
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Drivers License Renewal

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Advanced
Our Test
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Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
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Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
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1
20
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New to State Drivers

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
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Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
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Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Motorcycle Permit

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$14.95
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15

Commercial License

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$14.95
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1
20

How To Get A Kentucky Driver’s License

Driving may offer the privilege of freedom—but it comes at the price of responsibility.

In order to legally drive in Kentucky, you must pass a number of tests that show the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) that you can handle a vehicle and follow the rules of the road.

Still, the process looks slightly different, depending on your age and the type of vehicle you want to drive.

Kentucky Graduated Driver’s License (GLD) Program (Under Age 18)

The KTC has a system called the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL), which allocates certain driving privileges over a period of time.

If you’re under 18, you must use this system to earn your license.

Learner’s Permit

Getting a full driver’s license in Kentucky starts with getting your learner’s permit. You’re free to apply once you turn 16 years old.

Before you start the process, you’ll have to complete a School Compliance Verification form. Once that’s done, the next step requires passing:

  • The written examination.
  • A vision test.

Both of these are administered through the Kentucky State Police. You can schedule your test here.

At this same appointment, make sure to bring:

A parent or legal guardian will also have to accompany you to sign a consent form on your behalf.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you’ll be issued your Kentucky learner’s permit.

On this permit, you will ONLY be able to drive:

  • While supervised by a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old.
  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.
  • With one passenger under 20 years old who is not related to you.
     

You’ll need to hold your permit for at least 180 days (6 months) before you can move on to the next step.

Intermediate Driver’s License

After your permit comes your intermediate license. Before you can reach this step, however, you must:

  • Practice on your permit for at least 180 days (6 months).
  • Complete a Driver’s Education course, either through your school or a state-approved private driving school.
  • Log at least 60 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours at night.

After those requirements are met, you’ll need to take the driving test. Schedule another appointment with the State Police, and make sure to bring:

  • Your valid learner’s permit.
  • Your birth certificate (original or certified copy).
  • Your Social Security card.
  • Proof of your Kentucky address.
  • A log certifying at least 60 hours of driving practice.
  • Your Driver’s Ed completion certificate.
  • The appropriate fee.

If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will have to sign paperwork on your behalf.

With your intermediate license, you will be able to drive on your own, but ONLY:

  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.
  • With one passenger under 20 years old who is not related to you.

Full Driver’s License

If you remain violation-free while driving with your intermediate license, you’ll be eligible to upgrade to your full license once you turn 18.

To make it official, contact your nearest Driver License Regional Office and bring:

You’ll then be awarded your full Kentucky driver’s license. This license has no restrictions. Congratulations!

Driver’s License (Age 18+)

If you’re applying for a first-time driver’s license in Kentucky and you’re 18 or older, the process is a bit more streamlined.

Written Exam

To start, you’ll have to successfully pass:

  • The written knowledge exam.
  • An eye test.

Schedule an appointment with the KY State Police to take your tests, and bring:

After passing the exam and paying the fee, you’ll be issued your permit. During this time, you’ll be restricted to driving:

  • With a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old.
  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and midnight.

Road Skills Exam

To turn your permit into a license, you’ll need to pass the Kentucky road test.

Still, you’ll have to practice on your permit for a period of time first, including:

  • 180 days (6 months) if you’re between 18-20 years old.
  • 30 days, if you’re 21 or older.

Once the mandatory waiting period is over, schedule a driving test appointment with the state police. Make sure to bring to this appointment:

Note that you’ll have to show up to this appointment accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who’s at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you test in will also need current and valid:

  • Liability insurance.
  • Registration.
  • License plates.

After successfully passing the test and paying the fee, you’ll be directed to your nearest regional driver’s license office to pick up your full driver’s license. Congratulations!

Transferring an Out-of-State License

Welcome to Kentucky!

You have 30 days after establishing residency in the Bluegrass State to transfer your out-of-state license.

To do so, schedule an appointment with your closest Driver License Regional Office and bring:

You’ll then be issued your new Kentucky license!

Kentucky KYTC Motorcycle Permit & License Info

KY Motorcycle License

To legally drive a motorcycle in Kentucky, you can either add an endorsement to your existing license (as an adult) or get a stand-alone motorcycle license (as a minor).

To begin the application process, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

OR

  • Already have your full Kentucky driver’s license.

KY Motorcycle Permit

The first step toward earning your motorcycle license or endorsement is getting your permit. Earning this credential requires you to pass:

  • The written examination.
  • A vision test.

Motorcycle knowledge tests are administered by the Kentucky State Police. Schedule an appointment, and make sure to bring:

If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian to sign a responsibility form on your behalf.

Once the above requirements are met, you’ll be issued your permit.

Kentucky Motorcycle License

To turn your motorcycle permit into a license, you’ll need to pass the on-road skills exam.

Schedule another appointment with the KY State Police and bring:

After passing the test, paying the fee and filing the paperwork, you’ll then be issued your motorcycle license—congratulations!

Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Safety Course

Another option for getting your license is by participating in a state-approved motorcycle safety course.

To be eligible for the program, you’ll have to either be:

  • 18 years old.

OR

  • Have your full Kentucky driver’s license.
    • Must also have a parent or guardian sign paperwork on your behalf.

After passing the course, you’ll be issued a completion certificate. This waives any tests administered by the state.

Visit your local Driver’s License Regional Office and take:

  • Your completion certificate.
  • Your valid Kentucky driver’s license.
  • The appropriate fee.

You’ll then be issued your motorcycle license. Congratulations!

 

Kentucky CDL Requirements

Kentucky Commercial Driver’s License

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) will allow you to drive much larger vehicles than the average car. Before you can start the process, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Already have a valid Kentucky license.
  • Pass a federally-approved medical exam.
  • Complete a CDL application form.
  • Order a 10-year driving history from the KTC.

All of these documents must be submitted to the state before the process can begin. You can submit your information—and find out more—through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s CDL application portal.

It’s also possible to drop the documents off in person at a Circuit Clerk Office.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Once the state receives and approves of your documents, they will send you an email or letter. At this point, the rest of the process can start. And the first step is getting your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

To earn it, you’ll need to pass your written knowledge test. You can schedule this appointment through the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

At this appointment, make sure to bring:

  • Your current, valid driver’s license.
  • Any paperwork issued by the state regarding the approval of your application.
  • The CLP fee.

After the paperwork is filed, the fee paid and the test passed, you’ll be issued your CLP. You must hold this credential for at least 14 days before you can take the road test.

While practicing on your permit, you are also required to drive with a CDL-holder who’s at least 21 years old.

Your CLP is valid for 6 months and is eligible for one 6-month renewal.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

To turn your CLP into a CDL, you’ll have to pass the road skills test.

In Kentucky, these tests are administered by the state police. Make an appointment, and make sure to bring:

  • Your current, valid CLP.
  • The Kentucky CDL fee.

You must arrive to this appointment with a CDL-holding passenger who’s at least 21 years old. The vehicle you test in must also have current and valid:

  • Insurance.
  • Registration.
  • License plates.

After passing the test and paying the fee, you’ll be issued your CDL. Congratulations!

Kentucky KYTC Handbooks

Kentucky CDL Handbook

Kentucky CDL Handbook

Kentucky CDL Handbook
Kentucky Driver's License Handbook

Kentucky Driver's License Handbook

Kentucky Driver's License Handbook
Kentucky Motorcycle Handbook

Kentucky Motorcycle Handbook

Kentucky Motorcycle Handbook